For 40 years, the Women’s Business Development Center has helped business owners start, grow, and scale across the Midwest. On October 15, we’re celebrating four decades of impact and fueling the next four.
Tickets are now available for WBDC 40 & Forward at the Adler Planetarium on October 15th.
Join us for an inspiring program, a curated Legacy Gallery, Sky Shows under the dome, museum exhibits, and live entertainment.
Your ticket fuels the programs that have built thousands of small businesses across our region, and the programs that will build thousands more.
Thank You to Our 40 & Forward Supporters
Who We Are
At the WBDC, we believe every entrepreneur can achieve their business dreams with the right guidance, resources, and community behind them. Our founders believed that business ownership was a critical path for economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. Since our founding in 1986, our mission has been simple but powerful: to support and accelerate business development and growth. While we target women, we proudly serve all business owners—because an inclusive economy is a stronger economy.
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 and WOSB certifications
Capital
- Financial education
- Debt and equity placement
- Direct lending
- Kiva microlending
Our Supporters
Throughout our history, the WBDC has been fortunate enough to have a range of generous corporate, foundation, government, and individual supporters. The commitment of our supporters allows us to empower entrepreneurs, expand opportunities, and drive impact across our communities.
Learn MoreUpcoming EventsView All
Celebrating Across the Region
Throughout the year, our regional teams will host events, workshops, and gatherings that reflect the impact of WBDC and the entrepreneurs we support every day. These events provide opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate alongside our clients, partners, and supporters.
Explore upcoming events and join us as we celebrate 40 years of advancing entrepreneurs across the Midwest and beyond.
Together, we are celebrating 40 years and building the future of entrepreneurship.
Explore Events by Region
UpdatesView All
Welcome to the WBDC Board, Teresa Ging!
We are excited to welcome Teresa Ging, Founder and CEO of Sugar Bliss, to the WBDC Board of Directors!
Teresa’s relationship with WBDC spans more than 20 years, but from an aspiring entrepreneur to the leader of a thriving woman- and minority-owned business and a recognized voice in Chicago’s business community.
Her firsthand experience building, scaling, and diversifying a business brings an invaluable perspective to our Board and reflects the impact WBDC works to create for entrepreneurs every day.
Please join us in welcoming Teresa as we continue working together to expand opportunities and ignite business growth throughout our region.