BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Women's Business Development Center - ECPv6.11.2.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
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
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T120000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011411
CREATED:20260824T175421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T230303Z
UID:37132-1789470000-1789473600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Government Contracting Beginner's Bootcamp
DESCRIPTION:ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY \nSeptember 15 – October 6\, 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. This bootcamp is tailored for Aurora business owners\, but all Illinois entrepreneurs are welcome! \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\, September 15 – October 6\, 2026 \n11 am – 12 pm\, CST \nWhere:  \nVia Zoom meetings \nFacilitator:  \nAisha Ahrens | aahrens@wbdc.org \nHosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator at the WBDC
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/government-contracting-beginners-bootcamp-24/
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:20260916T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260916T120000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011411
CREATED:20260814T150726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T150726Z
UID:37103-1789556400-1789560000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBE Certification: Know Before You Apply
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/wbe-certification-know-before-you-apply-8/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wbe-certification-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260919
DTSTAMP:20260827T011411
CREATED:20260825T194303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260825T223049Z
UID:37144-1789689600-1789775999@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:FedCon Cohort | Application Deadline
DESCRIPTION:Unlock Federal Contracts: Grow Your Manufacturing Business with the U.S. Government\nDo you want to expand your business in 2027 with the Federal Government as your client? The WBDC has developed a unique federal government training opportunity available for your business: FedCon \nWhat’s FedCon?\nFedCon is an exclusive 8-week training program designed specifically for established Illinois manufacturing businesses ready to scale through federal contracting. For this Fall session\, we’ll focus on training manufacturers and distributors of goods you’d like to sell to the government. Learn how to navigate the procurement process\, connect with key agencies\, make the right connection with the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) manager for your industry\, and position your company for long-term success in the government marketplace. \nPROGRAM DETAILS \nProgram Dates:\nFridays\, September 25 – November 13\, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST \nWhere:\nA dynamic mix of in-person sessions and virtual workshops to fit your schedule and maximize learning. \nCost:\nThanks to generous sponsorship from Capital One and the Illinois APEX Accelerator at the WBDC\, there’s no cost to participate. \nApplication Deadline: \nSeptember 18\, 2026 \nFacilitator: Donna Beasley | dbeasley@wbdc.org \nReady to Make the Government Your Next Big Customer? \nApply today! Spots are limited. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your business and tap into billions in federal contracts. \n \n  \n \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/fedcon-cohort-application-deadline-3/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FedCon.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261006T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261006T113000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011411
CREATED:20260224T163136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T163136Z
UID:35473-1791277200-1791286200@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-2/
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:20261013T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011411
CREATED:20260127T193615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T230528Z
UID:35325-1791892800-1791896400@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-2/2026-10-13/
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:20261110T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011411
CREATED:20260127T193615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T230528Z
UID:35326-1794312000-1794315600@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-2/2026-11-10/
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:20261208T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261208T130000
DTSTAMP:20260827T011411
CREATED:20260127T193615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T230528Z
UID:35327-1796731200-1796734800@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-2/2026-12-08/
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
END:VCALENDAR