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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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TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
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DTSTART:20240310T080000
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DTSTART:20241103T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240206
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240207
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240118T145645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T205604Z
UID:30203-1707177600-1707263999@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:RiseUp! | Registration Deadline
DESCRIPTION:The Women’s Business Development Center is proud to present RiseUp!\, a childcare business cohort\, tailored exclusively for childcare entrepreneurs. This dynamic program offers comprehensive training on key business topics\, personalized one-on-one advising\, and graduates are eligible to fulfill a significant portion of their annual accreditation requirements. \nProgram participants will follow a step-by-step process to develop a business and marketing plan\, policies and procedures for their childcare business\, a parent handbook\, and a sound understanding of business financials. \nJOIN OUR UPCOMING Winter 2024 COHORT! \nWe provide business development counseling\, workshops and classes\, and access to capital through loan packaging and microloans to new and established providers. Program participants will follow a step by step process to develop a business and marketing plan\, policies and procedures for their childcare business\, a parent handbook and a sound understanding of business financials.  \nWho Should Attend? \n\nAspiring Childcare entrepreneurs\nLicensed home providers under 2 yrs in business\nChildcare center providers under 2 yrs in business\n\nWhen? \nEvery Thursday  | February 8 – March 14\, 2024 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm\, CDT \nWhere? \nVia Zoom \nRegistration Deadline: \nFebruary 6\, 2024 \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/rise-up-application-deadline/
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MicrosoftTeams-image-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240208T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240208T183000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240130T204734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T204758Z
UID:30303-1707411600-1707417000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Creciendo Juntos!
DESCRIPTION:Taller de negocios para los Proveedores de Cuidado Infantil en Aurora\nBienvenidos a nuestro taller\, diseñado para proveedores de cuidado infantil que desean llevar su negocio al siguiente nivel. En este evento\, exploraremos estrategias clave para el crecimiento empresarial en el sector del cuidado infantil. Durante 3 semanas estableceras objetivos de crecimiento alcanzables\, definirás estrategias de marketing para expandir tu negocio y diferenciarte en un mercado competitivo. También aprenderás aspectos legales de la contratacion y desarrollaras tus habilidades financieras para manejar presupuestos y mejorar tus ingresos. \nTendrás la oportunidad de conectarte con otros proveedores de cuidado infantil\, además de recibir herramientas y asesoramiento personalizado con expertos en negocios. \nÚnete al taller para transformar tu negocio de cuidado infantil y alcanzar nuevas metas de crecimiento! \nFecha: Febrero 8\, 15 y 22 de 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm \nDirección: 43 W Galena Blvd | Aurora\, IL 60506
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/creciendo-juntos/
LOCATION:Aurora Office\, 43 W Galena Blvd\, Aurora\, IL\, 60506\, United States
CATEGORIES:Childcare Businesses,Talleres en Espanol
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240212T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240212T170000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240124T205101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T211023Z
UID:30256-1707753600-1707757200@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 thirty-minute webinar\, at no cost to you!
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/wbe-onboarding-12/
CATEGORIES:Certification
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Established-Businesses-WBE-events-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240215T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240215T110000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240124T210900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T210900Z
UID:30260-1707991200-1707994800@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Access to Capital: Let's Chat! Live
DESCRIPTION:Are you struggling to differentiate yourself and your business to attract the right clients?\nWith AI like ChatGPT disrupting the scene\, it is time to unleash these power tools to accelerate growth in your business. Join us for the first Let’s Chat Live!: Using ChatGPT and AI to Stand out\, Thrive\, and Succeed. Featuring James Feldman\, famous “Nowist\,” renowned author\, speaker and consultant who has appeared on CBS\, NBC\, ABC and Fox. \nJoin us in person or virtually. \nCoffee and breakfast items will be provided to in-person attendees. \n  \nSponsored by: \n \n  \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. \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/access-to-capital-lets-chat-live/
CATEGORIES:A2C Let's Chat! Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Access-to-Capital-Services-Events-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240220
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240221
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240117T163648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240117T165344Z
UID:30189-1708387200-1708473599@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:APPLICATION DEADLINE | Plan for Profit Spring 2024
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey to shape the future of your business?\nWe’re thrilled to introduce our innovative Plan For Profit program\, now at no cost\, designed for passionate entrepreneurs like you who are eager to start or expand their business ventures. The Illinois SBDC at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) provides a comprehensive training program for entrepreneurs learning to work on their business\, whether they are start-up or emerging businesses. \nProgram Benefits\n\nConduct market research to identify target customers\nStrengthen marketing strategies and brand\nReceive financial advising and loan assistance\nGet one-on-one mentoring\nAccess online or in-person training\n\nSix Weeks to Success\nOver the course of six weeks\, you will: \n\nCreate a business model canvas\, including target market and value propositions\nTest your business idea in the marketplace\nFocus on key areas of your business\nPitch to an expert panel and get feedback\nHave a one-on-one advising session\n\nUpon completion\, you’ll receive a program certificate to showcase your new business acumen. \nProgram Prerequisites\n\nAttend the 2-session virtual boot camp\nCommit to one business idea for development\nAssess your business concept and readiness with our Director\nBring a laptop or tablet to sessions\nComplete a program application\n\nPlan For Profit Boot Camp: Your First Step!\nTake the first step in this exciting journey by registering for our Plan For Profit Boot Camp sessions. These sessions are a prerequisite for the comprehensive program and will pave the way for your success. \nDetails\nWhere? \nVia Zoom \nPrerequisite Bootcamp Sessions: \nSession 1: Thursday\, February 22\, 2024 | 9 am – 11 am\, CST \nSession 2: Thursday\, February 29\, 2024 | 9 am – 11 am\, CST
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/application-deadline-plan-for-profit-spring-2024/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240220T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240220T130000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240124T214942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T215513Z
UID:30263-1708430400-1708434000@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Lunch and Learn: Creating an Actionable Marketing Plan
DESCRIPTION:The Illinois SBDC at the WBDC is partnering with the Chicago Chapter of the American Marketing Association to offer “Creating an Actionable Marketing Plan.” Learn how to create an actionable marketing plan using a simple\, “plan-on-a-page” approach. \nThis session will provide you the tools and training to help identify your ideal target audience\, define your goals and strategic initiatives\, choose the right channels with the right content and set KPIs in order to move the needle for your business. \nThe one-hour\, virtual workshop is for small businesses that manage marketing themselves but need a practitioner to help them get started. What it is: \n\n1-hour virtual workshop\nLearn how to create an actionable marketing plan using a simple “Plan on a Page” approach\nFor businesses that want to manage marketing themselves but need an expert practitioner to help them get started\n\nThis session will give you the tools to identify your ideal target audience\, define your goals and strategic initiatives\, choosing the right channels and content tactics\, and tracking your KPIs What attendees walk away with: \n\nStart of their own Marketing Plan\nA downloadable template\nNetwork of like-minded marketers\n\nThis workshop will be facilitated by Shannon Lee\nAs Senior VP of Creative at StudioNorth (B2B brand and marketing agency)\, Shannon leads a high-performing team of content creators and develops brand strategies and full-funnel marketing campaigns for her clients. With more than 20 years of creative marketing experience\, she has worked with Fortune 500 brands\, B2B\, B2C\, and nationally recognized non-profit organizations. Shannon understands the power of bringing a brand’s heart and soul into their marketing communications and believes it’s the only way to truly connect with an audience. \nShannon is a Past President of AMA Chicago\, and she led her chapter in receiving the Silver Chapter of the Year award in FY 2021-22. \n \n  \nPresented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Women’s Business Development Center. \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/lunch-and-learn-creating-an-actionable-marketing-plan/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses,Start-Up & Emerging Businesses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240221
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240222
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240108T202458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T152250Z
UID:30151-1708473600-1708559999@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:APPLICATION DEADLINE | ScaleUp Spring 2024
DESCRIPTION:A 9-week online class for emerging business owners in Chicago and Milwaukee to learn and grow in a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.\nOur award-winning ScaleUp program assists established businesses ready to scale their business to new markets and new revenue. The ScaleUp team equips entrepreneurs with the business acumen\, resources\, and tools necessary to maintain a profitable business with comprehensive business development services. As entrepreneurs scale their businesses\, they retain and create jobs\, fuel economic growth\, and build strong communities. \nWhat You Will Learn\nBusiness owners receive group advising and one-on-one mentoring\, plus business sustainability and growth planning assistance. The core competencies for the course are realized through course activities designed to help our business clients: \n\nCreate an Effective Marketing & Sales Strategy \nDefine The Competition \nUnderstand Who Are Your “Ideal” Customers \nMaster Your Numbers \nCreate an Actionable Growth Plan \n\nProgram Details\nWhen? Tuesdays\, February 27-April 23 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm\, CST \nWho? Milwaukee and Chicago Businesses \nWhere? Hybrid\, Milwaukee participants will meet two times in Milwaukee and Chicago participants will be two times in Chicago. \nQualifications: \n\nBusiness Age: Two Years or More\nEmployees: Two or More\nOwner: Working Full-Time in Business\nRevenue: $15\,000 or More\n\nFacilitator: Francisco Ramirez | framirez@wbdc.org \nLead Funder
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/application-deadline-scaleup-spring-2024/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240221
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240222
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240109T182613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T170324Z
UID:30158-1708473600-1708559999@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:APPLICATION DEADLINE | ScaleHigher Spring 2024
DESCRIPTION:Working IN your business…leaving no time to work ON your business?\nThursdays\, February 29 – May 2\, 2024\nA 10-week online class for established business owners\, where you can learn and grow in a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. \nScaleHigher brings together traditional business education\, leadership training\, and digital skills knowledge into one cohort. Business owners receive hands-on learning opportunities from subject matter experts\, 1:1 coaching from branding and digital tools experts\, as well as a unique opportunity for business leaders to connect with and learn from other entrepreneurs in the course. \nToday’s business owners realize the importance of approaching their businesses with growth in mind\, while also considering anticipated challenges and developing strategies to overcome them. This course is designed to help entrepreneurs realize the potential in having a growth mindset and how to utilize that potential to increase system effectiveness\, brand loyalty\, and revenue. \nCourse Topics Include: \nGROWTH MINDSET | LEADERSHIP | MARKETING | FINANCES  \nLeadership & Growth Mindset   \n\nUnderstanding a Growth Mindset \nLeadership vs. Management   \n\n\nDeep-Dive Marketing  \n\nUnderstanding the Sales Cycle & the Customer Journey \nBusiness Analytics & Your Social Media Presence \nGetting Ready for Certification/Is it Right for Your Business?  \n\n\nFinances  \n\nUnderstanding Business Finance \nEvaluating Your Business’ Financial Position\n\nTake Action  \n\nPulling it All Together for Growth/Creating an Actionable Plan \nActing on Your Growth Plan\n\nCohort Details\nWhen: Wednesdays\, February 28 – May 1\, 2024   \nWho: Chicago Area Businesses \nWhere: Zoom \nQualifications:   \n\nBusiness Age: Two Years or More \nRevenue: $75\,000 or More\nEmployees: Two or More\nStatus: Working on Business Full-Time\nTechnology: Business Website/Online Presence Required and Using an Analytical Tool \n\nFacilitator: Myeisha Grady | mgrady@wbdc.org \n\nLead Funder\n \nWith Support From
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/application-deadline-scalehigher-spring-2024/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240221
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240222
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240109T184038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240123T162747Z
UID:30164-1708473600-1708559999@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:APPLICATION DEADLINE | ScaleHigher Midwest Spring 2024
DESCRIPTION:Working IN your business…leaving no time to work ON your business?\nThursdays\, February 29 – May 2\, 2024\nA 10-week online class for established business owners\, where you can learn and grow in a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. \nScaleHigher brings together traditional business education\, leadership training\, and digital skills knowledge into one cohort. Business owners receive hands-on learning opportunities from subject matter experts\, 1:1 coaching from branding and digital tools experts\, as well as a unique opportunity for business leaders to connect with and learn from other entrepreneurs in the course. \nToday’s business owners realize the importance of approaching their businesses with growth in mind\, while also considering anticipated challenges and developing strategies to overcome them. This course is designed to help entrepreneurs realize the potential in having a growth mindset and how to utilize that potential to increase system effectiveness\, brand loyalty\, and revenue. \nCourse Topics Include: \nGROWTH MINDSET | LEADERSHIP | MARKETING | FINANCES  \nLeadership & Growth Mindset   \n\nUnderstanding a Growth Mindset \nLeadership vs. Management   \n\nDeep-Dive Marketing  \n\nUnderstanding the Sales Cycle & the Customer Journey \nBusiness Analytics & Your Social Media Presence   \n\nFinances  \n\nUnderstanding Business Finance \nEvaluating Your Business’ Financial Position\n\nTake Action  \n\nPulling it All Together for Growth/Creating an Actionable Plan \nActing on Your Growth Plan\n\nCohort Details\nWhen: Thursdays\, February 29 – May 2\, 2024 \nWho: Midwest Businesses (Illinois\, Wisconsin\, Minnesota\, Missouri\, Iowa)  \nWhere: Zoom \nQualifications:   \n\nBusiness Age: Two Years or More \nRevenue: $75\,000 or More\nEmployees: Two or More\nStatus: Working on Business Full-Time\nTechnology: Business Website/Online Presence Required and Using an Analytical Tool \nThis cohort is for Certified WBEs through WBENC and Certified MBEs through NMSDC\n\nFacilitator: Dr. Kristin Morris | kmorris@wbdc.org \n\nLead Funder
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/application-deadline-scalehigher-midwest-spring-2024/
CATEGORIES:Established Businesses
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240221T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240221T143000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240124T221243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T221243Z
UID:30267-1708520400-1708525800@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  \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. \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-29/
CATEGORIES:In-Person/Classroom Workshop,Starting Your Business in Illinois
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240227T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240227T120000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240124T222029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T222029Z
UID:30271-1709031600-1709035200@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-12/
CATEGORIES:Access to Capital
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240227T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240227T140000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240213T215043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240227T220647Z
UID:30373-1709038800-1709042400@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  \n 
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-30/
CATEGORIES:Start-Up & Emerging Businesses,Starting Your Business in Illinois
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240228T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240228T120000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151517
CREATED:20240124T222840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T223118Z
UID:30275-1709118000-1709121600@www.wbdc.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we discuss the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification and walk through the steps of what the certification is for\, how to know if your company is a good fit for the certification and how the certification can be used to get a contract with your local Department of Transportation. \nNote: this event is for firms located in Arkansas\, Iowa\, Kansas\, Mississippi and Missouri.
URL:https://www.wbdc.org/en/event/introduction-to-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-dbe-certification/
CATEGORIES:Certification
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