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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women's Business Development Center
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260421
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260422
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UID:35420-1776729600-1776815999@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:The SAGE Advice Program: Strategies to Advance and Grow Enterprises | Application Deadline
DESCRIPTION:Presented by WBDC Midwest in partnership with Capital One  \nSAGE Advice is a dynamic\, hands-on initiative designed to empower women-owned small businesses to grow and thrive. This program delivers customized learning experiences led by accomplished women entrepreneurs and Capital One associates.  \nThe SAGE Advice Program fosters meaningful\, high-impact connections between experienced business leaders and women-owned businesses. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to help women-owned businesses generating under $1 million in annual revenue reach that critical $1 million milestone—a key threshold for long-term sustainability and growth.  \nThrough expert guidance\, practical tools\, and a supportive network\, SAGE Advice equips participants with the strategies and confidence needed to scale successfully.  \nParticipant Commitments \nIf accepted into the program\, participants must:  \n\nAttend and actively engage in all in-person sessions \n\n\nSubmit a one-time program fee of $150 (not paid until you are admitted into the program) \n\n\nParticipate in monthly one-on-one meetings with a Capital One Business Resource Partner (BRP) \n\n\nComplete occasional assignments between sessions \n\nNote: Participation in SAGE Advice does not guarantee business or contracting opportunities with Capital One. The program is focused on education\, development\, and growth.  \nAm I Right for SAGE Advice? \nThe SAGE Advice program is intended for Certified WBEs in the WBDC-Midwest area\, who are seeking guidance\, support\, and community from a network of likeminded WBEs and business experts from diverse backgrounds.  \nParticipants must have completed at least three years in business and have a 3-year average revenue of between $300K–$1.0M.  \nImportant Note: If your business falls slightly below or above these revenue guidelines\, please still apply. This program can provide valuable support regardless of your current stage.  \nQuestions? Watch our Information Session\nGet your questions answered here. Password: 0P#Ncb9i \nProgram Structure \nSAGE Advice will run the following dates in 2026: May 12-13\, June 23-24\, July 14-15\, and August 11-12. Each cohort meets in person in Riverwoods\, Illinois. Participants are required to attend all four sessions of the program to graduate.  \nWhy Participate in the SAGE Advice Program? \nThe SAGE Advice Program offers Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) a transformative experience filled with expert guidance\, meaningful connections\, and practical tools to support long-term growth.  \nProgram Benefits Include: \n\nFour-Month Mentorship: Work one-on-one with a dedicated Capital One Associate who understands your business needs and goals \n\n\nProfessional Consultations: Receive expert advice from experienced small business bankers \n\n\nApplied Learning: Complete reflective assignments that connect business theory to real-world application \n\n\nGrowth Tools: Gain actionable resources to simplify complex topics like financing\, cash flow management\, and strategic planning \n\nBeyond the curriculum\, SAGE Advice fosters a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs\, encouraging collaboration\, support\, and shared success.  \nUpon Completion\, Participants Will Walk Away With: \n\nA comprehensive strategic business plan\, budget\, and enhanced digital presence \n\n\nA refined business pitch\, ready for procurement conversations \n\n\nA strong network of like-minded women business owners committed to mutual growth \n\nGraduates of SAGE Advice leave with the confidence\, skills\, and connections to take their businesses to the next level.  \n \nSessions and Program Format are subject to change. Location information to be provided once accepted.  \nApply Today \nAfter you complete the application\, you’ll be prompted via email to schedule a 15-30 minute appointment with the WBDC to discuss participation in the program and answer whatever questions you may have. 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/the-sage-advice-program-strategies-to-advance-and-grow-enterprises-application-deadline/
CATEGORIES:Certification
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SAGE-1.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T120000
DTSTAMP:20260912T123609
CREATED:20260113T235101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T195450Z
UID:35217-1776769200-1776772800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBE Certification: Know Before You Apply 
DESCRIPTION:This one-hour workshop is for those who are interested in learning more about WBENC’s Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. Topics will range from types of certification to documents required for the WBE application. 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-certification-know-before-you-apply-10/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wbe-certification-event.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260421T120000
DTSTAMP:20260912T123609
CREATED:20260401T162541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T162541Z
UID:35951-1776769200-1776772800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nApril 7-28\, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm \nJoin the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp hosted by the Illinois Apex Accelerator at WBDC Tuesdays 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:  \nTuesdays\, April 7-28\, 2026 \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-20/2026-04-21/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting
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