Workshops
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
The WBDC offers a variety of special workshops throughout the year. Here is a list of those that appear more often on the calendar giving you an opportunity to find one that fits your schedule. For information regarding registration, location, and cost go to our Calendar of Events and click on the date the workshop is offered.
If you find that there no dates listed for a workshop you wish to attend, send us an e-mail at wbdc@wbdc.org for more information.
GENERAL
WISDOM, WINE AND CHEESE
A complimentary session that helps prospective and established business owners clarify their needs and learn more about our resources.
ASK THE EXPERTS
This is a chance to gain valuable information on ways to increase your business potential in an efficient and cost effective way. Ask the Experts provides access to more than 10 experts who will share their knowledge on a wide range of ownership issues. Throughout the event, you'll meet them in small group settings, in 20-minute intervals, to learn answers to your business questions. These specialists can answer your business questions in dozens of areas, including accounting, legal, marketing, insurance, public relations, website and e-business, bookkeeping, financing, licensing, and more. There will be time for networking.
MARKETING
MARKET RESEARCH – PART OF THE JUMPSTART SERIES
Learn what market research is and how it can determine the potential of your business idea. Learn how to conduct your own market research.
ARE YOU READY FOR A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT?
Learn how to market your business to government agencies, identify contract opportunities in your industry, and how to qualify to supply these customers with your product or service. You will have a chance to discuss the advantages of WBE, MBE, DBE, SDB, 8(a), and HUBZone certification with our specialist.
IS CERTIFICATION RIGHT FOR YOU?
Could your business qualify for minority and/or women business certifications? This workshop could provide the answer. Its curriculum covers all of the local, state, and federal government certifications, as well as private certifications that are offered by the Women’s Business Development Center and the Chicago Minority Business Development Council. You will get tips to help you successfully complete the application process.
FINANCE
TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF OBTAINING FINANCING FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Learn the criteria lenders and investors use to evaluate your business. Equip yourself with the tools you'll need to prepare a financing package attractive to a bank or potential investor.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS I – PART OF THE JUMPSTART SERIES
Learn the importance of analyzing the sources of your business revenue. Learn how to project sales and find out how your target market’s characteristics can impact cash flow and sales projections.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS II – PART OF THE JUMPSTART SERIES
Learn how to interpret financial statements, determine start-up and expansion costs, and create projected cash flow- and income- statements.
RAISING CAPITAL FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS
For most start-up firms, the first funding comes from family and friends. These small investments can help a new business leverage additional funding from lending institutions. This seminar provides ideas on how to structure an investment from these sources that will meet your particular business needs. You'll learn terminology and the legal requirements for various types of investments. This workshop can benefit those already in business who need additional capital to expand.
CHILD CARE
DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD CARE BUSINESS
This comprehensive series of 12 workshops in 12 weeks provides the tools to launch and sustain a child care business. Participants follow a step-by-step process to develop a business and marketing plan, policies and procedures, a parent handbook and a sound understanding of business financials.
DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD CARE BUSINESS OFFERS:
* Expert instruction in operating a child care business
* Comprehensive and practical resource materials
* The opportunity to complete your business plan
DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD CARE BUSINESS COVERS:
* Legal aspects of organizing and operating a business
* Market research and analysis
* Managing your money, record keeping and taxing
* Budgeting and sources of financing
RETAIL
THE RETAIL DEVELOPMENT SERIES
The Retail Development Series consists of three workshops in three consecutive weeks. It offers potential and existing entrepreneurs a quick and simple road map to becoming a successful retailer. Participants receive a comprehensive, cross-functional understanding of what it takes to develop and profitably operate a retail store.
Each session addresses these key elements:
Session 1: Strategy
You'll learn how to identify an unmet need in the marketplace, position the product, and become organized and meet strategic objectives.
Session 2: Supply
In this session, you'll learn how to use pricing, inventory management, and controls to create and maintain a profitable retail business.
Session 3: Customer Communication
This third session fully covers communicating with your customer which is crucial to success.
THRIVING AS A RESTAURANT OWNER --EVEN IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES
A panel of experts that includes successful restaurant owners, a restaurant consultant, a health and regulatory representative, and a member of the Illinois Restaurant Association tackle everything you want to know about operating a successful, profitable restaurant.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
* Creating your restaurant concept
* Marketing techniques for restaurants
* Determining pricing strategies
* Establishing and maintaining vendor relationships
* Licensing requirements
