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Please click on the image above to download the WBDC 25th Anniversary Annual Report as a PDF. |
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REGISTER NOW!
26th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference, Women's Business & Buyers Mart
September 20, 2012
McCormick Place-West Chicago, IL
Registration is now open. Click here for more information and to register at early bird rates! |
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 PLEASE FILL OUT YOUR 2011-2012 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 2011-2012 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! |
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CONTRACTING RESOURCES
Federal Contracts
If you are an Illinois company in search of assistance with government contracts, please click here and a PTAC representative will contact you shortly. For companies located outside of Illinois, please click here to find a local PTAC in your state.
Corporate Contracts
For information and assistance with corporate contracts, please contact Cynthia Johnson at: cjohnson@wbdc.org. |
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BUSINESS RESOURCES | |
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Support the work of the WBDC! |
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Grow Your Business with These Exciting Opportunities! |
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Click here to visit the Contract Opportunities page on our website to access current government contracting opportunities on the local, state and federal levels. |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Please click the links below for quick access to our features.
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NEWS
SUPPLIER CONNECTION: ONLINE UNIVERSAL SUPPLIER PORTAL
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced an important new tool for small businesses called Supplier Connection. The online portal created by the IBM Foundation allows small businesses to sell to large companies by filling out one supplier form which is made accessible to all the large companies participating, including: Citi, AT&T, Office Depot, Facebook, John Deere and Caterpillar. Please click here for more information on Supplier Connection and to register today.
AMERICAN EXPRESS OPEN VICTORY IN PROCUREMENT (VIP) MENTORSHIP & AWARDS PROGRAMS
The American Express OPEN's Victory in Procurement (VIP) for Small Business initiative consists of both a Mentorship and an Awards program. The VIP Mentorship program is a national program designed to help small business owners capitalize on the enormous growth opportunity provided through government contracts. The VIP Awards program recognizes small businesses who have experienced success in government contracting. To apply for the VIP Mentorship program please click here. To apply for the VIP Awards program, please click here. Applications must be submitted no later than May 1, 2012.
TECHWEEK CONFERENCE & EXPO CHICAGO 2012
The Techweek 2012 Conference, held at Chicago's Merchandise Mart, June 22-26, 2012 showcases the technology renaissance evolving in Chicago and the midwest. Within 5 days you'll experience the life cycle of an emerging technology business - from idea to scale. Please click here to learn more and to register today.
THE ERNST & YOUNG
ENTREPRENEURIAL WINNING WOMEN PROGRAM
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program is a national competition and executive leadership program that identifies a select group of high-potential women entrepreneurs whose businesses show real potential to scale - and then helps them to do it. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2012. Please click here to learn more and to nominate yourself or a deserving woman entrepreneur for this prestigious program. |
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SUCCESS STORIES: WORDS OF INSPIRATION FROM FELLOW WBES
WBE of the Month:
Darlene Drab, President & CEO, DMD Consulting, LLC
Phrases such as "Rome wasn't built in a day" or "success doesn't happen overnight" have become so cliche that people often brush off the real truth behind these phrases. Understanding that achievements come with hard work, careful thought and just as importantly - time, is a value Darlene Drab holds dear. Please click here to read her story. |
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EVENTS
WBDC WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
All WBDC workshops will take place at our 8 S. Michigan Ave. Center, Chicago, IL, unless otherwise noted.
- How to Get on a GSA Schedule: A Tool to Win Government Contracts (Part 1) (April 12, 2012)
- Is Certification Right for You? (April 17, 2012)
- Take the Mystery out of Finance (April 17, 2012)
- I'm Certified, Now What? (MN Workshop) (April 18, 2012)
- Media & Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business (April 24, 2012
- Retirement Plan Options for Women Business Owners & Employees (April 25, 2012)
- How to Get on a GSA Schedule: A Tool to Win Government Contracts (Part 2) (April 26, 2012)
- American Express OPEN Victory in Procurement Presents "Marketing to the Government" (May 3, 2012)
- Connection Points: Networking with Event-Related Professionals & Those Seeking Event-Related Services (May 10, 2012)
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ONLINE JOINT COUNSELING
WEBINAR SERIES
These online interactive small group sessions are specifically for established business owners seeking to grow their businesses through government and corporate contracts.
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PARTNER EVENTS
- 45th Annual Chicago Business Opportunity Fair (CBOF) (April 11-13, 2012; Location: Chicago)
- All About Women Concert, Chicago a Capella (April 14-21, 2012, Various Times; Multiple Locations: Evanston, Oak Park, Chicago & Naperville, IL)
- Equal Pay Day Rally (April 17, 2012; Location: Chicago, IL)
- NAWBO Chicago's Annual Achievement Luncheon (April 19, 2012; Location: Chicago, IL)
- Chicago Housing Authority - Responding to an Invitation for Bid (April 26, 2012; Location: Chicago, IL)
- Federation of Women Contractors Member Luncheon (April 26, 2012; Location: Chicago, IL)
- 8th Annual POWER Chicago (May 3, 2012; Location: Chicago, IL)
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FEATURED CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES
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REGIONAL PROCUREMENT RESOURCES | |
The WBDC operates within a nine-state Midwestern region. Please click the links below to access additional state-specific procurement resources.
Illinois
Minnesota
Missouri
Wisconsin |
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