SAVE THE DATE | WBDC 2024 Midwest Business Conference 9.12.24

Financial Education

Advising | The Access to Capital team can guide small business owners to optimal funding options during one-on-one advising sessions. By analyzing financial needs, advisors can help owners access the right type of capital, from the right source, at the right time. Click here to make an appointment today.

Learning | Want to join an informative Access to Capital workshop? Click here to register for one of our free upcoming workshops. Interested in on-demand training? Click here to sign up for online courses.

Capital Options

Direct Lending Program | Capital can be challenging if your business is too new (less than two years), or your loan amount is too small (less than $50,000). The WBDC provides loans to small business owners who cannot get a loan from a bank. Loans are available to small businesses in Northeast Illinois with less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue.

Debt and Equity Placement | Access the right capital, from the right source, at the right time! If a WBDC loan isn’t the right source for your business, our advisors can work with you to find other options.  We can also support you in preparing your business finances to get you loan ready!  Make an appointment to discuss your options today.

Kiva Lending | We think of Kiva as the first rung on the capital ladder. Social lending through Kiva is a great option if you have a very small business. You pay 0% interest and 0% fees. Loans are considered micro-loans and range from $1,000 to $15,000.  Kiva is a great way to grow your business while creating opportunities for other owners. Meet with our Kiva Capital Access Manager to learn more. If you’d like to read some KIVA success stories, click here.

Funding Opportunities | Debt isn’t right for everyone. Public and private entities will sometimes offer grants to support small businesses, usually to a target group. Looking for the right grant for your business? WBDC’s Access to Capital team has curated a list of current opportunities. View the list to learn more and apply.

childcare

Childcare Funding | A healthy network of childcare providers is vital because parents cannot work without quality, dependable, and affordable childcare. Since childcare providers often do not qualify for traditional bank financing, WBDC Direct Loans are available for aspiring and established childcare entrepreneurs to assist with the costs of supplies, inventory, and working capital. Click here to contact our Access to Capital team. Childcare business owners may also be eligible for the Strengthen and Grow Childcare Grant.

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