Wall of love for ScaleUp

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.

WBDC's scale-up program for small businesses exceeded my expectations! The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive throughout the entire program. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in helping me create a business growth plan. Thank you, Francisco, Cheyanne, and the rest of the instructors for your invaluable support!". Thank you for empowering small businesses like mine to thrive!

I am so grateful that I was able to participate in the ScaleUp program in the spring of 2024, and I highly recommend it to other business owners! I started my company two years ago and felt like I had a good foundation but needed assistance in certain areas. ScaleUp focused on different topics each week that included expert guidance and time to collaborate with other business owners. The structure helped me realize things I didn’t know I was missing and the pace gave me time to process. Each week I walked away with action steps and plenty to think about - even with topics I already felt comfortable with. I especially loved that ScaleUp offers 1:1 coaching with the mentors because that provided personalized feedback for my business. This was an invaluable opportunity and I know it will lead to growth. Business owners should participate if they are stuck and need support, if they want to learn new ideas, or if they want to be part of a community. It is an amazing opportunity!!

I completed the Belmont/Cragin ScaleUp Cohort with the WBDC on Tuesday. 06/18/19 and it was one of the best business decisions I have ever made. This course enable me to look at my business in areas that I had not considered and some that I was totally unaware of. During this course I was able to make small tweaks that increased my businesses visibility. I truly appreciate each guest speaker and our cohort advisor/mentor Angela Stewart, her assistance with certain things has proven invaluable. I recommend anyone with a business to contact the WBDC and see how they can become a resource for their business and what classes they might benefit from taking.

Awesome team ! I just completed an 8 week Scale Up Class at the Englewood Branch. I learned the fundamentals that are necessary to Successfully Launch My Real Estate Business. I would highly recommend the WBDC to any aspiring Entrepreneurs. Now it's time to Implement what I have learned and become the Successful Real Estate Managing Broker that God would have me to be. This will become my Motto. WITH FAITH I CAN OVERCOME ANY FEAR ! Author Unknown.

I had an excellent experience with the Women’s Business Development Center. This organization offers programming, education, and resources for any stages of business development. I’m a successful business owner with 15 plus years experience in my industry. As an international professional, a scholar, and business owner, I can say I was extremely impressed and satisfied with the level of professionalism, knowledge, and compassion shown by the teachers and leaders in this organization. My experiences with Angela, S., Makeba B., Emilia D., Lindsay M., Abigail, S. & Cynthia J. at WBDC have been extraordinary. This organization has my highest recommendation . Note: In my experience often organizations that assist minority communities and underserved populations are often times in shambles, disorganized, and ran from a deficit model. That is NOT the case with the Women’s Business Development Center. The information is high quality and high value. In all encounters I observed that the staff treat the business clients/community consumers as well as their fellow colleagues with respect and consideration. WBDC is one of Chicago’s greatest hidden gems!

The WBDC and its ScaleUp program are phenomenal resources for entrepreneurs of all kinds - not just women-owned businesses! Whether it's help formulating a business plan, understanding marketing strategies, getting a handle around financial statements, defining what actually happens in day to day operations, seeking certifications or assistance in contracting opportunities, or just plain networking and business connections and advisement, WBDC knocks it out of the park. Huge thanks to Angela Stewart and Lindsay Mueller for being rockstar facilitators and leaders of the ScaleUp Spring 2020 hybrid in-person/virtual corhort!

Awesome program! Exactly what I needed to take my business where I know it can go! They helped me to get better organized and to focus more on whats necessary to reach the business goals I had in mind. The subject matter experts gave excellent insight and direction on how to access tools to execute real change in your business plan. Angela and Lindsay were superb as facillitators in the summer cohort as they helped us to navigate through the cirriculum with ease. THANK YOU WBDC!!!