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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNITION OF THE WOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) was founded in 1986 by Hedy Ratner and S. Carol Dougal with a mission to expand economic opportunity for women and strengthen communities through business ownership; and
WHEREAS, in March 1986, the WBDC announcement its establishment of the nation’s first Small Business Development Center for Women marking an early milestone in its pioneering work to advance women entrepreneurs; and
WHEREAS, throughout its 40-year history, the WBDC has fostered bipartisan collaboration and built enduring partnerships among government leaders, corporate partners, nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders, continuing the founders’ commitment to bridging political and ideological divides in pursuit of expanding economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, for four decades the WBDC has provided comprehensive support to business owners across the Midwest, including business advising, entrepreneurial training, access to capital, certification assistance and connections to contracting opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the WBDC has empowered more than 118,000 entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to achieve economic self-sufficiency through business creation, growth and long-term sustainability; and
WHEREAS, since its inception, the WBDC has delivered more than 15,000 entrepreneurial workshops and trainings designed to equip business owners with critical skills and tools for success; and
WHEREAS, the WBDC has helped women- and minority-owned businesses secure more than $185 million in financing, supporting business expansion, innovation and job creation across the region; and
WHEREAS, the WBDC has facilitated more than $1.15 billion in government and corporate contracting opportunities, enabling businesses to grow, contribute to local economies and strengthen communities; and
WHEREAS, each year the WBDC certifies nearly 2,500 Women Business Enterprises, ensuring that women-owned firms can access new market opportunities and participate competitively in supplier diversity programs; and
WHEREAS, headquartered in Chicago, the WBDC has grown from a local initiative into a nationally recognized leader in economic development, serving entrepreneurs across a nine-state region and helping pave the way for more than 160 women’s business centers nationwide; and
WHEREAS, the Women’s Business Development Center’s era of growth and expansion was guided by the exceptional leadership of Emilia DiMenco, who served for many years as President and Chief Executive Officer and recently retired, leaving a legacy of organizational strength, innovation and unwavering commitment to expanding economic opportunity for women and small businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Women’s Business Development Center has served as key partner to Cook County in establishing the Cook County Small Business Source, providing essential leadership and expertise that helped shape the program’s structure, services and impact; and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Cook County faced unprecedented uncertainty and small businesses urgently needed support, the WBDC demonstrated a remarkable can-do spirit- assisting Cook County respond with timely guidance, relief navigation and technical assistance to businesses in crisis;
WHEREAS, the Women’s Business Development Center now enters a new chapter of leadership under Erica Kuhlman, the organization’s newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, who brings a deep commitment to entrepreneurial empowerment and will guide the WBDC as it continues to expand opportunity, strengthen communities and build on its 40-year legacy of impact; and
WHEREAS, in 2026 the WBDC celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of empowering entrepreneurs, advancing economic equity and supporting community vitality throughout Cook County and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Business Development Center and honors its continued commitment to expanding economic opportunity, strengthening communities and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners extends its gratitude to the founders, staff, partners and thousands of entrepreneurs who have contributed to the WBDC’s enduring legacy of service and impact; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the Women’s Business Development Center in recognition of this milestone anniversary and its 40 years of transformative contributions to Cook County and the region.
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