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WBDC President and CEO Emilia DiMenco Announces Retirement in 2024: A Decade of Transformative Leadership
A Moment With Maija Renko
A Moment with...View All
The Women’s Business Development Center is pleased to continue with our series, “A Moment With”, where we periodically highlight some of our greatest supporters and partners, sharing their career experiences and advice.
A Moment With Maija Renko
What is “A Moment With”? The Women’s Business Development Center is pleased to continue with our series, “A Moment With”, where we periodically highlight some of our greatest supporters and...
A Moment With Nicole N. Mandeville
What is “A Moment With”? The Women’s Business Development Center is pleased to continue with our series, “A Moment With,” where we periodically highlight some of our greatest supporters and...
A Moment With Jamie Rhee
What is “A Moment With”? The Women’s Business Development Center is pleased to continue with our series, “A Moment With,” where we periodically highlight some of our greatest supporters and...BOSSView All
The Women’s Business Development Center launched a social media campaign, the Black-Owned Story Spotlight, “BOSS”, to enhance our promotion of and advocacy for the Black-owned business community. This initiative highlights the experiences of WBDC clients to inform the WBDC’s network of the unique challenges confronting Black-owned businesses and encourage greater support.

Dr. Kristin Morris
What is the “Black-Owned Spotlight Series”? The Women’s Business Development Center is proud to celebrate the great business owners we work closely with. As part of our commitment to advocating...
Gloria Carter-Hicks
What is the “Black-Owned Spotlight Series”? The Women’s Business Development Center is proud to celebrate the great business owners we work closely with. As part of our commitment to advocating...
Lisa Marsh
What is the “Black-Owned Spotlight Series”? The Women’s Business Development Center is proud to celebrate the great business owners we work closely with. As part of our commitment to advocating...WBDC VideosView All
WBDC Success StoriesView All
Our Success Stories showcase real-world achievements, innovative strategies, and the tangible impact of our programs on businesses of all sizes. From startups to seasoned enterprises, these stories illuminate the diverse pathways to success that WBDC fosters through mentorship, resources, and vibrant team. Explore these remarkable narratives and be inspired by the transformative power of collaboration, growth, and resilience.

Genesis Bencivenga, Sr. of Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding
Empowered by the Chicago Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and supported by a strategic partnership with Walgreens, the ascent of Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding stands as a testament to unwavering determination...
Berenice Perez of Neveria Moreliana
Located in Plano, Illinois, Berenice Perez embarked on her entrepreneurial journey eleven years ago with the establishment of her ice cream shop, Neveria Moreliana. Though faced with initial challenges, Berenice’s...
Barbara Burdick of Cuddle Bunny
Following a distinguished 30-year career in human resources, Barbara Burdick embarked on a new chapter, driven by her unwavering passion for bunnies. Having experienced the joy of owning pet bunnies...If you want to hone your pitch skills and create a compelling deck to help get into your dream retailers, you should apply for the Top Shelf Retail cohort.
Mara Smith - Inspiro Tequila, Northbrook, IL, Top Shelf Grad