Virtual
Calendar of Events
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WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round
This year the WBDC will host WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round in two segments. One will be for professional services and the other will be for products. Applications will open for both at the same time. For the 1st Round, WBE's will use storytelling techniques to clearly describe who they are and what their business does,...
3 events,
Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success June 2026
WBDC’s Road to Success four-week Bootcamp provides Illinois entrepreneurs with the essential tools to build and grow sustainable businesses. Our Road to Success Bootcamp is a prerequisite which lays the foundation for business setup and planning fundamentals. After completion of the bootcamp and all its assignments, graduates are invited to join our Road to Success...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY June 2-23, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Join 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. Here’s a peek...
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
3 events,
ScaleHigher (en español) Verano de 2026
ScaleHigher (en español) Verano de 2026
ScaleHigher une la educación empresarial tradicional, el entrenamiento en liderazgo y los conocimientos sobre habilidades digitales en una sola cohorte. Los propietarios de negocios tienen acceso a oportunidades de aprendizaje práctico impartidas por expertos en la materia, asesoramiento personalizado de especialistas en branding y herramientas digitales, así como una oportunidad única para que los líderes...
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 1
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 1
This interactive 2-part series is designed for WBENC WBEs who want to make sure they are using their WBE Certification to the fullest. Session 1 is Navigating Corporate Procurement Programs, WBENCLink2.0. and how to effectively market your business using the tool of certification.
4 events,
2026 Solopreneurs’ Mastermind Series
2026 Solopreneurs’ Mastermind Series
Join the Solopreneurs' Mastermind Series: a focused, 6-month program for Illinois solo business owners who are actively working with clients and ready to sharpen what they offer, find the right clients, and learn from actually doing the work. This isn't theory. This is about getting in the field and figuring out what works. Program Details...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY June 2-23, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Join 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. Here’s a peek...
How to Start your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality
How to Start your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality
Are you ready to turn your passion for caring for children into a thriving business? Whether 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. Session Overview Led by industry experts, this session will cover: Licensing and...
2 events,
Entiende tus finanzas y planea para crecer tu negocio de Cuidado Infantil
Entiende tus finanzas y planea para crecer tu negocio de Cuidado Infantil
En este taller de dos días aprenderás a preparar e interpretar los estados financieros, como hacer un presupuesto y como establecer indicadores clave de desempeño para una mejor toma de decisiones. Aprenderás a calcular el punto de equilibrio y crear un presupuesto. Fechas: 10 y 11 de junio, 2026 Hora: 6-8 pm Funded (in part)...
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 2
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 2
This interactive 2-part series is designed for WBENC WBEs who want to make sure they are using their WBE Certification to the fullest. Session 2 will focus on your Capability Statement - a one page profile of your firm’s unique value proposition, showcasing your competencies, achievements, and differentiators.
3 events,
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Business Marketing
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Business Marketing
In this 1.5-hour workshop, small business owners will explore how to leverage AI—especially tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot—to boost marketing effectiveness and productivity. You’ll start by understanding what AI is (and what it isn’t) and how the platforms we hear about fit into the broader picture of artificial intelligence. The session will unpack how...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY June 2-23, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Join 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. Here’s a peek...
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
3 events,
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY June 2-23, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Join 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. Here’s a peek...
Direct Lending Program Information Session
Direct Lending Program Information Session
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...
5 events,
Capital Readiness 101
Capital Readiness 101
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...
The Fractional Hype – Executive-Level Expertise Without the Full-Time Cost
The Fractional Hype – Executive-Level Expertise Without the Full-Time Cost
Every business deserves the right support at the right moment. Our fractional executives partner with you to strengthen your people, processes, systems, and strategy—creating momentum that moves your business forward. Join us for a panel discussion with W. EDGE Collective where we will discuss how a fractional executive can help your business gain executive-level leadership...
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Are you considering starting a business in Illinois? During the workshop, we will take an initial assessment to help you recognize your startup strengths, introduce you to five basic startup steps, and review the legal entities recommended for startups. Presented by the Illinois SBDC at the Women’s Business Development Center.
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Businesses
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Businesses
For IL residents only. In this 1.5-hour workshop, small business owners will explore how to leverage AI—especially tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot—to boost marketing effectiveness and productivity. You’ll start by understanding what AI is (and what it isn’t) and how the platforms we hear about fit into the broader picture of artificial intelligence. The...
2 events,
The Growth Lab | Episode 3
The Growth Lab | Episode 3
The Growth Lab is back — and Episode 3 is going to be one you don’t want to miss. At 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...
1 event,
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- There are no events on this day.