The Women’s Business Development Center in Chicago (WBDC) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Founded in 1986 by Hedy M. Ratner and S. Carol Dougal with a grant from the state of Illinois, the organization started at a time when fewer than 10% of all businesses were owned by women. Now women represent almost half of the small businesses in the U.S. The WBDC helps women achieve economic independence through entrepreneurship with workshops, seminars and business coaching. Celebrating the WBDC anniversary are (pictured from left) WBDC Co-Founders and Co-Presidents Carol Dougal and Hedy M. Ratner; Norma Lauder, audit committee chair/WBDC board; Susan Winer, former WBDC board chair; Cynthia Johnson, WBDC director of established business services; Linda Chaplik Harris, vice chair/WBDC board; and Cheryl Reich, former WBDC board chair. (Photo by Jennifer Girard Photography.)
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