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X-WR-CALNAME:Women's Business Development Center
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women's Business Development Center
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260601
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260707
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260624T214818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T214818Z
UID:36701-1782907200-1782910800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:The Growth Lab | Episode 3
DESCRIPTION:The Growth Lab is back — and Episode 3 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 3 — Join us live July 1 | 12PM\nMeet Our Founder: Jennifer Nowicki | Founder of Cultivate Taste Tea and former Top Shelf Retail participant \nJennifer Nowicki is the founder of Cultivate Taste Tea\, a premium loose-leaf tea company specializing in pure single-origin teas sourced from renowned tea-growing regions around the world. With more than 30 years in the tea industry and 35 years in gourmet and natural foods\, Jennifer is a Certified Tea Specialist through the Specialty Tea Institute in New York City and has represented the U.S. tea industry at international tea conferences in China. Through Cultivate Taste Tea\, she helps tea enthusiasts\, hospitality businesses\, retailers\, and corporate gifting clients discover exceptional teas defined by craftsmanship\, terroir\, and authenticity. \nJennifer’s challenge for our advisors is in identifying the highest-leverage revenue channels for a premium specialty product. She would like to make more sales and is currently not meeting her potential and market share. Jennifer currently doesn’t have much of a budget\, and believes capital is the solution she needs. However\, she is nervous about small business loans and would like to learn more about her options to overcome her fear of financing. \nJennifer 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\nKaren Goldner | Managing Director\, Established Business Program and Services\, WBDC \nEmma Westfall | Director\, Access to Capital Program and Services\, 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-3/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Episode-3-Founder-Announcement.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260714T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260714T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260127T193615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T230527Z
UID:35322-1784030400-1784034000@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-2/2026-07-14/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260715T140000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260701T181748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T181748Z
UID:36753-1784120400-1784124000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:How To Sell to Illinois with Krysti Rinaldi
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to sell your products and services to the state of Illinois. Join Krysti Rinaldi\, Assistant Deputy Director for the Bureau of Strategic Sourcing\, who will share insights on how to make Illinois your customer. Krysti oversees the procurement and administration of hundreds of State-wide master contracts which are vital to providing supplies and services to State agencies\, Universities\, and units of local government. The State of Illinois purchases billions of products each year. Register to learn about the special programs that can help you grow your revenues.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/how-to-sell-to-illinois-with-krysti-rinaldi/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Government-Contracting.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260716T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260608T201307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T201307Z
UID:36603-1784203200-1784206800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Know Before You Apply - WBE Certification
DESCRIPTION:This one-hour workshop is for those who are interested in learning more about WBENC’s Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. Topics will range from types of certification to documents required for the WBE application. 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/know-before-you-apply-wbe-certification/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wbe-certification-event.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260720
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260721
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260701T183418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T193721Z
UID:36755-1784505600-1784591999@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success | Registration Deadline
DESCRIPTION:FOR IL RESIDENTS ONLY. \nRoad to Success Bootcamp is a 4-week bootcamp that covers introductory concepts necessary for emerging and pre-venture entrepreneurs. This bootcamp will include three business education workshops and one combined legal clinic and working session. Participants must complete all four sessions\, attend one advising session\, and complete a follow-up survey in order to be considered a graduate. Graduates are then invited to attend the Road to Success cohort.  \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\nRegistration Deadline:  \nJuly 20\, 2026 \nWhen:  \nEvery Tuesday | 9:00 am-11:00 am\, CST \nJuly 21\, 28 and August 4\, 11\, 2026 \nWhere:  \nVia Zoom meetings \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-3/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/R2S-Bootcamp.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260723T120000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260709T154420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T154420Z
UID:36803-1784804400-1784808000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:A Beginner's Guide to Cashflow Projections
DESCRIPTION:Projecting cashflow can help business owners prepare for a variety of scenarios and can be a powerful tool in a business owner’s decision making. Business owners are invited to join us to learn how to craft their own cashflow projection. Attendees can expect to leave this session with a firm understanding of the benefits of projecting business cashflow and how to create their own! \nThis webinar is in partnership with Cook County Small Business Source.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/a-beginners-guide-to-cashflow-projections/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Cohort-Email-Banner-Promo-Template.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260729T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260728T051654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T051654Z
UID:36982-1785326400-1785330000@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 \nPresented by the Illinois SBDC at the Women’s Business Development Center.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-68/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,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:20260730T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260730T133000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011447
CREATED:20260713T233545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T173510Z
UID:36825-1785412800-1785418200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Digital Divide with 10/10 Research
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Lunch & Learn with Nicholena Patel\, founder of 10/10 Research\, as she explores how digital tools can help entrepreneurs gather meaningful market insights and make smarter business decisions. \n Drawing on her experience serving clients from global tech companies to local nonprofits\, Nicholena will introduce accessible research platforms and survey tools that simplify the market research process. Participants will also learn practical strategies for recognizing and reducing bias in data to ensure more reliable results.  \nWhether you’re validating a new idea or refining your business strategy\, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to conduct effective\, data-driven research. \nFeatured Speaker | Nicholena Patel\, founder of 10/10 Research \nAfter a decade in research consultancy\, Nicholena founded 10/10 Research to address the research needs of the changing industrial climate and technological developments in the world today. Nicholena holds an M.A. in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago\, and a B.A. in Sociology from Temple University. She has had the privilege of working with clients ranging from Big Tech giants to small non-profits\, and believes research is a powerful tool for the betterment of all. She lives in Chicago with her family\, and enjoys watching Sci-fi and cooking in her free time. \n  \nSponsored by AT&T
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/lunch-learn-bridging-the-digital-divide-with-10-10-research/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Bridging-the-Digital-Divide-with-1010-Research.png
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