Wall of love for ScaleHigher

The WBDC is an incredible organization and resource for women and minority business owners. They can help with everything from developing your business plan to scaling your business to accessing capital. They have free 1:1 business advising and offer a variety of cohort-style programs, many of which are free and even come with a stipend for you to implement new digital tools. As a three-time participant in their programs (Scale Up, GovCon-Airports, and Top Shelf Retail) as well as a presenter, subject-matter expert on branding, and advisor to Scale Higher, I only have the best things to say about the WBDC and everyone I've worked with. Don't be afraid to meet with multiple advisors and find one who is a great fit for supporting you and your current business goals. I've especially loved working with Lindsay, Karen, Francisco, and Minerva just to name a few people who have had an impact on my business and its growth.

My name is Laura McMahon and I am the owner of SUSU Accessories. I attended Scale Higher in the fall of 2024. ScaleHigher covered many key facets in the growth of my business, with the guidance of the most amazing team of talented industry leaders, from marketing, to funding, to staffing and even selfcare! The program allowed me to feel supported in created a functional path into my 6 month growth plan and provided me with the necessary tools to bring my business to the next level. I cannot recommend it more! Every business owner should take advantage of the Scale Up and Scale Higher Cohorts!

Hi. I'm Morgan Rose, owner of Lash Nouveau. I just graduated from the ScaleHigher program and it was AWESOME!!! The experts on the WBDC team are so knowledgeable and fun. The classes flew by, but within every class there were so many golden nugget take aways. Highly recommend....wonderful experience!

“The Women's Business Development Center has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of Eaze & Comfort Relocation Services. Their support, channeled through the cohorts that they facilitate and the ones they have referred me to, has been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. I can’t express the gratitude I have to the committed professionals whose efforts have helped empower me in my entrepreneurial journey. I must also give a HUGE thanks and praise to Karen Goldner, who is my mentor and BA. She has guided me into many strategic and powerful relationships along the way and has always been there for me since I started with the WBDC. The Women of SCALE HIGHER, are also giants in helping myself and the women that come through their program grow and empower them to greatness. I will forever be thankful and a part of the WBDC!”

Working with WBDC has been truly phenomenal. Since starting this cohort, I’ve been to obtain a better understanding of the dynamics of different tools and digital systems available to me and my business. This alone has definitely been a game changer. I’m excited for what’s ahead for Bella Reine Cosmetics come 2024 and beyond. Thank you all for your assistance and support!

The Scale Higher program with WBDC has been a transformative journey for JNJ Gifts and More, equipping us with invaluable knowledge in Google My Business and analytics. Their enduring support and expert guidance not only enhanced our transition to an online business model, but also instilled a newfound confidence in our pitch, one that we proudly share with the world. www.jnjgiftsandmore.com

When I applied to attend ScaleHigher, things were looking grim for our business. The program was a safe place to take a step back and really examine the different facets of our business in a way we had not done before. I found the growth mindset to be one of my most valuable takeaways and have continued to schedule CEO time each week as we work on expanding to several new locations.

My name is Natasha Varela and my started solo-private practice, Self Led Wellness, PLLC; in March 2022. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor providing outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. The WBDC has been a significant source of support during my business growth from nearly the beginning. I began with one-on-one advising that truly helped me in the way of truly seeing my solo-practice as my business, rather than simply my job. My advisor encouraged and supported me in going through the Scale Higher program that began in March 2023. This program helped me in identifying some of the continued ways I was holding back from fully embracing my solo-practice as a business. I learned to create "CEO time" for myself to focus on working "on" my business apart from "in" my business. I learned more and gained a better understanding of business financials and cash flows, including completing projections and using this information for decision making aligned with business planning. And I definitely learned a TON about digital tools that I was not utilizing yet in my business. With support from all of the Scale Higher program staff and other participants, I gained confidence in myself as a solopreneur and business owner. I gained various tools that I will carry with me throughout the years ahead. And I continue to utilize the WBDC for ongoing one-on-one support from various staff who can help me with various aspects of my business. I truly appreciate the WBDC staff and Scale Higher program for joining me on my business journey. And am thankful to have received a scholarship at the end of the program to assist me with investing in digital tools to support the continued growth of my business.

My name is Uzma and I am the Chef and CEO of Chocolat Uzma in Chicago. I completed the ScaleHigher course in 2023. As a chef/CEO I divide my day between the kitchen and running my business. I found that the tools and knowledge I gained from ScaleHigher helped me simplify and free up some of my time. The mindset and digital tools gave me a new understanding and outlook on my business.

I learned so much about running a business and being a CEO. We covered helpful digital tools that I didn't even know existed. It's also great to have a group that's learning and growing together. We all talked about things we have tried and loved or hated along the way. Amazing networking opportunities as well. Glad I took the time to do this class.

ScaleHigher provided me with so much more than helpful information and a diverse community of supportive entrepreneurs. The practical strategies shared within the program allowed me to take fast action. Additionally, the access to 1:1 coaching support with experts in digital tools, branding and financial management was invaluable. I graduated the program with the resources and practical plan to scale my business. I highly recommend this program and WBDC!

I completed the ScaledHigher program in spring of 2023 and cannot recommend it enough. Eight years into our business, I realize more than ever that incredible resources as this cannot be underestimated! Not only did we tap into countless meaningful conversations about how to be the best CEO we can be, we also dove into a wealth of digital tools available out there to help grow our business. The very best part may have been experiencing it all in an incredibly inspiring and supportive community of fellow business owners. Thank you to the talented WBDC team and our generous sponsor, Wells Fargo, for this invaluable opportunity!

Laura Anderson, Creative Business Audio, Scale Higher 2023 graduate. This opportunity came to me at the right time. I am in the process of re-doing my webpage and adding more social media platforms, changing and adding SEO, creating videos and adding some google ads. I learned sooo much and it was great timing with the changes in Google analytics. I would advise any business owner to take the time to take this seminar. I will be using my graduation dollars towards video. This is an area that we have been lacking.

1. My name is Regina Rogers and I attended ScaleHigher in January 2023. My business is Compassionate Edge. 2. ScaleHigher provided me with invaluable support for my business growth, particularly by helping me to develop a plan for social media that speaks to my brand's purpose and identity. Additionally, the sessions on digital tools and CEO time were also very helpful in furthering my progress as an entrepreneur. 3. Of all the topics covered at ScaleHigher, I found the material focusing on digital tools to be most impactful for me personally and professionally. It enabled me to create a more effective and efficient digital presence for my business, which has been essential in reaching new customers and growing the brand.

I am Patricia Ahrens of Ahrens Contracting. I just completed the course May 2023. I am so glad I was selected for this cohort. I am very grateful to everyone at WBDC for the time that put into this program and Wells Fargo for the sponsorship of this program. I am in an industry that is different than most that are attending these training courses. This course narrowed down on what all businesses need, financial, marketing, goal setting and planning...and they want to follow up that we have achieved those goals.

Chef Lori Cakewalk Chicago 2022 Scale Higher was the accountability partner that I needed. Weekly time with the coaches and connecting with women entrepreneurs who understand the challenges and successes of solo entrepreneurship was right on time. Many programs coach you on what to do. Scale higher takes it further by asking, listening, coaching, compiling then giving you an actual document of your time together so that you can take your ideas and what you learned and use it immediately. YOU don't have to spend time afterwards piecing the learning puzzle together. The staff does that time sucking work for you. It is truly a blessing to be able to turn to this personalized document to keep the positive forward momentum going. Because of Scale Higher I am mindful of scheduling 'CEO' time and using digital tools like Google Analytics and good web design to grow and improve. I am looking forward to the next opportunity to work with the WBDC.

My name is Alicja Burek. Founder and CEO of Alicja Events and Alicja Models Inc. I attended Scale higher in 2023. The Scale Higher supported our business in many areas: marketing, finances, branding, our purpose and mission. The most impactful topics, that were covered were branding and finances. Thank you to the whole Scale Higher Team. Amazing work.

Sonia Garcia - Insurance Agent This course changed my life and my business! I was able to identify which digital tools are best for my business.

Thanks to WBDC for organizing the ScaleHigher program and given me the opportunity to participate. The program facilitators (Sarah, Lindsay, Francisco, Char, Tasha...) were all very knowledgable and amazing professionals. Attending the ScaleHigher program helped me to improve my growth mindset, learn how to solve problems with technology, as well as an ongoing support system.

Excellent program and outstanding staff. Thank you, Lindsay, Sarah, and Tasha, for your time, knowledge, and support. Being in the group and around professionals inspired me to challenge myself, and my business perspective is now elevated. The ScaleHigher program helped me set aside time each day to focus on my business and have a different view of Social media and technology.