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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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TZID:America/Chicago
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DTSTART:20260308T080000
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DTSTART:20261101T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260929T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260929T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260902T222206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T222206Z
UID:37207-1790683200-1790686800@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-69/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,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:20261006T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261006T113000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260224T163136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T164322Z
UID:35473-1791277200-1791286200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Smart Marketing Leveraging: AI for Small Business Marketing
DESCRIPTION:FOR ILLINOIS 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 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.
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:20261007T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261007T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260918T164707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T164707Z
UID:37270-1791396000-1791403200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Finance Workshop for Childcare Businesses
DESCRIPTION:In this workshop\, childcare business owners will learn how to prepare and interpret financial statements\, create effective budgets\, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to make informed business decisions. Register today to learn how to calculate your break-even point\, develop a pricing strategy that reflects the true cost of care\, and increase the profitability and sustainability of your childcare program.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/finance-workshop-for-childcare-businesses-2/2026-10-07/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Finance-workshop-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260918T164707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T164707Z
UID:37273-1791482400-1791489600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Finance Workshop for Childcare Businesses
DESCRIPTION:In this workshop\, childcare business owners will learn how to prepare and interpret financial statements\, create effective budgets\, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to make informed business decisions. Register today to learn how to calculate your break-even point\, develop a pricing strategy that reflects the true cost of care\, and increase the profitability and sustainability of your childcare program.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/finance-workshop-for-childcare-businesses-2/2026-10-08/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Finance-workshop-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T140000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260107T231220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T231220Z
UID:35185-1791802800-1791813600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification - Session 1
DESCRIPTION:This interactive 2-part series is designed for WBEs who want to make sure they are using their WBENC WBE Certification to the fullest. Session 2 is How to Develop an Impactful Capability Statement. The one-page capability statement is a critical tool in articulating your value to potential customers.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/essentials-of-leveraging-your-wbe-certification-session-1-7/
CATEGORIES:Certification
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:20261013T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261013T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
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:20261015T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T100000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20251215T231453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T231453Z
UID:35086-1792054800-1792058400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBE Onboarding
DESCRIPTION:​Newly certified as a WBENC WBE\, or wanting a refresher about how the WBDC and WBENC networks work? Join us for this free 45-minute webinar. Please note that this program is aimed at companies who are WBE certified\, not those thinking about getting certified.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-onboarding-43/
CATEGORIES:Certification
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wbe-certification-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T220000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260615T181110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T183527Z
UID:36651-1792087200-1792101600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBDC 40th Anniversary Celebration
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited! \nFor 40 years\, the Women’s Business Development Center has been the place where ideas became businesses\, where founders became leaders\, and where the Midwest’s economy got stronger\, one woman-owned business at a time. \nNone of this would have been possible without you. \nThat’s why we want you to join us on Thursday\, October 15\, 2026\, at the Adler Planetarium for WBDC 40 & Forward\, a gala honoring the community that built four decades of impact and the future we’re creating together. \n\nAn inspiring program celebrating the founders\, business owners\, partners\, and leaders who shaped WBDC’s first 40 years\nA Legacy Gallery curated from four decades of stories\, wins\, milestones\, and moments that mattered\nThe Adler’s immersive exhibits and breathtaking Sky Shows\nLive entertainment and an evening of reconnecting with the entire WBDC community\n\nWhile we honor the past\, we’re raising critical support to expand the programs and services that will shape the next generation of entrepreneurs. Your presence and your investment make that possible. \n  \nWe hope you’ll join us under the stars!\nThursday\, October 15\, 2026 | 6–10 PM | Adler Planetarium \n  \nPlease note: No tickets will be sold at the door. 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbdc-40th-anniversary-celebration/
LOCATION:Adler Planetarium\, 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
CATEGORIES:WBDC Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Content-Pillar-Playbook-5-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T120000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260909T221445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T195958Z
UID:37236-1792224000-1792238400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Building a Strong Financial Foundation for Childcare Business Growth
DESCRIPTION:Ready to take your childcare business to the next level? Financial success starts with understanding the numbers behind your operations. This workshop will empower childcare providers with the knowledge and confidence needed to manage finances effectively\, plan for growth\, and increase long-term sustainability. \nEvent Information\nHybrid Event:\nIn-Person: Chase Branch | 4730 W 79th Chicago IL 60652 | Register Here\nVirtual: Zoom | 990 539 5520 PC: 232323 \nFree parking \nIn Collaboration With \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. \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/building-a-strong-financial-foundation-for-childcare-business-growth/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Strong-Foundations-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261019T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261019T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260107T231342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T231342Z
UID:35187-1792407600-1792414800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification - Session 2
DESCRIPTION:This interactive 2-part series is designed for WBEs who want to make sure they are using their WBENC WBE Certification to the fullest. Session 2 is How to Develop an Impactful Capability Statement. The one-page capability statement is a critical tool in articulating your value to potential customers.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/essentials-of-leveraging-your-wbe-certification-session-2-6/
CATEGORIES:Certification
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:20261022T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261022T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260813T192032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T185708Z
UID:37089-1792692000-1792699200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Elevate | Otoño 2026
DESCRIPTION:Nuestro Programa de Desarrollo Empresarial para Cuidado Infantil está diseñado específicamente para brindar apoyo a dueños de negocios de cuidado infantil\, tanto en hogares como en centros. \nLos participantes del programa Elevate seguirán un proceso para aprender: \n\nExpandir su negocio: Desarrollarán estrategias para aumentar la clientela y expandir sus operaciones.\nMarketing efectivo: Obtendrán conocimientos sobre las mejores prácticas de marketing para promover sus servicios.\nGestión financiera: Adquirirán habilidades para manejar las finanzas de manera efectiva.\n\nDurante esta cohorte\, aprenderán a expandirse desde su hogar hasta un centro de cuidado infantil y a ser más rentables y eficientes. Al finalizar el programa\, cada participante contará con un plan de crecimiento de un año personalizado para su negocio. \nDetalles del Programa\nFechas: Cada jueves | 22 de octubre – 12 de noviembre\, 2026 \nHorario: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm\, CST \nUbicación: Zoom\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/elevate-otono-2026/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses,Talleres en Espanol,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Spanish-elevate.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261029T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260902T180403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T185150Z
UID:37201-1793296800-1793304000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Road to Success in Polish | Kurs na sukces
DESCRIPTION:Kurs na sukces. \nZacznij swój biznes już dziś! \nPierwszy w historii WBDC kurs przedsiębiorczości prowadzony w całości po polsku. \nBezpłatny kurs online dla wszystkich\, którzy chcą założyć własny biznes albo dopiero zaczynają. \nCztery wieczory\, konkretne kroki\, zero kosztów. \nCzwartki\, 29.10\, 5.11\, 12.11\, 19.11.2026\, 18:00-20:00 \nProwadzony przez dr Kingę Kosmalę\, dyrektorkę ds. przedsiębiorczości. \n\nRoad to Success in Polish \nStart your business today!\nFirst cohort in the history of the WBDC taught entirely in Polish. An online course for all who want to start their business. Free of charge. \nFour evenings\, specific advice\, zero cost. \nThursdays\, 10/29\, 11/5\, 11/12\, 11/19/2026\, 6:00-8:00pm \nTaught by Dr\, Kinga Kosmala\, Director of Entrepreneurial Business Program and Services
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/road-to-success-in-polish-kurs-na-sukces/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Road-to-Success-Polish-Banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261110T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
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:20261119T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261119T100000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20251215T231544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T231544Z
UID:35089-1795078800-1795082400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBE Onboarding
DESCRIPTION:​Newly certified as a WBENC WBE\, or wanting a refresher about how the WBDC and WBENC networks work? Join us for this free 45-minute webinar. Please note that this program is aimed at companies who are WBE certified\, not those thinking about getting certified.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-onboarding-44/
CATEGORIES:Certification
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wbe-certification-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261201T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261201T110000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20260224T163817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T163817Z
UID:35475-1796115600-1796122800@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-3/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses
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:20261208T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261208T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261217T100000
DTSTAMP:20260918T115301
CREATED:20251215T231923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T231923Z
UID:35091-1797498000-1797501600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBE Onboarding
DESCRIPTION:​Newly certified as a WBENC WBE\, or wanting a refresher about how the WBDC and WBENC networks work? Join us for this free 45-minute webinar. Please note that this program is aimed at companies who are WBE certified\, not those thinking about getting certified.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-onboarding-45/
CATEGORIES:Certification
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wbe-certification-event.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR