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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women's Business Development Center
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TZID:America/Chicago
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DTSTART:20260308T080000
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DTSTART:20261101T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260707
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260429T221747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T155737Z
UID:36112-1780272000-1783382399@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round
DESCRIPTION: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.\nFor the 1st Round\, WBE’s will use storytelling techniques to clearly describe who they are and what their business does\, delivering their message in a way that creates a memorable and lasting IMPACT on both the audience and the judges. \nTiming: Your pitch will only be 1 minutes. \nFocus: IMPACT your STORY \nFormat: Virtual (ZOOM) \nApplications Open: June 1\, 2026 \nApplications Close: July 6\, 2026 \n  \n**Only 20 will be accepted** \n**Applicants are notified by July 14\, 2026. \n**Mandatory orientation on Tuesday\, July 28\, 2026 (12pm-1pm CST) for Professional Services & (1pm-2pm) for Product \n  \nThank you to our prize donors\n            
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbencpitch-impact-1st-round/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WBENCPitch-IMPACT-1st-Round-e1777501111521.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260603
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260507T181852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T212309Z
UID:36216-1780358400-1780444799@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success June 2026
DESCRIPTION: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 Cohort\, which builds on this foundation with in-depth exploration of marketing\, customer discovery\, and financial forecasting. \nCohort Curriculum\nWeek One: The Proper Mindset\, Approach\, & Preparation \n\nReadiness Assessment\nFive Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs\nFive Steps to Starting a Business\nBusiness Model Canvas\n\nWeek Two: Developing the Business Plan and Business Model Canvas \n\nCraft Your Business Pitch\nMarketing Strategy\nMarketing Process\nSWOT Analysis\n\nWeek Three: Capital Readiness for Start-Ups  \n\nCapital Readiness 101\nCapital Options\nKiva\n\nWeek Four: Legal Consult & Working Session  \n\nLegal Consult with Noeli Serna\nWorking session\n\nCohort Details\nWhen:  \nEvery Tuesday | 9:00 am-11:00 am\, CST \nJune 2 – June 23\, 2026 \nWhere:  \nVia Zoom meetings \nWho: \nIllinois Entrepreneurs \nQuestions?\nPlease reach out to: \nMinerva Calatayud | mcalatayud@WBDC.org  \nFrancisco Ramirez | francisco@horizonteconsult.com  \n  \n \n\n\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/emerging-pre-venture-bootcamp-road-to-success-aurora/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/R2S-Bootcamp.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260602T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260602T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260526T144937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T144957Z
UID:36401-1780398000-1780401600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nJune 2-23\, 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\, June 2-23\, 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-22/2026-06-02/
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:20260608T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260608T123000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260520T224632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T191111Z
UID:36371-1780911000-1780921800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:ScaleHigher (en español) Verano de 2026
DESCRIPTION: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 empresariales conecten y aprendan de otros emprendedores que participan en el curso. \nEn la actualidad\, los propietarios de negocios comprenden la importancia de abordar sus empresas con una mentalidad orientada al crecimiento\, al tiempo que anticipan los desafíos previstos y desarrollan estrategias para superarlos. Este curso está diseñado para ayudar a los emprendedores a reconocer el potencial de una mentalidad de crecimiento y a aprender a utilizarla para aumentar la eficacia de sus sistemas\, la lealtad a la marca y sus ingresos. \nNOTA: NO habrá reunión el 15 y el 17 de junio \nLos temas del curso incluyen:\nMENTALIDAD DE CRECIMIENTO | LIDERAZGO | MARKETING | FINANZAS \nLiderazgo y mentalidad de crecimiento \n\nComprender la mentalidad de crecimiento\nLiderazgo frente a gestión\n\nMarketing en profundidad \n\nComprender el ciclo de ventas y el recorrido del cliente\nAnálisis empresarial y su presencia en redes sociales\nPreparación para la certificación: ¿Es adecuada para su negocio?\n\nFinanzas \n\nComprender las finanzas empresariales\nEvaluar la posición financiera de su negocio\n\nPasar a la acción \n\nIntegrar todos los elementos para el crecimiento / Crear un plan de acción\nEjecutar su plan de crecimiento\n\n\n\n\n\nDetalles\nCandidatos Ideales: \n\nAntigüedad del negocio: Dos años o más\nIngresos: $75\,000 o más\nEmpleados: Dos o más\nSituación: Dedicación al negocio a tiempo completo\nTecnología: Se requiere sitio web del negocio/presencia en línea; debe estar utilizando una herramienta de análisis\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDónde:\nReunión virtual vía Zoom \nCuando: \nCada lunes y miercoles | 9:30 am-12:30 pm\, CST \n8 de junio – 15 de julio\, 2026 \nNOTA: NO habrá reunión el 15 y el 17 de junio \n\n\n\n\n  \nFinanciado por \n \n  \nPresented in partnership with the Illinois SBDC at the Women’s Business Development Center \n \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/scalehigher-en-espanol-verano-de-2026/
CATEGORIES:Talleres en Espanol,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Scalehigher-Spanish.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260608T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260608T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260522T215303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T215303Z
UID:36395-1780916400-1780923600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 1
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/essentials-of-leveraging-your-wbenc-wbe-certification-session-1-2/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Essentials-of-Leveraging-Your-WBE-Certification.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T110000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260520T214152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T230349Z
UID:36366-1780995600-1781002800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:2026 Solopreneurs' Mastermind Series
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis isn’t theory. This is about getting in the field and figuring out what works. \nProgram Details\nStarts: June 9\, meeting every second Tuesday of each month \nDuration: 6 months (June – November) \nFormat: Virtual via Zoom \nTime: 9:00Am -11:00AM \nHow it Works\nMonths 1–2 (June & July): Discovery \nYou’ll identify and shape a market-ready offer that reflects what clients actually need. \nMonths 3–4 (August & September): Land a Test Client \nYou’ll find and secure a real client\, likely at a discounted rate in exchange for a testimonial and a genuine experience. \nMonths 5–6 (October & November): Deliver & Refine \nYou’ll take that client through the full experience and refine your offering based on what actually happens. \nBy the end of six months\, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what your clients truly need\, and an offering built to deliver it. \nWhat You Can Expect\n\nOne focused\, market-ready offer\nOne real test client – no hypotheticals\nProgress over perfection\nHonest conversations and peer support\nA space to build something people will actually pay for\n\nThis program is best suited for solopreneurs who are already running a business and working with clients. \nIf that’s you\, we’d love to have you in the room.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/2026-solopreneurs-mastermind-series/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/solopreneur-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260526T144937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T144937Z
UID:36404-1781002800-1781006400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nJune 2-23\, 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\, June 2-23\, 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-22/2026-06-09/
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:20260609T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260609T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260127T193615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T230527Z
UID:35321-1781006400-1781010000@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-2/2026-06-09/
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:20260610T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T200000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260528T172707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T172707Z
UID:36431-1781114400-1781121600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Entiende tus finanzas y planea para crecer tu negocio de Cuidado Infantil
DESCRIPTION: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. \nFechas: 10 y 11 de junio\, 2026 \nHora: 6-8 pm \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/entiende-tus-finanzas-y-planea-para-crecer-tu-negocio-de-cuidado-infantil-3/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses,Talleres en Espanol,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Childcare-Business-Services-Events.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260522T215502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T215502Z
UID:36397-1781521200-1781528400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 2
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/essentials-of-leveraging-your-wbenc-wbe-certification-session-2-2/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Essentials-of-Leveraging-Your-WBE-Certification.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T103000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260603T193718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T154750Z
UID:36572-1781600400-1781605800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Business Marketing
DESCRIPTION: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 AI works in simple\, practical terms\, followed by a discussion of key limitations to be aware of when using it. Participants will then learn five smart\, actionable ways to use AI for small business marketing—from crafting effective social posts to brainstorming ad ideas—and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you are new to AI or looking to refine your digital strategy\, this session will help you work smarter\, not just harder. \nSponsored By \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/smart-marketing-leveraging-ai-for-small-business-marketing/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SMART-MARKETING-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260526T144937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T144937Z
UID:36405-1781607600-1781611200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nJune 2-23\, 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\, June 2-23\, 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-22/2026-06-16/
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:20260623T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260623T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024904
CREATED:20260526T144937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T144937Z
UID:36406-1782212400-1782216000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nJune 2-23\, 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\, June 2-23\, 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-22/2026-06-23/
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:20260623T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260623T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024905
CREATED:20260528T174134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T174134Z
UID:36433-1782212400-1782216000@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-9/
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:20260624T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T120000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024905
CREATED:20260618T151307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T151307Z
UID:36682-1782298800-1782302400@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-101-5/
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:20260624T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T130000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024905
CREATED:20260506T230022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T151154Z
UID:36211-1782302400-1782306000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:The Fractional Hype - Executive-Level Expertise Without the Full-Time Cost
DESCRIPTION: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 without the full-time cost.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/the-fractional-hype-executive-level-expertise-without-the-full-time-cost/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/The-Fractional-Hype-Executive-Level-Expertise-Without-the-Full-Time-Cost-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T150000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024905
CREATED:20260623T185116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T185116Z
UID:36697-1782309600-1782313200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Starting Your Business in Illinois
DESCRIPTION: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. \n  \n \nPresented by the Illinois SBDC at the Women’s Business Development Center. \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-67/
CATEGORIES:Starting Your Business in Illinois,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SBDC-WBDC-Events.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T190000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024905
CREATED:20260616T185829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T185829Z
UID:36669-1782324000-1782327600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Childcare Collaborative
DESCRIPTION:Childcare Collaborative is a business growth-oriented program presenting relevant topics for childcare providers at all stages of the business lifecycle. Offered on the 4th Wednesday of each month\, Collaborative delivers expert led training and resources\, industry trends\, peer networking opportunities and an on-going partnership supporting participants’ business goals.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/childcare-collaborative-33/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Childcare-Business-Services-Events.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260630T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260630T110000
DTSTAMP:20260828T024905
CREATED:20260528T174421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T174421Z
UID:36435-1782810000-1782817200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Businesses
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe session will unpack how AI works in simple\, practical terms\, followed by a discussion of key limitations to be aware of when using it. Participants will then learn five smart\, actionable ways to use AI for small business marketing—from crafting effective social posts to brainstorming ad ideas—and common pitfalls to avoid. \nWhether you are new to AI or looking to refine your digital strategy\, this session will help you work smarter\, not just harder. \n  \n \n\n\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/smart-marketing-leveraging-ai-for-small-businesses/
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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END:VCALENDAR