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PRODID:-//Women's Business Development Center - ECPv6.11.2.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
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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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BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
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TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
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TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20230312T080000
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TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
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DTSTART:20231105T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230710T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230710T170000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230308T213012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230308T213012Z
UID:27371-1689004800-1689008400@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 thirty-minute webinar.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-onboarding-7/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Established Businesses,Virtual,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Established-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230711T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230711T120000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230623T174033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230623T174154Z
UID:28469-1689073200-1689076800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Crowdfund your Small Business Goals with Kiva’s 0% Interest Microloans
DESCRIPTION:Exploring financial options as a business can be challenging. Have you ever thought about what exists beyond the bank? Want to learn how crowdfunding could be your digital avenue to accessing capital? Find out how Kiva’s zero percent interest microloans can be a solution and crowdfund your business goals. In this webinar\, you will learn about the loan application process and overall eligibility. There will be time for a Q&A session at the end. \nIf you would like to submit your questions ahead of time\, please email our Capital Access Manager at Kiva Chicago\, Gabriella Bomben: chicago@local.kiva.org
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/crowdfund-your-small-business-goals-with-kivas-0-interest-microloans-9/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Access-to-Capital-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230717T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230717T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230710T225303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T225303Z
UID:28828-1689588000-1689591600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Get Your Business Financial Documentation Prepped and Ready! Introduction to Kiva and WBDC Direct Lending Program
DESCRIPTION:Are your “loan ready”? Do you have the appropriate business documentation to apply for funding? Is your financial toolkit up to date? Join us to learn about the critical documents your business should have in place and readily available as you apply for funding. You will also learn about our 2 in-house loan products\, Kiva and WBDC Direct Lending Program. Alternative and mission-driven lending that ignites business growth.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/get-your-business-financial-documentation-prepped-and-ready-introduction-to-kiva-and-wbdc-direct-lending-program/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Access-to-Capital-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230718T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230718T120000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230623T175510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230623T175510Z
UID:28477-1689678000-1689681600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Kiva Basics: Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Profile
DESCRIPTION:You know the saying . . . a picture is worth a thousand words. Your entrepreneurial and personal story matters too! Thinking about applying for Kiva’s 0% interest microloan? Learn how to build a quality crowdfunding profile page for your Kiva application and fundraising campaign! We will discuss the 5 different components to your profile and 5 different themes to keep in mind. Know the tactics before you apply!
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/kiva-basics-creating-a-successful-crowdfunding-profile-4/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Access-to-Capital-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230719T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230719T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230623T180206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T221957Z
UID:28481-1689760800-1689764400@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 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-4/
LOCATION:DBC Offices\, 4137 Sauk Trail\, Richton Park\, IL\, 60471\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person/Classroom Workshop,Starting Your Business in Illinois
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SBDC-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230719T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230719T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230623T180608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230623T180608Z
UID:28484-1689760800-1689764400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to WBE Certification for Corporate Contracting
DESCRIPTION:This webinar provides businesses with an introduction to WBE Certification and Corporate Contracting and includes: \n\nOverview of how corporations buy goods and services.\nThe role of WBE certification.\nNext steps to get started.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/introduction-to-wbe-certification-for-corporate-contracting/
CATEGORIES:Certification
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Established-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230725T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230725T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230623T181348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230627T172240Z
UID:28486-1690277400-1690284600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:ESG in the Food and Beverage Industry
DESCRIPTION:The purpose of the workshop is to help WBEs working within the Food and Beverage Industry (or hoping to) better understand the importance of ESG to corporations and how Food and Beverage Corporations think about ESG. The topics that will be covered include ESG 101\, Logistics\, Ethical Sourcing\, Consumer Packaged Goods\, and Maintenance\, Repair\, and Operations. \nFind more information here.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/esg-in-the-food-and-beverage-industry/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ESG-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230725T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230725T120000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230623T181518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230705T173558Z
UID:28488-1690282800-1690286400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Access to Capital 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/access-to-capital-direct-lending-program-information-session-5/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Access-to-Capital-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230725T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230725T120000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230711T213901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230713T220318Z
UID:28832-1690282800-1690286400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:BASICS OF GLOBAL MARKETS SERIES - Session 1A: Ready to Go Global?
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service and GloBIS\nThese two consecutive 1-hour sessions will address some of the “Misconceptions and Realities” of exporting and discuss several factors that influence your probability of success. Our goal is to help you determine if you are ready to take the leap from conducting business in the U.S. to embracing global commerce and to provide you with an introduction to export assistance resources. This first Session 1A\, Ready to Go Global? will cover: \n\nExporting: WHY should you consider exporting?\nExport Strategy: HOW should you export?\nExport Screening: HOW do you ensure you are dealing with a reputable company?\n\nFeatured Speakers\n Soraya Hernandez\, M.B.A.\, is the newly appointed WBDC International Trade Center Director. In her role\, Soraya offers business clients direct technical assistance through one-on-one advising and workshops on leveraging international trade for business growth and market expansion. She has deep cross-industry\, multinational/multi-cultural\, operational\, consumer market intelligence\, strategic business consulting\, and business/client development experience. \nHaley Milan is a Senior International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service in Chicago\, Illinois\, where she has served the local business community and collaborated with key partners for 10+ years. In this role\, she assists U.S. firms and organizations with international marketing and expanding export sales. She is an active member of three ITA Global Teams – Agribusiness\, Education\, and Trade Americas – and additionally serves as the Deputy Agribusiness Team Leader. \nLouise Kern is the Founder and President of Global Business Information Services\, Inc. (GloBIS)\, a B2B and B2G provider of due diligence on companies and individuals worldwide. GloBIS is a Strategic Partner of the International Trade Administration\, has been providing International Company Profile (ICP) reports to various US Commercial Service offices since 2004\, and is a WBDC and SBA-certified WOSB/WBENC. \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/basics-of-global-markets-series-session-1a-ready-to-go-global/
CATEGORIES:Exporting/International Trade,In-Person/Classroom Workshop,International Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Global-session.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230726T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230726T170000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230623T181948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230705T191512Z
UID:28492-1690387200-1690390800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Starting Your Business in Illinois
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for our Starting Your Business in Illinois webinar. During the webinar\, you’ll take an initial assessment to help you recognize your startup strengths\, we’ll introduce you to five basic startup steps\, and we’ll review the legal entities recommended for startups. \nPresented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Women’s Business Development Center. \n \nThe Illinois SBDC at WBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance\, please contact (312) 853-3477 ext. 100.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-5/
CATEGORIES:Starting Your Business in Illinois
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SBDC-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230727T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230727T160000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230626T154053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230626T154613Z
UID:28495-1690448400-1690473600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:PARTNER EVENT | ChallengeHER
DESCRIPTION:ChallengeHER works specifically with Women-Owned Small Businesses to assist in leveraging federal awards\, learn the federal procurement process\, and connect with the right people.\nWith this knowledge\, you are much better positioned to grow your business and increase your revenue.\nInformation is power!\nFeaturing:\n\nBasic Training for Emerging Federal Contractors\nHigh-Level Track for Experienced Federal Contractors\nNetworking with other WOSBs\nSBA Clinic to assist with Certifications\nMatchmaking with Agencies and Primes\n\n VIEW THE AGENDA\nEvent is free; seating is limited!\nFor additional information\, please email ChallengeHER@wipp.org\nA few special notes on our program:\n\nEvent registration and networking will begin at 8:00amCT and the program will begin promptly at 9:00amCT.\nRemember to bring ample business cards for networking purposes.\nBring your Capability Statement for Networking with other business owners\nContinental Breakfast & Boxed Lunch are Provided.\n\n  \nCosponsorship Authorization # 23-13-C.\nSBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views\, opinions\, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact: reasonableaccommodation@sba.gov\n  \nEVENT DETAILS:  \nSheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk\n301 East North Water Street\, Chicago\, IL 60611\nThursday\, July 27\, 2023 | 9:00am – 4:00pm \nFeaturing:\n* Basic Training for Emerging Federal Contractors\n*High-Level Track for Experienced Federal Contractors\nMatchMaking with Agencies & Primes\nSeating is limited | Registration is Required \n  \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/partner-event-challengeher/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting,Partner Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Government-Contracting.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230727T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230727T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230705T155513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230718T211639Z
UID:28654-1690452000-1690455600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Access to Capital: Let's Chat!  YouTube Brand Awareness ... Raising Your Social Capital!
DESCRIPTION:Elevate your brand! Boost your social capital with our esteemed guest speaker\, Dustin Litorja. Digital social capital is a way for a brand to understand the value of its online social networks. Join us to discover the secrets of enhancing your brand presence on YouTube! Justin will be sharing valuable tactics and strategies that have proven successful in expanding his clients’ channel views. Prepare your questions and be ready to gain invaluable insights! \n  \nFeatured Speaker: Dustin Litorja\nDustin Litorja is a Content Strategist\, Marketing Manager\, and Product Manager with over 14 years of professional experience. He has successfully built the Streamlabs YouTube channel from 9\,000 subscribers to over 200\,000 and over 14 million total channel views. During his time on the Streamlabs Partnerships team\, he worked with some of the biggest content creators on YouTube and Twitch\, including xQc\, the most-watched streamer in the world. He also managed a team of Program Managers for Streamlabs All-Stars\, a loyalty program comprised of over 300\,000 creators across Twitch\, YouTube\, Mixer\, and Facebook Gaming. \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/access-to-capital-lets-chat-youtube-brand-awareness-raising-your-social-capital/
CATEGORIES:A2C Let's Chat! Series,Access to Capital
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Access-to-Capital-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230728T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230728T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230713T155116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230713T155116Z
UID:28849-1690538400-1690542000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Tips to Create A Great Capability Statement
DESCRIPTION:In this webinar you’ll get valuable tips to create or update your capability statement. There will be several examples to inspire your ideas. And a makeover that takes a capability statement for a business from fair to great!
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/tips-to-create-a-great-capability-statement/
CATEGORIES:Government Contracting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Government-Contracting.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230731T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230731T100000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230719T212232Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230719T212323Z
UID:28898-1690794000-1690797600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Understanding the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Pre-Award Process
DESCRIPTION:Be Prepared for Grant Opportunities! The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) provides uniform guidance for all State of Illinois grant programs. All grant applicants and grantees must comply with GATA grant requirements\, which include the following steps before receiving a grant award: \n\nPre-qualification on the GATA Grantee Portal\nCompletion of two risk assessments (Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) and Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRAQ))\n\nThis session will provide detailed information on all of the steps required as part of the GATA process and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions. \nThere is no cost\, but registration is required. \nIf you have not done so in the past 12 months\, you must fill out this form prior to participating in the webinar. Client Intake Form  \nContact | Felicitas Cortez | fcortez@wbdc.org \n  \n \nThe Illinois SBDC at WBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance\, please contact (312) 853-3477 ext. 100.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/understanding-the-grant-accountability-and-transparency-act-gata-pre-award-process-6/
CATEGORIES:Understanding GATA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230731T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230731T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084233
CREATED:20230710T223413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T223413Z
UID:28826-1690797600-1690801200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Marketing and Operating Your Business Effectively
DESCRIPTION:Your business is amazing! Now let’s tell the world in the most effective way. Discuss strategies you may have tried and some new ones. Your business should look as professional inside and out which includes your marketing and overall operations.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/marketing-and-operating-your-business-effectively/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Access-to-Capital-Business-Services.jpg
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