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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260820T083000
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SUMMARY:Chicago Maker Voices: A Roundtable Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Are you a local manufacturer\, maker\, or CPG (consumer packaged goods) business owner looking to connect with a community that truly gets it? \nJoin the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) and the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) for Chicago Maker Voices: A Roundtable Discussion. This unique interactive event is designed to give local creators and manufacturers a platform to connect\, collaborate\, and commiserate. You’ll dive into engaging breakout sessions with fellow business owners\, business service organizations\, and decision-makers to share your daily challenges\, brainstorm actionable solutions\, and celebrate collective wins. Don’t miss this opportunity to network\, exchange ideas\, and drive real change for local industry. This is a free event. \nSpace is limited! Secure your spot today to collaborate with fellow business leaders and help strengthen Chicago’s entrepreneurial community. \nLocated off the Kedzie Green Line stop. Private parking lot will be available.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/chicago-maker-voices-a-roundtable-discussion-2/
CATEGORIES:In-Person/Classroom Workshop,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Starting Your Business in Illinois
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Chicago-Maker-Voices.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T113000
DTSTAMP:20260916T070640
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UID:35471-1787648400-1787657400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:How to Write a Business Plan Workshop 
DESCRIPTION:FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS ONLY. “How to Write a Business Plan\,” a virtual workshop designed specifically for pre-venture entrepreneurs. In this workshop\, current and future entrepreneurs learn how to turn your business ideas into a structured business plan that sets your venture up for success. Whether you are new to entrepreneurship or refining your concept\, this session will give you the tools and confidence to move forward. 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/how-to-write-a-business-plan-workshop/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Startup-and-Emerging-Events.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260826T130000
DTSTAMP:20260916T070640
CREATED:20260806T213349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T211844Z
UID:37060-1787745600-1787749200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:The Growth Lab | Episode 4
DESCRIPTION:The Growth Lab is back — and Episode 4 is going to be one you don’t want to miss.\nAt The Growth Lab\, entrepreneurs bring their real business challenges to a panel of experienced advisors and subject matter experts. In each session\, one founder takes the spotlight\, sharing the questions keeping them up at night while our panel of advisors delivers strategic insight\, honest feedback\, and actionable guidance. \nEPISODE 4 — Join us live August 26 | 12PM\nMeet Our Founder: Michelle Aronson | Founder of Culture + Strategy Lab \nA former HR executive\, graduate professor\, podcast host\, aspiring author\, and founder of Culture + Strategy Lab\, Michelle Aronson helps leaders create cultures that drive business results by connecting what organizations want to achieve with how people lead\, decide\, and work. After losing her father to Alzheimer’s\, Michelle spent a year traveling the world with the people she loves. The experience changed her perception of time and left her with a lesson that now shapes many of her choices: do not defer the dreams that matter. Life is short. Start now. Today\, she is building a business\, teaching graduate students\, collecting workplace stories\, and writing her first book. She believes growth is essential\, play is underrated\, and Human Resources is one of the most important places to work because people\, growth\, and business results all meet there. She also believes dark chocolate and white space are both essential resources. \nRecently\, Michelle has been navigating the challenge of growing her business while operating with limited resources. She is seeking guidance on reaching new customer segments and scaling operations without compromising quality. Overall\, arriving at the question: What practical strategies exist to support sustainable growth and long-term success. \nMichelle is bringing those questions to The Growth Lab\, and our panel of experienced advisors will dig in live. \nThis is not a webinar. This is not a workshop. This is real talk\, real challenges\, and real solutions – live. \nAdvisory Panel\nSoraya Hernandez | Director\, International Trade Center\, WBDC \nMaura Downs | Chief Program Officer\, WBDC \nGayle Ballard | Director\, Entrepreneurial Program and Services\, Division I\, WBDC \nTogether\, they’ll dig into Jennifer’s questions\, dive into her challenges\, and offer strategic guidance. \nWhat to Expect\n\nMeet the founder and hear her story\nWatch a live advisory panel tackle her real business challenges\nWalk away with insights you can apply to your own business\n\nYou can join us live as a webinar and be part of the experience in real time\, or catch the full episode on our YouTube channel after it airs. Either way\, you won’t want to miss it.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/the-growth-lab-episode-4/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Episode-3-Founder-Announcement.png
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