Getting Started

With the support of the Partnership for New Communities, the WBCD launched the Retail and Franchise Initiative to support the growing demand for services and information in the retail and franchise industries. The Retail and Franchise Initiative is open to all prospective retail and franchise entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on businesses in Bronzeville, the South Loop, and the Near West

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Targeted Workshops and Seminars

Building and Maintaining a Retail Operation – This three-workshop series gives participants a quick and simple road map to becoming a successful retailer.

The Franchise Track: Finding and Selecting a Franchise that is Right for You – A two-workshop series that provides an overview of franchising.

Business Coaching

WBDC business counselors meet with clients individually to work through issues, discuss and develop strategies, and enhance managerial skills. Please call 312.853.3477 X 0 to schedule an appointment.

Events and Networking Opportunities

Advisory Panel – The Retail and Franchise Advisory Panel reviews business plans, helps established retail businesses increase profitability, and addresses specific retail and franchise issues. Please contact WBDc at at 312.853.3477 X. 0 for more information.

Referrals to Specialized Business Professionals – We've assembled a group of experienced professionals in a variety of fields, including accountants, lawyers, graphic designers, and sales consultants. For referral information, please contact the WBDC at 312.853.3477 X 0 or wbdc@wbdc.org

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Child Care Business Program

Unique in the Chicagoland region and launched in 1999, the Child Care Business Program provides a full range of business services to prospective and existing child care entrepreneurs, including both home and center-based child care businesses.

The Child Care Business Program is open to any prospective or established business owner in child care sector. All Child Care Business Program classes and counseling are offered in English and Spanish

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Targeted Workshops and Seminars

“Developing Your Child Care Business” - This 10-week workshop series provides prospective and established business owners the tools they need to launch and sustain a child care business. Participants follow a step-by-step process to develop a business and marketing plan, policies and procedures, a parent handbook and a sound understanding of business financials. Please click here for complete workshop descriptions and to register.

Business Coaching

Business Counseling – WBDC counselors work with clients on an individual basis to work through issues, discuss and develop strategies, and enhance managerial skills. To schedule an appointment, please call 312.853.3477 X 0.

Events / Networking Opportunities

Child Care Business Expo – This annual event is an energizing day of business workshops and resources. Full of lively presentations, state-of-the-art industry information, networking, exclusive access to industry vendors, and more for all levels of child care providers. Each workshop includes a veteran provider and WBDC business expert. All offerings are presented in English and Spanish. Please click here for more information and to register.

Specialized Assistance

Referrals to Specialized Business Professionals – The WBDC has a database of professionals with expertise in a variety of disciplines, including accountants, lawyers, graphic designers, and sales consultants, who are willing to work with small and medium sized businesses. For referral information, please contact the WBDC at 312.853.3477 X 0 or wbdc@wbdc.org

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