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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women's Business Development Center
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DTSTART:20260308T080000
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260420T220423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T220423Z
UID:36087-1777978800-1777982400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nMay 5-26\, 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\, May 5-26\, 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-21/2026-05-05/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GovCon-Bootcamp-_1_.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260420T220423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T220423Z
UID:36088-1778583600-1778587200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nMay 5-26\, 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\, May 5-26\, 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-21/2026-05-12/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GovCon-Bootcamp-_1_.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260512T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260127T193615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T230527Z
UID:35320-1778587200-1778590800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:How to Start your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to turn your passion for caring for children into a thriving business?\nWhether you’re planning to open a home daycare or launch a childcare center\, this one-hour webinar will guide you through the essential steps to get started with confidence. \nSession Overview\nLed by industry experts\, this session will cover: \n\nLicensing and legal requirements\nChoosing the right location and setup\nBuilding a business plan and budget\nMarketing your services to families\n\nYou’ll walk away with practical tools\, resources\, and inspiration to take the next step in your childcare journey. Perfect for aspiring providers and early-stage entrepreneurs! \nWho Should Attend\n\nIndividuals interested in starting a home daycare\nEntrepreneurs planning to open a childcare center\nCaregivers and educators seeking guidance on launching a business\n\nProgram Details\nEvery Second Tuesday of the Month | February 10 – December 8\, 2026 \n12:00PM-1:00PM\, CST \nVia Zoom
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/how-to-start-your-childcare-business-from-vision-to-reality-2/2026-05-12/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/How-to-Start-Your-Childcare-Business-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260420T220423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T220423Z
UID:36089-1779188400-1779192000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nMay 5-26\, 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\, May 5-26\, 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-21/2026-05-19/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GovCon-Bootcamp-_1_.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T143000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260206T193326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T193326Z
UID:35385-1779195600-1779201000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:2026 WBDC Virtual Corporate Connections
DESCRIPTION:A virtual engagement designed to hear from our Corporate Partners on how to do business within their organizations. Procurement and supplier engagement sourcing professionals will highlight their category needs for the next 12 – 18 months as well as provide insights into their sourcing strategies. \nProgram Format \nThe Virtual Corporate Connections begins with a welcome and program highlight.  Then the program will transition to industry specific breakout rooms. That includes 3 breakout sessions in which WBEs select the industry specific rooms they would like to visit. As attendees\, each WBE will provide a 60-second introduction about their company. \nLearn More and Register Here 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/2026-wbdc-virtual-corporate-connections/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Event-Banner-Dot-Design.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260512T152100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T152100Z
UID:36231-1779278400-1779282000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Adopting a Digital Mindset
DESCRIPTION:In this workshop you will learn what a digital mindset is and why it is essential for you and your small business to grow and stay competitive. We will discuss how to choose the right digital tools and solutions for your business needs\, how to measure performance and impact\, and how to foster a digital culture among your employees. You will also have practical tools and tips to help you implement your digital strategy and grow your business.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/adopting-a-digital-mindset/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Startup-and-Emerging-Events.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260420T220423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T220423Z
UID:36090-1779793200-1779796800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nMay 5-26\, 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\, May 5-26\, 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-21/2026-05-26/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GovCon-Bootcamp-_1_.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260512T152309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T152309Z
UID:36234-1779793200-1779796800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Direct Lending Program Information Session
DESCRIPTION:Securing capital may be an important step in fueling your business’ growth. The Access to Capital team is holding an information session on the Direct Lending Program\, an alternative capital option for good businesses and owners with less-than-perfect credit history. Join us for an informational webinar to learn more about the Direct Lending Program\, borrower eligibility and other requirements. Register now!
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/direct-lending-program-information-session-8/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Access-to-Capital-Services-Events.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260512T152512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T152512Z
UID:36236-1779879600-1779883200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Capital Readiness 101
DESCRIPTION:Capital readiness means your business is positioned to weather financial challenges\, adapt to changing market conditions and take advantage of expansion opportunities. This session is a must for any businessowner hoping to acquire external capital\, including grants\, lines of credit\, credit cards and/or term loans. Please join Women’s Business Development Center Director Emma Westfall for this insightful session!
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/capital-readiness-101-4/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Access-to-Capital-Services-Events.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T040729
CREATED:20260519T213435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T174136Z
UID:36345-1779883200-1779886800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:The Growth Lab | Episode 2
DESCRIPTION:The Growth Lab is back — and Episode 2 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 2 — Join us live May 27 | 12PM\nMeet Our Founder: Marianna Swallow | Executive Coach\, Professional Speaker\, and Founder of Speak Easy Strategies \nMarianna Swallow has spent over 20 years helping more than 25\,000 professionals become clearer\, more confident communicators. As the founder of Speak Easy Strategies\, she coaches executives\, teams\, and individuals on public speaking and presentation skills. \nNow\, Marianna is pivoting. She’s transitioning from one-on-one coaching to speaking and workshop facilitation\, and like many entrepreneurs in the middle of a big shift\, her marketing has hit a hurdle. The tactics that worked for years have suddenly gone quiet. And the question every established business owner dreads: Is any of this even working? \nMarianna 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\nMaura Downs | Chief Program Officer\, WBDC \nKaren Goldner | Managing Director\, Established Business Program and Services\, WBDC \nAisha Ahrens | Managing Director\, Entrepreneurial Program and Services\, WBDC \nTogether\, they’ll dig into Marinna’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-2/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Episode-2-Founder-Announcement.png
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