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
- Strategic one-on-one and group business advising
- Specialized cohort-based curricula and workshops
- Digital learning
- Private sector procurement opportunities
- Public sector contracting assistance
- WBE certification
- Financial education
- Debt and equity placement
- Direct lending
- Kiva microlending
Upcoming EventsView All
2024 Top Shelf Retail Cohort | Application Deadline
2024 TOP SHELF RETAIL: HIGH VOLUME GROWTH INSIGHTS is an eight-week, curriculum based virtual cohort program designed to help established retail businesses access procurement opportunities in the mass retail market. Participants will learn how to build effect pricing, branding, and marketing strategies, work with category managers and will have the opportunity to pitch their products to a select group of corporate representatives who will provide valuable feedback during the Vendor Showcase. The Top Shelf program is sponsored by Walgreens and bp.
Apr
24
Chicago IL
11:00am - 12:00pm
Capital Readiness 101: Preparing Your Business to Acquire External Capital
Apr
24
Chicago IL
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Childcare Collaborative
Apr
24
Chicago IL
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Business Model Canvas
Apr
24
Chicago IL
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Starting Your Business in Illinois
UpdatesView All
Allstate is proud to partner with Women’s Business Development Center to support small businesses and nonprofits in the North Lawndale, Pilsen, and Little Village communities. A minimum of 10 small businesses and/or nonprofits will be awarded capacity building grants to grow and scale business. Grants will range in size from $5,000 to $25,000. Applications are open now through April 30th 2024.