Women's Business Development Center, Chicago, Illinois

The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is a nationally and internationally recognized not-for-profit organization established in 1986 to work with women to launch new businesses and strengthen existing businesses in the Chicago area. Over the past 30 years, the WBDC has become a leader in providing direct services to women business owners and in effecting changes in public policy which reflect the needs of women entrepreneurs and their families. Over the past three decades, the WBDC has grown from a two-woman operation to a full-time staff of 32, which, along with a team of talented consultants, serve over 3,000 women annually.

Mission: 

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.