Great Lakes Women's Business Council

Great Lakes Women's Business Council Accelerating small business growth through business development and training.

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and now there's an opportunity to be recognized as part of a histo...
06/18/2026

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and now there's an opportunity to be recognized as part of a historic milestone.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. By signing the pledge, eligible small business owners will receive an official SBA Freedom 250 certificate recognizing their commitment to free enterprise, their communities, and the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped our nation.

The pledge is free to sign, takes only a few minutes to complete, and is open to businesses of all sizes and industries.

We encourage the entrepreneurs in our network to take part and proudly showcase their role in America's small business story.

Sign the pledge before July 4: https://preview.sba.gov/freedom-250/

What an incredible WE Succeed 2026.Thank you to everyone who joined us in Indianapolis for The Leadership Reset: Leading...
06/18/2026

What an incredible WE Succeed 2026.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Indianapolis for The Leadership Reset: Leading in a Changing Landscape. We are grateful to our attendees for bringing your energy and curiosity.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for helping make this experience possible. Special thanks to our featured speaker, Susan Lammertin, for sharing more than 35 years of leadership experience and invaluable lessons on resilience, growth, and navigating change.

Thank you to Lee Ann Richardson for serving as our wonderful emcee and moderator, keeping the conversations engaging and inspiring throughout the day. We are also grateful to Hirons for hosting our Welcome Reception and creating the perfect setting to kick off the event with meaningful connections.

To our corporate facilitators and resource partners, thank you for your insight, your partnership, and your commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across Indiana.

Most of all, thank you to our incredible community of women business owners. We are inspired by your ambition, your resilience, and the businesses you are building every day.

Until next time.

06/11/2026

Driving IMPACT | Meet 2026 WBE Star, Lauren Rakolta

Meet Lauren Rakolta, Chairperson & CEO of DFM Solutions, with the Great Lakes Women's Business Council Regional Partner Organization. Lauren is a visionary executive and driving force in the facilities management industry. A high-performing leader, Lauren is recognized for delivering innovative solutions and executing strategic initiatives that fuel sustained business growth. As the leader of DFM Solutions, she has built a reputation for excellence across automotive, manufacturing, aviation, utilities, and commercial sectors. With a sharp focus on business development and operational excellence, Lauren has successfully expanded market reach, strengthened partnerships, and elevated service delivery. She has driven significant growth by securing new business opportunities, improving profitability, and streamlining operations—positioning her organization for long-term success. In her role, Lauren oversees 400 employees, 20+ US locations.

Get inspired by Lauren’s insights: https://www.wbenc.org/news/2026-wbe-stars-driving-impact-meet-lauren-rakolta/ 🔗

Registration is closing soon for WE Succeed 2026.If you've been thinking about attending, now is the time to secure your...
06/02/2026

Registration is closing soon for WE Succeed 2026.

If you've been thinking about attending, now is the time to secure your spot. Join women business owners from across Indiana for a day of strategic conversations, executive networking, and practical insights designed to help you navigate growth in a changing business landscape.

📅 June 8- 9, 2026
📍 Indiana State Museum | Indianapolis, Indiana
🔗 https://glwbc.connect.space/wesucceed-2026

Participating Corporations Announced!!WE Succeed 2026 is bringing together incredible corporate partners and women busin...
05/22/2026

Participating Corporations Announced!!

WE Succeed 2026 is bringing together incredible corporate partners and women business owners from across Indiana for a day of real conversations, strategic insight, and meaningful connection.

Participating corporations include:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Cummins
Elevance Health
Flex N Gate
General Motors
IU Health
JP Morgan Chase
Lilly
Magna
MillerKnoll
Salesforce
Stellantis
Yanfeng
ZF

📅 June 8-9, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
📍 Indianapolis, Indiana
🔗 greatlakeswbc.org/wesucceed

Your WE Succeed experience starts the night before.Join us at Hirons in Indianapolis for an evening of intentional netwo...
05/20/2026

Your WE Succeed experience starts the night before.

Join us at Hirons in Indianapolis for an evening of intentional networking with business owners, corporate partners, and resource providers from across Indiana.

Enjoy meaningful conversation, light refreshments, and connections that continue long after the event ends.

June 8, 2026
4:30- 6PM
Hirons | Indianapolis, Indiana
https://glwbc.connect.space/wesucceed-2026

Real strategy comes from real experience.At WE Succeed 2026, hear from a CEO/ CFO with 35 years of experience navigating...
05/19/2026

Real strategy comes from real experience.

At WE Succeed 2026, hear from a CEO/ CFO with 35 years of experience navigating growth, making tough decisions, and shifting markets in real time. This masterclass-style conversation goes beyond advice and into what it actually takes to lead.

June 8-9, 2026
Indiana State Museum
https://glwbc.connect.space/wesucceed-2026

Get ready to make your mark at WBENC IMPACT.Join our Conference Impact Workshops, an interactive webinar series designed...
05/12/2026

Get ready to make your mark at WBENC IMPACT.

Join our Conference Impact Workshops, an interactive webinar series designed to help you show up prepared, confident, and ready to connect. You’ll gain practical tools, smart strategies, and real insights to maximize every moment before, during, and after the conference.

What to expect:
• Hands-on guidance to prepare for WBENC IMPACT
• Proven strategies to stand out and connect
• Actionable takeaways you can use immediately
• Engaging sessions designed for real participation

Session Details:
Part 1: May 28, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST
https://www.greatlakeswbc.org/events/conference-impact-workshops-part-1/
Part 2: June 3, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST
https://www.greatlakeswbc.org/events/conference-impact-workshops-part-two/

No cost to attend. Just bring your notebook and be ready to engage.

Register now and get conference-ready.

Every milestone matters.A new contract. A loan secured. A business expansion. These moments may seem small on their own,...
05/08/2026

Every milestone matters.

A new contract. A loan secured. A business expansion. These moments may seem small on their own, but together, they create real economic impact.

Across our region, support systems like the Great Lakes Women's Business Council have helped drive millions in funding to small businesses and support job creation that strengthens local communities.

Small wins turn into sustainable growth. And that growth builds stronger economies.

Stay ahead of evolving cyber risks and protect what you’ve built.Join us for an upcoming Center of Excellence webinar, A...
05/08/2026

Stay ahead of evolving cyber risks and protect what you’ve built.

Join us for an upcoming Center of Excellence webinar, Artificial Intelligence Threats, and learn how today’s rapidly changing threat landscape is impacting businesses like yours. From AI-driven attacks to emerging vulnerabilities, this session will give you the insight and tools you need to stay prepared.

What you’ll gain:
• A clear understanding of today’s modern threat landscape
• Insight into how AI is transforming cyber attack tactics
• Practical strategies to identify, prevent, and respond to emerging risks

Featuring Tim Loucks, Manager of Information Security at Yanfeng International.

Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM EST

Register now: https://www.greatlakeswbc.org/events/center-of-excellence-artificial-intelligence-threats/

Address

33109 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI
48150

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17346771400

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Great Lakes Women's Business Council posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category