What to Expect
• Business workshops and educational sessions
• Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and partners
• Community-based celebrations
• Program and cohort activations
• Opportunities to connect with WBDC advisors
Join the Celebration
Whether you are an entrepreneur, partner, or supporter, these events are an opportunity to engage with WBDC, celebrate our shared impact, and look ahead to what’s next.
Milwaukee | WI 2026 WBDC Small Business Social
As we celebrate 40 years of advancing entrepreneurs, the Wisconsin WBDC community is proud to join the entire network in honoring this milestone year.
The WI 2026 WBDC Small Business Social will bring together entrepreneurs, partners, staff, and supporters under the theme:
40 Forward: Moving Forward Together
This special gathering allows our local and satellite community to celebrate WBDC’s legacy of impact, uplift the entrepreneurs we serve, and build momentum leading up to the 40th Anniversary Celebration on October 15 in Chicago.
What to Expect:
- Meaningful networking with small business owners and supporters
- Inspiring entrepreneur stories that highlight WBDC’s impact across 40 years
- Interactive activities that connect Wisconsin’s work to the broader WBDC mission
- A shared moment of celebration as we look forward, together
July 23, 2026 | 11:00am – 2:30pm
BMO | 790 N. Water Street 2nd Floor Milwaukee, WI 53202
Parking: Parking is available in the tower on the top levels, paid by attendees. The address to the parking structure is 771 N. Broadway There is also parking available in multiple locations near the BMO Tower also paid by attendees.
$20.00
Registration is now closed.
Kansas City | WBDC Pathways to Partnership: 40 Years and Forward of Empowering Business Leaders
From Business Development to Corporate Engagement—Building Success Together
Join us for WBDC Pathways to Partnership, a dynamic pre-celebration event leading up to the Women’s Business Development Center’s 40th Anniversary. This gathering brings together Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs), small businesses—from emerging leaders to seasoned veterans—and corporate partners committed to supplier development. Explore upcoming sourcing opportunities, engage in meaningful conversations, and expand your network during our interactive panel and networking session. Be a part of honoring a tradition of empowerment and growth while forging the partnerships that will shape the next 40 years of success in Kansas City and beyond.
August 13, 2026 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Strang Reserve 8020 Marty Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66204
$25.00
Registration is now closed.
Minneapolis | WBDC Stronger Together: 40 Years and Forward Celebration and Connection
For 40 years, the WBDC has been providing tools, connections and strategic guidance to build and grow successful companies.
Join us on September 15th for Stronger Together: WBDC 40th & Forward Celebration. Connect with fellow business owners, discover new resources and sourcing opportunities, get inspired by business leaders in our community and shine a spotlight on your business.
Join us for a shared evening of celebration and connection – we are stronger together!
September 15, 2026 | 3:30pm – 6:30pm
McNamara Alumni Center
200 SE Oak Street
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Tickets – 50% off for certified WBEs and Corporate Partners
Certified WBE Recognition Submission – Spotlight YOUR business!
What to Expect:
3:00 – 3:30
Registration Opens – Business Spotlight Reel
Hors d’oeuvre buffet, signature mocktails, cash bar
3:30 – 4:30
Meet & Greet Tables hosted by Corporate and Community Partners
4:45 – 6:15
Welcome – WBDC Celebrates 40 Years
Keynote – Marilyn Carlson Nelson
Beth Kieffer Leonard Community Impact Award
Inspiring WBE Stories Highlighting WBDC Impact
6:15 – 7:00
Closing Remarks and Networking
Reserve your spot and join us in celebrating 40 Years!
Register Here.
St. Louis | WBDC St. Louis Region - Small Business
Forty Years of Impact. A Future Without Limits.
Attendees will experience a high-impact program featuring a powerful keynote address, bold insights from accomplished entrepreneurs, and energizing conversations focused on navigating today’s economic realities—including access to capital, b2b networking opportunities, and strategies to scale and sustain growth.
Whether you’re ready to take your business to the next level, expand your network with purpose, or gain fresh perspective to lead with confidence, this forum is designed to challenge, equip, and inspire you to think bigger and move forward with intention. Join a powerful community of business leaders who are not just adapting to change, but driving it—building businesses, creating opportunities, and shaping a future without limits.
September 22, 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Boundary at The Cheshire
7036 Clayton Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63117
$30 – General Admission
$20 – Members (WBENC Certified WBEs)
$0 – Corporate Partners
Register Here.