WBDC

Location: Lurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLP, 2501 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55405 (map)

Have you been looking for that special something to help you “get in the door” of large corporations? If you are a woman-owned and operated business, that something could be the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification. Although not a guarantee of business, the WBE Certification has been proven to provide a competitive edge in obtaining corporate contracts. National in scope and issued by a third-party agency Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), th...

Cost: $20.00

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Are you in the process of building a new business or expanding your existing business? Take the Mystery out of Finance can help you: Prepare a start-up budget Prepare a cash flow projection Determine what financing options are available to you Learn what you need to know about your credit and how it relates to your business finances Discover alternative financing opportunities This workshop will provide real world examples and ask questions you may have avoided asking ...

Cost: FREE

Location: Online

With over 70% of U.S. internet users on Facebook, it continues to be a major social media force that cannot be ignored.Join the 11 million business pages on Facebook, and learn how to convey your business message through Facebook in an effective, engaging and relevant manner. This webinar will cover: - Examples of good Facebook business practices - Growing your audience: getting to the first 100 likes - Optimizing your Facebook page for maximum impact - Networking with other businesses on F...

Cost: FREE

Location: Navy Pier, Chicago, , , (map)

What kind of capital is best for your business? How can you gain access to the right sources? Join us at Access to Capital Chicago to find out the answers to these questions, and start the process with a pre-scheduled 1:1 meeting with a local lender. In one day we give you: •What banks often look for •The variety of funding options and which may be right for your business •Access to community resources that specialize in helping small businesses in Chicago •Pr...

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Have you been asked, “Are you certified as a minority or woman-owned business?” by corporations and government agencies? If so, and you don’t know where to start, this workshop is for you. Presented by the Certification Program Manager, you will learn: The differences and benefits of Minority (MBE)and Women (WBE) owned business certifications on Federal, State, Local and Private levels Benefits and process of WBE certification offered by the Women’s Business Devel...

Cost: $10.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door

Location: Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center, 4859 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60615 (map)

Location: Merchandise Mart, 222 West Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL (map)

POWER: Opening Doors for Women® promotes and develops women leaders by providing a unique opportunity for senior-level and high-potential women to interact and exchange ideas with industry experts, thought leaders and their peers. To learn more and register click here

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

This interactive, networking session is for both prospective and established business owners.Whether you’re thinking about starting your own business or growing the business you already have, this session will help you clarify your needs and learn more about WBDC resources.If you’re looking for assistance in pursuing government or corporate contracts, need financing to grow your business, or just need guidance to learn how to work ON your business, come join the WBDC circle of help...

Cost: $10.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door

Location: UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608 (map)

The Child Care Business Expo is one of two annual events the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) hosts.The Expo focuses on the business side of child care and provides resources, education and inspiration for attendees.On average, the event features 50+ exhibitors and over 400 child care providers, activists and future entrepreneurs. For more information click here.

Cost: $35.00

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

(Jumpstart workshop 4 of 6 part series) Every business owner must be able to analyze costs and revenues for their business. In this workshop, you will be learn to: Understand the importance of decreasing risk by employing monthly record keeping Understand the critical role of the tax professional/accountant Understand the difference between cash flow and profit and loss Apply five types of financial statements and know the purpose of each statement: -- Budget -- Cash flow State...

Cost: $45.00 in advance, $50.00 at the door

Location: University of Minnesota, West Bank Office Building, (WBOB) – Room 140, 1300 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (map)

Women’s Business Development Center - Minnesota (WBDC-MN) is very pleased to announce its next WBDC-MN Procurement Meeting hosted by WBDC-MN Corporate Partner University of Minnesota. These sessions provide you with an opportunity to meet and interact with your local women’s and minority business community and large corporations, as well as government and not-for-profit institutions and agencies that support supplier diversity. Learn best practices, share ideas, exchange information,...

Cost: FREE

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Are you considering starting a business in Illinois? Put yourself ahead of the curve and gain the knowledge you need to assist with a successful launch. This workshop will address if business ownership is right for you, the transition from being an employee, volunteer, homemaker and/or independent contractor to business owner and more.

Cost: $10.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

(Jumpstart workshop 5 of 6 part series) This is a continuation session from Jumpstart Module 3, which is a prerequisite for this workshop. Here, you will meet with WBDC financial specialist to dig deeper into understanding the financial pieces of running your business. You will learn how to:  Determine cash flow projections Create revenue assumptions and sales projections prior to listing business expenses Develop sales projections utilizing a variety of strategies Utilize f...

Cost: $45.00 in advance, $50.00 at the door

Location: Union League Club, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 (map)

The Rotary Club of Chicago will honor three distinguished businesswomen for their contributions to community as Chicago Women of the Year at a luncheon.

For more information and to register, click here

Location: Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

Attend this FREE business event presented by Dex Digital. You’ll learn business-building strategies, tips and techniques from your community leaders, all geared toward increasing your productivity and business success.

To register, click here.

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Once you have targeted your Market and figured out how to reach them, you need to plan your sales strategies and conversations. you will be able to: Understand and use sales process terms. Understand the sales process and sales funnel Articulate solutions using your product/service Differentiate yourself and establish credibility Understand how to qualify leads and build credibility through effective questions Prepare for calls, execute a sales call and follow-up Ask high value qu...

Cost: $45.00 in advance, $50.00 at the door

Location: Online

Government contracting has developed into a highly competitive marketplace, thanks to its potential for being very profitable. A capability statement is an essential element in doing business, especially if your business is seeking to win government contracts or contracts with large corporate primes. So, what is a capability statement? Some describe it as a resume for your business — others call it a marketing document. In reality, a capability statement is a bit of both. As fewer peopl...

Cost: FREE

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

(Jumpstart workshop 6 of 6 part series) The Business Plan Workshop is designed to be taken by both new business owners and owners of emerging or established businesses. You will write a draft of your executive summary as an outline for creating your full business plan and your planning process. You will learn all the parts of an effective plan and why it’s important that you get it on paper.

Cost: $45.00 in advance, $50.00 at the door

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Are you in the process of building a new business or expanding your existing business? Take the Mystery out of Finance can help you: Prepare a start-up budget Prepare a cash flow projection Determine what financing options are available to you Learn what you need to know about your credit and how it relates to your business finances Discover alternative financing opportunities This workshop will provide real world examples and ask questions you may have avoided asking ...

Cost: FREE

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Plan for Profit is WBDC's newest and most comprehensive training program for people learning to work on their business whether they are start up or emerging businesses. Comprised of 3 modules of 4 sessions, 3 hours each, the program takes you through a hands-on approach to drafting your business plan. Each session focuses on a critical aspect of business development, shows you the ropes and then allows time for you to draft that part.  To strengthen your skills, you get feedback from e...

Cost: $150.00 in advance, $175.00 at the door

Location: Online

The growing commitment to sustainability has increased the demand for new green products and services, and increased emphasis on protecting the environment translates into opportunities for entrepreneurs.Women with ideas, energy, and smart strategies can start and operate their own green businesses and organizations. Presenters: The U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau will share information on the green economy. Women business owners will convey their knowledge and experience i...

Location: Online

Government agencies and private corporations spend billions of dollars every year purchasing goods and services.The challenge is positioning your company so that it has a better chance of landing some of those contracts.Teaming with another business to expand your capabilities and capacity may be just the thing for you.And the good news is that when it comes to small businesses, the federal government is a big proponent of teaming. There are many important factors to consider when you are see...

Cost: FREE

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Plan for Profit is WBDC’s newest and most comprehensive training program for people learning to work on their business whether they are start up or emerging businesses. Comprised of 3 modules of 4 sessions, 3 hours each, the program takes you through a hands-on approach to drafting your business plan. Each session focuses on a critical aspect of business development, shows you the ropes and then allows time for you to draft that part.  To strengthen your skills, you get feedback fr...

Cost: $150.00 in advance, $175.00 at the door

Location: WBDC, 8 S. Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

Plan for Profit is WBDC's newest and most comprehensive training program for people learning to work on their business whether they are start up or emerging businesses. Comprised of 3 modules of 4 sessions, 3 hours each, the program takes you through a hands-on approach to drafting your business plan. Each session focuses on a critical aspect of business development, shows you the ropes and then allows time for you to draft that part.  To strengthen your skills, you get feedback from eac...

Cost: $150.00 in advance, $175.00 at the door