Start-Up & Emerging Businesses
What We Offer:
1:1 advising for entrepreneurs to conduct market research, test business concepts, develop business plans, understand legal and financial requirements, and strengthen operations. Each session is designed to position your company for sustainable success.
Advisors:
- Gayle Ballard | Director, Entrepreneurial Program and Services
Schedule Advising Session - Minerva Calatayud | Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services | Director, Women’s Business Center Aurora
Schedule Advising Session - Soraya Hernandez | Director, Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at WBDC
Schedule Advising Session - Ashlee Kingery | Associate Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services
Schedule Advising Session - Kinga Kosmala | Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services | Director, Women Business Center Chicago
Schedule Advising Session - Maura Mitchell | Managing Director, Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services
Schedule Advising Session
Established Businesses Services
What We Offer: Guidance through the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification process and leveraging certification for procurement opportunities.
Advisors:
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- Karen Goldner | Managing Director, Established Business Program and Services
Schedule Advising Session - Cynthia Johnson | Director, Established Business Program and Services
Schedule Advising Session
- Karen Goldner | Managing Director, Established Business Program and Services
Childcare Business Development
What We Offer: Specialized support for home and center-based childcare entrepreneurs, including business setup, licensing, and expansion planning.
Advisors:
- Yvonne Villalpando | Director, Childcare Business Program
Schedule Advising Session
Government Contracting
What We Offer: Training and advising to help manufacturers and suppliers expand through local, state, and federal government contracts.
Advisors:
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- Donna Beasley | Director, Government Contracting Program and Services | Center Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator at WBDC
Schedule Advising Session
- Donna Beasley | Director, Government Contracting Program and Services | Center Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator at WBDC
Access to Capital
What We Offer: Guidance on understanding financial statements and loan readiness and preparing for startup funding.
Advisors:
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- Kelly Gumbiner | Managing Director, Access to Capital Program and Services
Schedule Advising Session - Emma Westfall | Associate Director, Access to Capital Program and Services
Schedule Advising Session
- Kelly Gumbiner | Managing Director, Access to Capital Program and Services