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X-WR-CALNAME:Women&#039;s Business Development Center
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women&#039;s Business Development Center
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TZID:America/Chicago
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TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
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TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20230312T080000
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DTSTART:20231105T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230801T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230801T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T201522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T201522Z
UID:28940-1690884000-1690887600@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? \nFind 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-10/
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:20230807T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230807T200000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230622T154018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T193719Z
UID:28449-1691433000-1691438400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Taller de Finanzas 2023
DESCRIPTION:En este taller aprenderás a preparar e interpretar los estados financieros\, como hacer un presupuesto y como establecer indicadores clave de desempeño para una mejor toma de decisiones. \nAprenderás a calcular el punto de equilibrio y definir una estrategia de precios que te ayudará a ser más rentable. \nInformacion del Taller\nTodos los jueves\n7 de agosto – 21 de agosto de 2023\n6:30 pm – 8:00 pm\, CDT
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/taller-de-finanzas-2023/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/finanzas.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230808T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230808T120000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230802T202301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230802T210704Z
UID:29006-1691492400-1691496000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBDC - BASICS OF GLOBAL MARKETS - Session 1A ENCORE EDITION: 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/wbdc-basics-of-global-markets-session-1a-encore-edition-ready-to-go-global/
CATEGORIES:Exporting/International Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ITC-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230809T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230809T100000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T202637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T202637Z
UID:28946-1691571600-1691575200@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Training
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. There is no cost\, but registration is required. \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/grant-accountability-and-transparency-act-gata-training-2/
CATEGORIES:Understanding GATA
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230810T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230810T100000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T203456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T203456Z
UID:28948-1691658000-1691661600@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 1 hour webinar.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-onboarding-6/
CATEGORIES:Certification,Established Businesses
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:20230810T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230810T140000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T204413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230727T175822Z
UID:28950-1691668800-1691676000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:2023 WBENCPitch Momentum Competition
DESCRIPTION:SAVE THE DATE! \nWBENCPitch is a signature WBENC program featuring a series of pitch competitions and educational sessions to help WBEs hone their business pitch\, gain meaningful exposure\, and compete for grants and other prizes to invest in their business. \n\nA series of educational and interactive pitch training sessions\nOpen to ALL WBEs no matter industry\, revenue\, years in business\, etc.\nMore details to come!
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/2023-wbencpitch-momentum-competition/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WBENCPitch-Academy-Logo-1-2048x1365-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230816T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230816T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T210402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230815T172025Z
UID:28956-1692181800-1692185400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBE Certification: What to Know Before You Apply
DESCRIPTION:This webinar will review the WBENC WBE certification\, the benefits and advantages of the certification\, and the criteria and necessary documents required to apply. After this workshop\, you will be able to determine \n(1) if your business qualifies for national WBE certification \n(2) if certification is a good fit for your business \n(3) next steps to apply for certification and \n(4) common pitfalls to avoid when applying. \nAlthough not a guarantee of business\, the WBE Certification has been proven to provide a competitive edge in obtaining corporate contracts. National in scope and issued by a third-party agency Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)\, the WBE Certification is recognized by over a thousand major corporations and government agencies in the U.S.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-certification-what-to-know-before-you-apply-2/
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:20230817T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230817T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T212427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T212427Z
UID:28960-1692266400-1692270000@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-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:20230817T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230817T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230814T191214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230814T191214Z
UID:29085-1692266400-1692270000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:ENCORE EDITION TAKE 2: WBDC - BASICS OF GLOBAL MARKETS - 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.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/encore-edition-take-2-wbdc-basics-of-global-markets-ready-to-go-global/
CATEGORIES:International Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ITC-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230818T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230818T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T214725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T214725Z
UID:28962-1692352800-1692356400@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. Presented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Women’s Business Development Center. \n  \n \n The 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-6/
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:20230822T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230822T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230630T171519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230710T194809Z
UID:28523-1692698400-1692703800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Grow your business with an e-Commerce strategy
DESCRIPTION:Have you considered that you can grow your business with an eCommerce strategy? \nIn today’s business environment\, it is necessary to have a good digital strategy and the necessary online skills to grow your business. Whether you are a business owner or a startup\, participate in this virtual workshop to increase your knowledge of e-commerce strategies to help you grow by optimizing your accessibility\, capturing new clients\, and improving your brand. This is a 5-week course. \nSession Topics Include: \n\nDifferent Ways to start your Online Business\nOnline Marketing Strategy\nAttract clients with a Sales Strategy\nKey Financials you need to track\nHow to Measure Success\n\nEvery Tuesday\, August 22 – September 19\, 2023 \n10:00 am to 11:30 am\, CST
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/grow-your-business-with-an-e-commerce-strategy/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ECommerce-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230822T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230822T120000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T215233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T215233Z
UID:28964-1692702000-1692705600@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-6/
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:20230823T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230823T170000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230823T155124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230823T155124Z
UID:29275-1692777600-1692810000@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
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-9/
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:20230828T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230828T193000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230817T193051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230817T193051Z
UID:29188-1693247400-1693251000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:LA IMPORTANCIA DE PLANIFICAR PARA EL RETIRO
DESCRIPTION:Lograr un plan efectivo de ahorro para la etapa de retiro requiere planificar desde una temprana edad tomando en consideración las necesidades financieras del individuo y las metas a largo plazo. También\, se debe tener una idea clara del estilo de vida que se desea durante la etapa de retiro. Es importante estar consciente de la importancia y necesidad de establecer un plan que le facilite alcanzar un retiro placentero. \n¿Cuando?  \nLunes 28 de agosto de 2023 | 6:30-7:30 pm \n¿Dónde? \nVía zoom
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/la-importancia-de-planificar-para-el-retiro/
CATEGORIES:Talleres en Espanol,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Spanish-Business-Services.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230829T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230829T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T222836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T222836Z
UID:28970-1693303200-1693306800@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
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-7/
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:20230831T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230831T110000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230725T223731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T223731Z
UID:28974-1693476000-1693479600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Let's Chat: Pricing! Pricing! Pricing!
DESCRIPTION:Is your price holding you back from making more cash? How does a free pricing toolbox sound to you? The toolbox is filled with tricks of the trade to generate sales. Those tricks can be yours! We’ll also hear how Stacy Kohler\, owner of The Crawligator\, found her right price.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/lets-chat-pricing-pricing-pricing/
CATEGORIES:A2C Let's Chat! Series
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:20230831T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230831T140000
DTSTAMP:20260923T081049
CREATED:20230823T150050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230829T213147Z
UID:29252-1693486800-1693490400@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:WBDC - BASICS OF GLOBAL MARKETS SESSION 2: Leveraging Resources for Export Success!
DESCRIPTION:As we discussed in the first session\, in today’s global economy\, expanding your business beyond borders is a strategic move that can unlock new opportunities for growth and success. However\, navigating the complexities of international trade requires the right tools and knowledge. That’s where we come in! \nJoin us for this comprehensive webinar that will empower you with valuable insights\, strategies\, and connections to maximize your export potential. From federal agencies to state-specific initiatives\, we have gathered a range of resources that can pave the way for your export triumphs. \nWhat You’ll Gain:\n\nExplore the financial solutions offered by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to fuel your international expansion.\nDiscover the power of the U.S. Commercial Service and how it can fast-track your exporting journey.\nLearn about state-of-the-art programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) tailored for small businesses like yours.\nDive into the extensive array of resources provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce Office of Trade and Investment.\nTap into the expertise of the Women’s Business Development Center International Trade Center to craft a winning export strategy and enhance your global market presence.\n\nAbout our speakers:\nSoraya 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. \nUrsula Wegrzynowicz is currently serving as the Deputy Managing Director for the Central Region at EXIM Bank supporting the exporting community by providing trade finance counseling related to the Bank’s products. Prior to re-joining EXIM Bank\, Ursula founded a trade finance brokerage with the goal of assisting US exporters reach their export potential. Ursula’s experience includes working at LR International\, an award-winning freight forwarder\, in addition to working with importer and exporter clients’ major banks. A trusted advisor and international trade expert\, Ursula has dedicated her career to guiding small and medium- sized manufacturers on export strategy\, trade finance\, compliance\, and logistics. Ursula is a proud member of the Board of Directors of the International Trade Association of Greater Chicago (ITAGC). She also joined Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global\, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing women business owners and entrepreneurs\, and serves as a Specialist on trade finance. \n \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbdc-basics-of-global-markets-session-2-leveraging-resources-for-export-success/
CATEGORIES:Exporting/International Trade,International Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Global-session-2.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR