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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T180000
DTSTAMP:20260918T065505
CREATED:20260512T192131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T185048Z
UID:36254-1780588800-1780596000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Into the Big Leagues: Unlocking Partnerships\, Procurement & Engagement Opportunities with Chicago’s Professional Women’s Sports Organizations
DESCRIPTION:Chicago professional women’s sports teams aren’t just entertaining- their organizations are potential partners for small business owners! Join us at this no-cost event at Whiskey Girl Tavern to learn about the different avenues available to small business owners interested in working with women’s professional sports organizations. Whether you are looking for a vendor contract\, business expo or other partnership opportunity\, you do not want to miss this high-energy event! Join moderator Emma Westfall\, M.B.A.\, Director of Access to Capital Program and Services at Women’s Business Development Center for this energizing discussion! \nFood and beverage available for purchase. Click here to view their menu. \nMeet the Panel\n \nSabrina Alsaffar (Panelist)\, Associate Director\, Brand & Marketing\, Chicago Stars\, FC \nStarting at Global Affairs Canada in communications and marketing\, Alsaffar worked with over 250 consulates and embassies worldwide on behalf of the Government of Canada. In 2020\, she made the switch into sports marketing at U.S. Soccer\, where she worked two World Cup cycles \nbefore joining Chicago Stars FC to lead the club’s brand and marketing strategies. Her career path ultimately demonstrates that where your career starts doesn’t necessarily dictate the places it can go. \n  \n \nAwvee Storey (Panelist)\, Executive Director\, Chicago Sky Foundation & Community Initiatives \nAwvee Storey leads the organization’s efforts across women’s empowerment\, youth education and leadership\, community health and wellness. Under his leadership\, the Foundation has expanded its programming to create intentional pathways for women and girls through initiatives like the Women’s Small Business Cohort\, mentorship programs\, and leadership development experiences. \nAwvee also oversees the Chicago Sky Basketball Academy\, which provides year-round access to basketball training\, and life skills development for youth across Chicago. The Academy\, along with the Foundation’s broader community work\, is designed to create exposure\, build confidence\, and open doors for young people—particularly girls—to thrive both on and off the court. \nA Chicago native\, Awvee brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience as both a former NBA player and a 15-year career in the WNBA as a coach\, scout\, and player development leader. His approach to community impact is rooted in creating access\, building meaningful relationships\, and using sport as a vehicle for opportunity and growth. \nHe is also a proud father\, raising his daughter who is currently a junior in high school\, which continues to fuel his passion for investing in the next generation. \n  \n \nSamantha Bilzi\, Vice President\, Partnership Sales\, AUSL Chicago Bandits \nSamantha Bilzi is Vice President of Partnership Sales at Athletes Unlimited\, where she leads strategic brand partnerships and revenue growth across one of the fastest-growing platforms in women’s professional sports. She oversees sponsorship development for Athletes Unlimited’s softball\, volleyball\, and basketball leagues\, including the Athletes Unlimited Softball League\, backed by Major League Baseball. \nA seasoned sports business executive with nearly two decades of experience\, Samantha has built integrated partnership programs spanning professional sports\, Olympic properties\, media\, and live events. Throughout her career\, she has secured and negotiated high-impact sponsorship partnerships with brands including Visa\, Toyota\, Kappa\, Bose\, Charles Schwab\, and Invisalign. \nPrior to Athletes Unlimited\, Samantha served as Director of Global Partnerships and Business Development at U.S. Ski & Snowboard\, where she led partnership initiatives supporting America’s Olympic and elite winter athletes for seven years\, including PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2020 Winter Olympics Games. She also served as Commercial Sales Lead for North America at Two Circles\, driving commercial growth and partnership sales for premier sports properties including the Kentucky Derby and the Philadelphia Phillies. \nKnown for building high-impact partnerships that connect brands with culture and fandom\, Samantha has worked with executives and athletes across organizations including Major League Baseball\, Hendrick Motorsports\, Seattle Seahawks and USA Rugby. Her expertise spans partnership sales and development\, integrated marketing strategy and activation\, and exclusive hospitality experiences across both emerging and established sports properties. \nShe began her career with the New York Yankees in 2008 and has since built a reputation for helping brands unlock meaningful engagement through sports partnerships during a transformative era for women’s sports. Samantha earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from The George Washington University with concentrations in Finance and Sports\, Event\, and Hospitality Management. \n \nHeather Roberts (Panelist)\, Owner\, Whiskey Girl Tavern \nHeather Roberts is an established technology attorney and operations executive. She is currently Division Counsel at Wipro Limited where she is responsible for global ecosystems and AI partnership legal matters. Outside of her day job\, Heather and her wife Christina founded and run Whiskey Girl Tavern\, a Chicago craft cocktail and sports bar. Opened in 2022\, Whiskey Girl Tavern is one of the first women’s sports focused bars in the U.S. and has become a community staple in Chicago. \n  \n \nEmma Westfall\, M.B.A. (Moderator)\, Director\, Access to Capital Program and Services\, Women’s Business Development Center \nEmma Westfall is Director of Access to Capital Program and Services at the Women’s Business Development Center. Emma advises entrepreneurs on their capital options and supports the direct lending program. Prior to joining WBDC\, Emma worked in corporate retail inventory management and merchandising. She has extensive experience in corporate DEI initiatives and supplier development program management. Emma holds a B.B.A. in Information Systems and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship and Management from Loyola University Chicago. \n  \nPart of The Source x WBDC Business Series
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/breaking-into-the-big-leagues-unlocking-partnerships-procurement-engagement-opportunities-with-chicagos-professional-womens-sports-organizations/
LOCATION:Whiskey Girl Tavern\, 6318 N Clark St\, Chicago\, IL\, 60660\, United States
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital,In-Person/Classroom Workshop
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T065505
CREATED:20260519T224136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T224705Z
UID:36350-1781029800-1781035200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Starting a Business in Illinois - Get It Right from Day One
DESCRIPTION:Are you thinking about starting a business in Illinois but unsure where to begin? Join our Starting Your Business in Illinois webinar to gain clarity\, confidence\, and a solid foundation for success. \nIn this interactive workshop\, you will: \n\nComplete an initial startup assessment to identify your strengths and gaps\nLearn the five essential steps every new business must take\nUnderstand the legal and practical steps to properly register and launch your business in Illinois\nAvoid common startup mistakes that cost time and money\n\nWhether you’re just exploring an idea or ready to take action\, this webinar will help you move forward with confidence. \nIdeal for first‑time entrepreneurs and early‑stage business owners \nSt Charles Public Library Huntley Community Room \n \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-a-business-in-illinois-get-it-right-from-day-one/
LOCATION:St Charles Public Library\, 1S Sixth st\, St Charles\, IL\, 60174\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person/Classroom Workshop,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T065505
CREATED:20260519T224633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T225536Z
UID:36355-1781202600-1781208000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Inicie Su Negocio en Illinois: Hágalo Bien Desde el Principio
DESCRIPTION:¿Está considerando iniciar un negocio en Illinois pero no sabe por dónde empezar? Acompáñenos en nuestro seminario web “Inicie Su Negocio en Illinois” y obtenga la información y confianza que necesita para dar sus primeros pasos correctamente. \nDurante este taller interactivo\, usted podrá: \n\nRealizar una evaluación inicial para identificar sus fortalezas y áreas de oportunidad como emprendedor\nConocer los cinco pasos básicos para iniciar un negocio con éxito\nAprender los requisitos legales y prácticos para establecer su negocio correctamente en Illinois\nEvitar errores comunes que pueden costar tiempo y dinero\n\nEste seminario es ideal para personas que están explorando una idea de negocio o que desean formalizar su emprendimiento de manera adecuada. \nDirigido a emprendedores principiantes y negocios en etapa inicial \nSt Charles Public Library Carnegie Community Room
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/inicie-su-negocio-en-illinois-hagalo-bien-desde-el-principio/
LOCATION:St Charles Public Library\, 1S Sixth st\, St Charles\, IL\, 60174\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person/Classroom Workshop,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Talleres en Espanol
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260617T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260617T103000
DTSTAMP:20260918T065505
CREATED:20260511T233916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T233916Z
UID:36229-1781685000-1781692200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Workforce Solutions for Growing Businesses
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow local entrepreneurs\, business owners\, and workforce leaders for an interactive\, solutions‑focused summit designed to help you attract\, develop\, and retain talent in today’s evolving labor market. This 2‑hour summit brings together small businesses and key regional partners—including colleges\, chambers of commerce\, workforce agencies\, and business support organizations—to share real‑world strategies you can implement immediately. \nWhat You’ll Gain \n\nPractical hiring and retention strategies for today’s workforce\nInsights on upskilling your current employees\nGuidance on accessing and leveraging workforce funding\nA clearer understanding of Gen Z & emerging workforce expectations\nDirect connections to Fox Valley’s workforce ecosystem\nLeave with actionable tools\, fresh ideas\, and valuable local connections.\n\nWhy Attend? \n\nLearn from real businesses\, not theory\nGet connected to local support resources\nWalk away with strategies you can use right away\n\n \nFunded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions\, conclusions\, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/workforce-solutions-for-growing-businesses/
LOCATION:WBDC Aurora 43 W. Galena Blvd.\, Aurora\, IL
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,In-Person/Classroom Workshop,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T180000
DTSTAMP:20260918T065505
CREATED:20260528T180957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T180957Z
UID:36437-1782316800-1782324000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBDC Quarterly MN Networking - Mix and Make a Difference
DESCRIPTION:Join the WBDC for an impactful happy hour to network\, give back\, and support women in our community. Together we’ll assemble hygiene kits using items purchased through ticket sales and donations supporting People Incorporated – Minnesota’s largest non-profit community provider of mental heath services Every ticket supports the purchase of items for two hygiene kits.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbdc-quarterly-mn-networking-mix-and-make-a-difference/
LOCATION:Urban Growler Brewing Company\, 2325 Endicott Street\, Saint Paul\, MN\, 55114\, United States
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,In-Person/Classroom Workshop
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