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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...
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