Who Are We?
The Women’s Business Development Center was founded in 1986 and is a nationally recognized leader in women’s business development and economic empowerment.
Learn MorePrograms and services
Coaching / Curricula
- Strategic one-on-one and group business advising
- Specialized cohort-based curricula and workshops
- Digital learning
Contracts
- Private sector procurement opportunities
- Public sector contracting assistance
- WBE certification
Capital
- Financial education
- Debt and equity placement
- Direct lending
- Kiva microlending
Upcoming EventsView All
2024 WBDC Virtual Corporate Connections
A virtual engagement designed to hear from our Corporate Partners on how to do business within their organizations. Supplier Diversity and Sourcing Professionals will highlight their category needs for the next 12 – 18 months as well as provide insights into their sourcing strategies.
The Virtual Corporate Connections begins with a welcome and program highlight. Then the program will transition to industry specific breakout rooms. That includes 3 breakout sessions in which WBEs select the industry specific rooms they would like to visit. As attendees, each WBE will provide a 60-second introduction about their company.
The Virtual Corporate Connections begins with a welcome and program highlight. Then the program will transition to industry specific breakout rooms. That includes 3 breakout sessions in which WBEs select the industry specific rooms they would like to visit. As attendees, each WBE will provide a 60-second introduction about their company.
May
2
Chicago IL
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch and Learn: Foundations First: Building Value-Driven Mission Statements for Emerging Businesses
May
2
Chicago IL
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Global Connections: Building Global Trade Networks
May
8
Chicago IL
10:00am - 11:00am
The Kiva Hour
May
8
Chicago IL
11:00am - 12:00pm
Comenzando su negocio en Illinois
UpdatesView All
WBDC President and CEO Emilia DiMenco Announces Retirement in 2024: A Decade of Transformative Leadership
After a decade of dedicated service as President and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Center, Emilia DiMenco has shared her intention to retire at the end of 2024. Emilia’s remarkable contributions throughout her tenure have been invaluable in furthering the WBDC’s mission, and we extend our deepest gratitude for her commitment. For more details about the transition, please read the official press release here.
