AWB
a quarterly publication of the Women's Business Development Center
A Word from the Co-Presidents

Greetings! Carol and Hedy


Summer has come early in Chicago, and with it new opportunities for women businesses to bloom - not only in Chicago, but throughout our nine state region.

In March, the WBDC-Minnesota office hosted the 6th Annual Evening of Celebration, with awards presented to women business owners and advocates.  The WBDC was also honored to partner for the second year with Enterprising Women Magazine and Office Depot to present the "Enterprising Women Matchmaker Event."  51 women business owners met with corporations and government agencies in one-on-one meetings to discuss upcoming opportunities for women-owned suppliers.  See pictures from the event  here.
WBDC Logo 2012 FullWe are most excited to present our refreshed logo!  You may have noticed we recently released it online and will continue to roll it out in our print materials.  The new logo shows the WBDC's ongoing commitment to providing programs and services to support business owners in every stage of business development.  Learn more about the meaning behind the logo here.

We are also pleased to announce that VIVA USA Inc. has been selected as the WBDC's technology partner in redeveloping the WBDC website.  The new website will be launched at this year's Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference, which you can now register for here!

As you look through the Spring About Women's Business please take advantage of the opportunities the WBDC continues to offer for every industry at every level of business!


Warm regards,
Hedy M. Ratner & Carol Dougal

Co-Founders and Co-Presidents
AMEXAmerican Express OPEN Victory in Procurement
"Marketing to the Federal Government" Workshop

AMEX
The WBDC is proud to partner with American Express OPEN for their inaugural Chicago area Victory in Procurement event, "Marketing to the Federal Government."  This free event is a three hour interactive opportunity for contract ready businesses to learn which government agencies to target and gain advice from a panel of government buyers and successful small business owners. 

The workshop will take place on May 3rd and will be held at Chicago's East Bank Club, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, with a continental breakfast being served.  To register and learn more, please click here.
ChildJune 2, 2012 - Child Care Business Expo
Shining a Light on the Business Side of Child Care
The 14th Annual Child Care Business Expo at a Glance: 

When:  June 2, 2012, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Where: NEW! UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL
Honorary Chairs: IL Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle
Expo Chair: Arabel Alva Rosales, president and CEO, AAR and Assocs., LTD
Why: To provide the most comprehensive and business oriented Child Care Business Expo in the nation in a bilingual setting.  Providers and potential providers alike will gain valuable knowledge through Speed Business Coaching and interactive PowerCorners.Plus... Read More>>

Do you know an outstanding child care provider?  Nominate them for one of our Applause Awards!  Nomination deadline: May 1, 2012.
 
citiFunder Spotlight
Citi Community Development (CCD)

The WBDC is honored to partner with CCD, which has Citi Community Development Logoprovided generous funding for the WBDC   Child Care Business Program and the 14th Annual Child Care Business Expo. We're business people, so let's take a look at the return on investment (ROI) that Citi achieves through its initiatives. Here are just a few examples:

  • Here in Illinois, with Citi's support, the WBDC has instituted an internship program to expand entrepreneurs' capabilities.
  • In partnership with the City and County of San Francisco, Citi has created the nation's first universal college savings program:  Kindergarten to College.
  • With $2.16 billion in affordable housing lending in 2011,  Citi Community Capital led the field for the second year in a row and the fifth time in six years.
  • Citi has committed to $24 billion in small business lending for the next three years and, in 2011, the bank met and surpassed its $7 billion lending commitment to U.S. small businesses by more than $900 million.

 Read the full article here>> 

 
WBDCMNWBDC-Minnesota Evening of Celebration Event a Huge Success
WBE MN
From L-R: Joan Siewert-Cardona, vice-president, Ideal Printers, Inc., WBE of the Year awardee; Lana Siewert-Olson, president, Ideal Printers, Inc., WBE of the Year awardee; Lindsay J. Sokolowski, shareholder, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

The Women's Business Development Center-Minnesota (WBDC-MN) honored the achievements and success of its members and supports of women's economic development at its Sixth Annual Celebration of Success on March 8, 2012 at the Calhoun Beach Club in Minneapolis...Read More>>

To see more pictures of the event, click here. 

techTechnology Makeover Competition Winner Wows Judges
Jennifer Bias Wins $100,000 Prize Package
Technology Makeover Competition sponsors and finalists from L-R: Jennifer Didier, president, Directions Training; Beth Osten, finalist; John Mautner, president COSi; Emilia DiMenco, COO, WBDC; Mary Madison, finalist; Mark Keys, program manager, supplier diversity, CDW; Marvin Korves, partner, Falknor Group; Janet Kaiser, finalist. Sitting: Carol Dougal, co-president, WBDC; Jennifer Bias, winner.
Jennifer Bias, president of Ficek Electric & Communication Systems, was named the winner of the WBDC Third Annual Small Business Technology Makeover Competition on January 31, after judges, representing the competition sponsors, interviewed four finalists. Jennifer received a prize package of over $100,000 in free technology products and business services...Read More>>
 
ACCIONACCION Chicago Micro-Entrepreneur Advocate
Eva Brown Honored As Top Loan Referral Source
ACCION and Eva
From L-R: Priscilla Cordero, lending team manager, ACCION Chicago and Eva Brown, director of access to capital program, WBDC

The WBDC is proud to partner with ACCION Chicago to support small businesses and thanks ACCION Chicago for its recognition of WBDC director of access to capital programs Eva Brown.
In This Issue...
American Express OPEN Victory in Procurement
Child Care Business Expo
Funder Spotlight: Citi Community Development
WBDC-MN Evening of Celebration
Technology Makeover Competition Winner
ACCION Chicago Micro-Entrepreneur Advocate
Find Us On:

Like us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFind us on Google+View our videos on YouTubeVisit our blog

UPCOMING EVENTS
Don't forget! Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses application deadline is April 23!
RESOURCES
SUPPORT THE WBDC

For over 26 years, the WBDC has been the place for women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams of starting, strengthening and expanding their businesses.

Now in our third decade, we continue to need your help to meet the ongoing challenges of delivering high-quality services to our clients and achieving our organizational goals.

Please consider giving generously to the WBDC today.  To donate online click here.
ONLINE BUSINESS COUNSELING!

Online Joint Business Counseling Sessions are offered via interactive webinar for established businesses seeking government and corporate contracts.  Sign up now to reserve your spot!