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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women's Business Development Center
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251118
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251120
DTSTAMP:20260911T112655
CREATED:20250630T222511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T183408Z
UID:33993-1763424000-1763596799@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:2025 WBDC Midwest Virtual Utility Conference & Business Matchmaker
DESCRIPTION:You’re Invited! \nThis conference is a powerful gathering of thought leaders\, energy companies\, prime contractors\, and small businesses committed to transforming how local energy initiatives drive economic development and community resilience. As the energy landscape evolves\, so too must the partnerships that power it. This event explores how inclusive collaboration across the utility supply chain can unlock new opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.  \nKey areas of focus:  \n\nBuilding Local Community and Economies: Learn how utility companies and their partners are working with  businesses to strengthen supply chains and long-term community investment. \n\n\nCollaboration and Partnership: Gain insights on how strategic partnerships can overcome barriers\, drive innovation\, and deliver shared value.\n\nConference Schedule \nTuesday\, November 18\, 2025 9am – 12:35pm CT  \nAgenda:   \n9:00 – 9:10 | Welcome – Utility Corporations\, Utility Companies\, and Small Businesses | Karen Goldner\, Managing Director\, Established Business Programs and Services  \n9:10 – 9:55 | Keynote Speaker: Scott Aaronson | Senior Vice President\, Energy Security & Industry Operations | EEI (Edison Electric Institute)  \nTitle | Energy Security and Growth: How electric companies and the energy grid are powering national security and US economic competitiveness. \nDescription | Electric companies are investing in the energy grid to meet growing demand resiliently\, reliably\, and affordably. This session will be an opportunity to get a national and global perspective on the policies\, geopolitics\, expectations\, risks\, and opportunities that are affecting supply chains abroad and operations at home. \n9:55 – 10:40 | Fireside Chat: Empowering Small Businesses: Building Strategic Partnerships in the Utility Supply Chain \nModerator | ​​Charles Twamugabo​​ | ​​CEO​​ | SVI Services\, Inc.\nPanelist | ​​Patty Ahrens​​ | CEO | Ahrens Contracting\, Inc.\nPanelist | ​​Mike De La Cruz​​ | Senior Vice President Business Development and Diversity | Group O\nPanelist | ​​Katie Ewing​​ | CEO | Ewing Safety and Industrial\, Inc.\n\nDescription | This session explores the dynamic relationships between utilities and their supplier partners\, highlighting how strategic mentorship strengthened supplier capabilities and expanded their market reach. Through real-world examples\, we’ll examine how these collaborations helped both utilities and suppliers meet critical business goals—driving innovation\, improving service delivery\, and fostering mutual growth. Attendees will gain insights into the tangible benefits of supplier development\, including enhanced procurement outcomes and long-term value creation for both parties.  \n10:40 – 10:50 | Break  \n10:50 – 11:20 | Breakout Session 1 – Hosted by Gold Sponsors  \n11:20 – 11:25 | Transition  \n11:25 – 11:55 | Breakout Session 2 – Hosted by Gold Sponsors  \n11:55 – 12:00 | Transition  \n12:00 – 12:30 | Breakout Session 3 – Hosted by Gold Sponsors  \n12:30 – 12:35 | Closing Remarks – Karen Goldner\, Managing Director\, Established Business Programs & Services  \n______________________________________________________________________________________________ \nMorning Networking Breakout Sessions – 3 sessions of 30 minutes each  \nHosted by Gold Sponsors – Learn how to do business with: \nAmeren  \nBorder States  \nCenterPoint Energy  \nComEd \nConstellation \nEvergy  \nPeople’s Gas \nThe Heico Companies  \nSplit Rock ND LLC \n______________________________________________________________________________________________ \nBusiness Matchmaker  \nNovember 19\, 2025 9am – 3pm CT  \nJoin virtual business matchmaking with Utility Leaders for an opportunity to meet with suppliers based on business needs.  **Please note: Buyers determine all meetings. Must be event sponsors to participate as a buyer. **  \nConfirmed Buyer Representatives include\, but are not limited to:  \nAllete  \nAmeren  \nBlack & Veatch  \nBorder States  \nCenterPoint Energy \nComEd \nConstellation \nEvergy  \nMichels Corporation \nPeople’s Gas  \nSplit Rock ND LLC \nThe Heico Companies  \nVistra Corporation  \nXcel Energy  \nCategory Opportunities include\, but are not limited to:  \nProject Development Opportunities – Environmental Services\, Permitting Technical Studies\, Pre-Construction Work\, High-Voltage Tie-Ins/Interconnects\, Abatement & Demolition\, Engineering Services\n\nConstruction – Substation Construction\, Transformers\, Invertors\, Electric / Electric Vehicles\, Solar\, Site Restoration\, Fleet Materials\, Construction of Civil Infrastructure\, Transmission\, Distribution\, Gas\, and Battery Storage\n\nQ&M – Preventative Maintenance\, Vegetation Control\, Panel Washing\, Fence & Road Maintenance\, HVAC Maintenance\n\nBusiness and Professional Services – Manufacturing Materials & Services\, IT Materials & Services\, Advertising\, Janitorial\, Facility Maintenance\, Legal Services\, Gas & Meter Services\, MRO Supplies\, Credit Collections\, Call Center\, Income Verification\, Marketing\n\n**MyBusinessMatches registration link will be provided through a separate email once you have registered for the conference. ** Please check your spam mail if you have not received the link by November 11\, 2025. MyBusinessMatches Registration Deadline: November 12\, 2025. PLEASE NOTE: If you are not registered in MyBusinessMatches by close of business on November 12\, 2025\, you will not be able to participate in matchmaking meetings.   \n______________________________________________________________________________________________ \nUtility Leader or Utility Prime Contractor / Buyers – Reserve Your Spot!\nSupplier / Vendors – Reserve Your Spot!\n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/2025-wbdc-midwest-virtual-utility-conference-business-matchmaker/
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T120000
DTSTAMP:20260911T112655
CREATED:20251028T180437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T190752Z
UID:34821-1763463600-1763467200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner's Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY\nNovember 4 – 25\, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm \nJoin the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp hosted by the Illinois Apex Accelerator at WBDC every Tuesday at 11:00 am; for four dynamic sessions\, each packed with invaluable insights and strategies to help you navigate the world of government contracting with confidence. \nHere’s a peek at we’ll cover:\nWeek 1: Introduction to Government Contracting \nWeek 2: How to Do Research to Find Government Contracting Opportunities \nWeek 3: Tips to Create or Improve Your Capability Statement \nWeek 4: How to Create a Government Marketing Strategy for your Business. \n  \nWhen:  \nEvery Tuesday\, Starting November 4\, 2025 to November 25\, 2025 \n11 am – 12 pm\, CST \nWhere:  \nVia Zoom meetings \n  \nHosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator at the WBDC \n \nThe Illinois APEX Accelerator at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is provided through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD). Program support is made possible by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Women’s Business Development Center.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/government-contracting-beginners-bootcamp-15/2025-11-18/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Virtual
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251118T130000
DTSTAMP:20260911T112655
CREATED:20251112T215523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T215523Z
UID:34958-1763467200-1763470800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Smart Marketing Strategies for Small Business Success
DESCRIPTION:Please join the Illinois SBDC at the WBDC for a Digital Marketing Workshop \nIn just one hour\, you’ll learn how to: \n\nShow up where your ideal clients are and get noticed\nTurn likes and follows into real sales and bookings\nUse social media\, email marketing\, and content strategy without feeling overwhelmed\nCreate a simple digital marketing plan you can actually stick to\n\nYou’ll walk away with: \n✔ A personalized mini marketing plan\n✔ Clear next steps to grow your online presence without spending a fortune\n✔ Confidence to market your business authentically \nWho This Is For \nSmall business owners\, service providers\, creatives\, and anyone tired of posting into the void and ready to see real traction online. \n \nPresented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Women’s Business Development Center. This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering\, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars\, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/smart-marketing-strategies-for-small-business-success/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
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