Program areas at WBDC
The access to capital program focuses on helping Business owners develop a better understanding of their Business finances by providing financial assessment and counseling, loan application assistance, and direct lending. The wbdc was the subrecipient of federal grants. The funds were used to administer six government covid-19 relief programs during fiscal year. Approximately $2,400,000 was distributed to grantees and partners. 1,212 persons served during fiscal year.
The wbdc provides Women's Business enterpise (wbe) certification to women-owned businesses in a nine state midwest region through a partnership with the Women's Business enterprise national council (wbenc). 2,399 persons served during fiscal year.
The established Business program serves established businesses who would like to grow their Business and build capacity. Services include workshops, certification services, assistance with corporate and government contracting, and Business advising. 1,620 persons served during fiscal year.
The emerging Business program serves individuals who want to start a Business or are in the early stages of growing their Business by providing Business Development counseling and workshops. 2,443 persons served during fiscal year.
The wbdc hosts six major events including an annual early childhood education entrepreneurship expo, and five wbdc connect and celebrate events in five major markets including chicago, minneapolis, milwaukee, Kansas city, and st. louis. 443 persons served during fiscal year.
The childhood education entrepreneurship services are designed to provide Business insight to prospective and exisiting childcare enterpreneurs for home and center-based businesses. We provide Business Development counseling and workshops. 440 persons served during fiscal year.
The veterans program serves active duty service members, guard, reserve, veterans and their family members who want to start a Business or grow an existing Business through Business Development counseling and workshops. 56 persons served during fiscal year.