Calendar of Events
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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 Small Business Development Center at the Women’s Business Development Center.
1 event,
Central IL Manufacturing Collaboration
Central IL Manufacturing Collaboration
Join us at the Central IL Manufacturing Collaboration, hosted at Distillery Labs in Peoria, IL This interactive session brings together small and medium-sized manufacturers (less than 5,000 employees), business leaders, and stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies shaping the future of manufacturing. Through roundtable conversations and group discussions, attendees will share insights, exchange ideas,...
1 event,
Elevate Fall 2025 | Application Deadline
Our Childcare Business Program is designed to empower established childcare entrepreneurs—both home-based and center-based—with the tools and knowledge to strengthen and grow their businesses. Through the Elevate Cohort, participants will follow a structured process to: Develop a clear growth strategy Create an effective marketing plan Implement operational best practices Apply sound financial management techniques tailored...
3 events,
Plan For Profit Fall 2025 | Application Deadline | Illinois Businesses
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey to shape the future of your business? We'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...
Cook County CannaBiz Pathways Cohort | Application Deadline
Cook County, in partnership with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), invites cannabis business license owners to apply for the Cook County CannaBiz Pathways Cohort, a 6-week virtual training program designed to equip cannabis entrepreneurs with the skills and tools to launch, operate and grow successful businesses in this highly regulated industry. Cohort Details Who:...
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification – Session 1
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification – Session 1
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 1 is Navigating Corporate Procurement Programs, WBENCLink2.0. and how to effectively market your business using the tool of certification.
3 events,
How To Write a Business Plan
How To Write a Business Plan
Join us for "How to Write a Business Plan," a virtual workshop designed specifically for pre-venture 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...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY October 7 -28, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Join the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp hosted by the Illinois Apex Accelerator at WBDC every Tuesday 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...
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...
2 events,
APEX Day 40th Anniversary
October 8th marks a major milestone – APEX Day AND 40 years of NAPEX empowering small businesses to win government contracts! To celebrate, we're highlighting 40 WAYS APEX Accelerators can help YOUR business with government contracting! Join us for our Facebook Live Event at 2:00PM as our expert government contracting advisors walk through these 40...
The Kiva Hour
The 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 your business. We’ll walk through the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the various ways you can utilize Kiva. Plus, get inspired by success stories from those who’ve transformed...
2 events,
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 thirty-minute webinar. Please note that this program is aimed at companies who are WBE certified, not those thinking about getting certified.
AI For Small Business Marketing
AI For Small Business Marketing
Discover the power of AI in developing diverse content designed for a range of platforms including social media, email marketing, blogging, your website, and more. Learn how to use AI to streamline content creation, aiding you in delivering a consistent and engaging brand narrative across different channels. In collaboration with the Naperville Public Library ...
1 event,
Your Business, Your Future: Smart Finances for Childcare Providers
Your Business, Your Future: Smart Finances for Childcare Providers
Building a financial foundation for a successful & sustainable childcare business This event is designed to empower childcare providers with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their finances and ensure the growth and sustainability of their businesses. Attend and earn 3 hours of Gateway credit, which will contribute to your professional development and...
1 event,
Brunch & Bold Moves, Resilience, Control and Legacy: Building What Lasts
Brunch & Bold Moves, Resilience, Control and Legacy: Building What Lasts
The Women's Business Development Center is teaming up with Pihlstrom Consulting Group to kick off the new Wealth and Legacy Programming in style! This event will feature Miyoko Schinner- founder of Miyoko’s Creamery, author and fighter for food justice, animals, and the planet. Miyoko will share her journey and how she has regained purpose and control...
1 event,
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY October 7 -28, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Join the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp hosted by the Illinois Apex Accelerator at WBDC every Tuesday 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...
1 event,
Cook County Catalyst Grant Review
Cook County Catalyst Grant Review
Follow Clark McCain, WBDC Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships, as he explains each question on the Cook County Catalyst grant application. As only correctly completed applications will be considered, this session will serve as your guide. Eligibility starts with: Businesses with at least 1 full-time employee, Businesses with documented revenue between $500,000 and $10 million...
1 event,
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification – Session 2
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBE Certification – Session 2
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.
6 events,
21st Annual Greater Minnesota SADBOC Government Procurement Fair
21st Annual Greater Minnesota SADBOC Government Procurement Fair
A PREMIERE EVENT ON SELLING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO THE GOVERNMENT The fair will provide an opportunity for small businesses and contractors to learn about special programs designed to provide better access to the government marketplace. A trade show will be open throughout the day in addition to a variety of workshops including Selling to...
How to Start Your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality | Peoria
How to Start Your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality | Peoria
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...
Know Before you Apply
Know Before you Apply
This one-hour workshop is for those who are interested in learning more about WBENC’s Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. Topics will range from types of certification to documents required for the WBE application.
3 events,
Road to Success Cohort Fall 2025 | Application Deadline
Are you ready to transform your business idea into reality? This three-session cohort aims to bridge the gap in our entrepreneurial education offerings, guiding pre-venture and emerging businesses towards success. The cohort will introduce fundamental business concepts and guide future and current entrepreneurs through the initial stages of setting up a business. This includes fulfilling...
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,...
Childcare Collaborative
Childcare Collaborative
Childcare Collaborative is a business growth-oriented program presenting relevant topics for childcare providers at all stages of the business lifecycle. Offered on the 4th Wednesday of each month, Collaborative delivers expert led training and resources, industry trends, peer networking opportunities and an on-going partnership supporting participants’ business goals.
1 event,
Capital Conversations: Your Bank as your Next Best Friend
Capital Conversations: Your Bank as your Next Best Friend
Calling all small business owners and entrepreneurs! Join us for an energizing morning designed especially for small business entrepreneurs! Learn how to build a powerful relationship with your business banker and unlock access to capital. What You’ll Discover How SBA loans and Wintrust programs can fuel your growth Why your banker should be your #1...
1 event,
Strong Foundations: Financial Planning for Daycare Leaders
Strong Foundations: Financial Planning for Daycare Leaders
Secure, Grow, Inspire: Financial Planning for Daycare Providers Join us for a powerful three-day financial masterclass designed specifically for early childhood professionals and daycare business owners. Whether you're running a home daycare or managing a center, this series will equip you with the tools to strengthen your financial foundation, grow your business, and build a...
3 events,
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY October 7 -28, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm Join the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp hosted by the Illinois Apex Accelerator at WBDC every Tuesday 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...
Direct Lending Program Information Session
Direct Lending Program Information Session
Capital readiness means your business is positioned to weather financial challenges, adapt to changing market conditions and take advantage of expansion opportunities. This session is a must for any business owner hoping to acquire external capital, including grants, lines of credit, credit cards and/or term loans. Please join Women’s Business Development Center Associate Director Emma...
Strong Foundations: Financial Planning for Daycare Leaders
Strong Foundations: Financial Planning for Daycare Leaders
Secure, Grow, Inspire: Financial Planning for Daycare Providers Join us for a powerful three-day financial masterclass designed specifically for early childhood professionals and daycare business owners. Whether you're running a home daycare or managing a center, this series will equip you with the tools to strengthen your financial foundation, grow your business, and build a...
1 event,
Strong Foundations: Financial Planning for Daycare Leaders
Strong Foundations: Financial Planning for Daycare Leaders
Secure, Grow, Inspire: Financial Planning for Daycare Providers Join us for a powerful three-day financial masterclass designed specifically for early childhood professionals and daycare business owners. Whether you're running a home daycare or managing a center, this series will equip you with the tools to strengthen your financial foundation, grow your business, and build a...
1 event,
Chicago Maker Voices: Roundtable Discussion
Chicago Maker Voices: Roundtable Discussion
Share challenges and successes with other manufacturers & makers- Connect, collaborate, commiserate, and help shape local advocacy efforts Hosted in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Women's Business Development Center at ICNC's Make City Incubator, 320 North Damen, Avenue, on Thursday, October 30th from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Join this unique round-table event for manufacturers, CPG companies, and other makers. Dive into...
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