Women's Business Development Center

The mission of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all diverse business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy.

Women Business Enterprise Onboarding

Newly certified as a WBENC WBE, or wanting a refresher about how the WBDC and WBENC networks work? Join us for this free thirty-minute webinar.

Access to Capital

The Access to Capital team can guide small business owners to optimal funding options during one-on-one advising sessions. By analyzing financial needs, advisors can help owners access the right type of capital, from the right source, at the right time.

Smiling older woman holding a clipboard and pen, leading a group discussion in a library or classroom setting with others seated around her.

Business Advising

One-on-one advising lets you discuss your business idea directly with an entrepreneurial professional. Many of our advisors have been small business owners, so they understand the opportunities and challenges.

Community

Intro to Minority and Women Owned Business Certifications for Government Contractors

Join us to learn more about minority-owned and women-owned business certifications for government contractors. We will discuss the differences between the various certifications (MBE, WBE, DBE, WOSB, 8(a), etc.) and discuss the requirements. You will learn how to determine if you qualify for the certification and if the certification makes sense for your business type.

Intro to Government Contracting

This webinar provides businesses with an introduction to government contracting and includes: -Overview of how agencies buy and sell goods and services -Market research to identify contract opportunities -The role of diverse certifications -Introduction to buying plans -Next steps to get started.

IL Small Business Development Center

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the WBDC offers no-cost advising and is dedicated to helping new and established entrepreneurs access networks and resources to grow their business and achieve long-term economic growth.

Direct Lending Program- WBDC

The WBDC Access to Capital team can help you find the right capital at the right time from the right source. We offer strategic financial guidance, assistance in loan preparation, and various lending options.

Loans Grants Capital