PLEASE FILL OUT YOUR 2011 FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY FORM

As you know, the WBDC is committed to providing you with services to assist you in building successful companies at no or very low cost.  We are able to do this because our funders also want to see you succeed.  Our goal is to provide the best consulting and training resources, and it is essential that we receive feedback from you throughout the year to accurately reach this goal.

Please click here to download your copy of the 2011 Economic Impact Survey Form.

Return your completed form via email to Kristin Travis with the words 'Economic Impact' in the subject line to: ktravis@wbdc.org or fax it to 312.853.0145.

Thank you and we encourage you to call us today to schedule an appointment.  We can assist you in achieving your next business milestone!

Click here to visit the Contract Opportunities page on our website to access current government contracting opportunities on the local, state and federal levels. 

NEWS

WBDC BRINGS EXCLUSIVE UPS SAVINGS TO CERTIFIED WBES

Looking to save money?  The WBDC has partnered with UPS to help certified WBEs save on their shipping, back-office needs and healthcare coverage.

Courtesy of UPS, certified WBEs can:

• Save up to 26% on package shipments
• Save 10% on select office supplies and business services at The UPS Store
• Have access to the Healthcare Coverage Program which offers numerous insurance company options and employee benefit plan designs to help control the total cost of insurance premiums

Registration only takes a few minutes, so visit www.savewithups.com/wbdc to get started! 

GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES

The Women's Business Development Center is a proud partner of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at City Colleges of Chicago.  The program is designed to help local small business owners create jobs and economic opportunity by providing them with greater access to business education, financial capital and business support services.  To learn more about the program in the greater Chicago area visit www.ccc.edu/10ksb.

WBDC 2011 TECHNOLOGY MAKEOVER COMPETITION

The WBDC is excited to announce our 3rd Annual Small Business Technology Makeover Competition! Visit www.wbdctechnologymakeover.com to apply to win over $100,000.00 in FREE technology products and business services to help your business grow.  The application period opens October 3, 2011.

CHECK OUT THE WBDC AT THE 2011 

CRAIN'S SMALL BUSINESS WEEK!

The WBDC will participate again this year in Crain's Small Business Week.  Crain's Small Business Week is dedicated to small businesses in the Chicago-area - offering a variety of educational and business development activities, along with opportunities to create partnerships to grow your business.  Events will take place October 3-7, 2011 at various Chicago-area locations.  Register now for the following workshops:

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) 5% Rule - How to Navigate & Secure Federal Contracts (Date: October 3, 2011)

Crystal Clear Branding (Date: October 3, 2011) 

Green Procurement & Sustainability: Where Are the Business Opportunities?  (Date: October 4, 2011)

Do's & Don'ts Before Starting a Business & Access to Capital (Date: October 5, 2011)

City Licensing, Permitting & Regulations for Businesses (Date: October 6, 2011) 

EVENTS 

WBDC WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

All WBDC workshops will take place at our 8 S. Michigan Ave. Center, unless otherwise noted.

Grow Your Business with Innovative Online Tools (Date: September 26, 2011; Location: Waukesha, WI)

Webinar: Joint Business Counseling - How to Find Contract Opportunities (Date: September 28, 2011)

Webinar: Joint Business Counseling - How to Respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) (Date: October 12, 2011)

How to Become a Strategic Supplier to the Federal Government and Major Corporations (Date: October 13, 2011)

PARTNER EVENTS

Kim & Scott's Cafe Twist and New Horizons

Building the Buzz with Social Media (Date: September 27, 2011; Location: Chicago, IL)

Crain's Small Business Week

Various Events (Date: October 3-7, 2011; Location: Various within Chicago, IL and Surrounding Suburbs) 

Crain's Small Business Forum

NetMarketing Mapping Marketing Strategies (Date: October 4, 2011; Location: Chicago, IL)

Vision 2020

Second Annual Congress - Vision + Action = Equality in Motion (Date: October 11-13, 2011; Location: Chicago, IL)