Calendar of Events
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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...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY July 7-28, 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...
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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.
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Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Digital Divide with 10/10 Research
Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Digital Divide with 10/10 Research
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. Drawing on her experience serving clients from global tech companies to local nonprofits, Nicholena will introduce accessible research platforms and survey tools that...
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From Pitch to Payout: Selling to Casinos
From Pitch to Payout: Selling to Casinos
Ready to tap into one of Illinois’ most lucrative yet overlooked markets? From Pitch to Payout: Selling to Casinos is a dynamic 4-part workshop series designed specifically for WBE, MBE, and VBE certified businesses looking to win contracts and grow with the gaming industry. In this hands-on series, you’ll get an insider’s look at casino...
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Women Ignite! 2026
Women Ignite! 2026
Women Ignite! is a statewide leadership convening - connecting women entrepreneurs with community resources designed to help advance and grow their businesses. What to Expect Curated networking designed for real connection Exhibitors offering relevant resources and services Ask an Expert tables for direct engagement Women-owned culinary experiences Featured program highlighting leadership and storytelling #WOMENIGNITE2026...
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Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification Session 1
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification Session 1
What an exciting journey! You received your WBENC WBE certification, and you are taking the next steps towards success! Join us for a 2-part series August 10th and August 17th from 11am to 1pm CST, Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification. Each week we will review impactful information during the first hour while walking through...
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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...
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Kansas City | WBDC Pathways to Partnership: 40 Years and Forward of Empowering Business Leaders
Kansas City | WBDC Pathways to Partnership: 40 Years and Forward of Empowering Business Leaders
From Business Development to Corporate Engagement—Building Success Together Join us for WBDC Pathways to Partnership, a dynamic pre-celebration event leading up to the Women’s Business Development Center’s 40th Anniversary. This gathering brings together Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs), small businesses—from emerging leaders to seasoned veterans—and corporate partners committed to supplier development. Explore upcoming sourcing opportunities, engage...
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Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification – Session 2
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification – Session 2
What an exciting journey! You received your WBENC WBE certification, and you are taking the next steps towards success! Session 2: Crafting your Capability Statement – a one page profile of your firm’s unique value proposition, showcasing your competencies, achievements, and differentiators. And don't worry, if you are unable to make a session, please join...
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Chicago Maker Voices: A Roundtable Discussion
Chicago Maker Voices: A Roundtable Discussion
Are you a local manufacturer, maker, or CPG (consumer packaged goods) business owner looking to connect with a community that truly gets it? Join the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) and the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) for Chicago Maker Voices: A Roundtable Discussion. This unique interactive event is designed to give local creators...
WBE Onboarding
WBE Onboarding
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.
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How to Write a Business Plan Workshop
How to Write a Business Plan Workshop
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...
Kiva Hour
Kiva Hour
Is Kiva a capital option for me and my business? Discover how you can leverage Kiva to fuel your dreams, whether you're starting a business or growing an existing one. We'll walk through the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the various ways you can utilize Kiva. Plus, get inspired by success stories from entrepreneurs who...
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Capital Readiness 101
Capital Readiness 101
Is your business positioned to weather financial challenges, adapt to changing market conditions and take advantage of expansion opportunities? External capital may be a necessary tool. But what should every business owner know about preparing for accessing capital? This session is a must for any business owner hoping to acquire external capital such as grants,...
The Growth Lab | Episode 4
The Growth Lab | Episode 4
The Growth Lab is back — and Episode 4 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...
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Use AI to Start Your Business Smarter
Use AI to Start Your Business Smarter
Have a business idea but aren’t sure if people will actually want what you’re offering? Before you spend time and money building your business, join this Illinois SBDC at the WBDC webinar to learn how to find out what potential customers really need. In this fast, practical 30-minute webinar, you’ll learn how to: Clearly describe...
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