The WBDC Turns 40. Explore 40 Years of Impact

Kiva Hour

Is Kiva a capital option for me and my business? Discover how you can leverage Kiva to fuel your dreams, whether you’re starting a business or growing an existing one. We’ll walk through the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the various ways you can utilize Kiva. Plus, get inspired by success stories from entrepreneurs who...

Capital Readiness 101

Is your business positioned to weather financial challenges, adapt to changing market conditions and take advantage of expansion opportunities? External capital may be a necessary tool. But what should every business owner know about preparing for accessing capital? This session is a must for any business owner hoping to acquire external capital such as grants,...

From Doing It All to Driving Growth: Building a Business That Works Beyond You

Many business owners spend so much time doing the work that they have little capacity left to actually grow the business. This session helps entrepreneurs' step back from the day-to-day tasks and examine the core functions that drive their business, from administration and client management to operations, marketing, technology, and specialized expertise. Participants will learn...

Developing Your Brand’s Narrative for 2027

Wednesday, November 4th at 10am CST, join the Cook County WBDC for a high performance webinar that helps business leaders understand the components of their brand strategy. Brand strategy helps you share your story AND adjust to market shifts or industry disruption, without compromising your brand's position or promise. This webinar will cover the foundations...