Join us in celebrating 40 years of empowerment with the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, formerly CEED Lending. Since 1984, we have provided essential financial assistance and technical support to women and minority-owned small businesses. Starting with just one staff member and a few volunteers, we pioneered a movement that transformed women's and community development organizations nationwide.

Our 40th Anniversary celebration honors this remarkable journey and the significant economic impact we've achieved. We proudly established the first microloan program in the nation and one of the earliest women’s business centers. Celebrate with our visionary founder, Michelle Richards, who has profoundly influenced the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and early industry organizations. Michelle's work led to the creation of the Community Development Financial Institutions certification by the U.S. Treasury, highlighting her lasting contributions to the field. Let's commemorate four decades of innovation, resilience, and Michelle's indelible mark on the industry.