Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
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,
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...
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...
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...
2 events,
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY November 4 - 25, 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....
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,
Wisconsin WBDC Small Business Social 2025
Wisconsin WBDC Small Business Social 2025
"WHEN NOTHING IS SURE, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE." ~Margaret Drabble November 6, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI In a year defined by change and challenge, let’s take a moment to celebrate the unstoppable spirit of our small business community. Join us for an inspiring and relaxed gathering that shines a spotlight on the power of partnership to...
CannaBiz Pathways: Insurance Considerations for the Cannabis Industry
CannaBiz Pathways: Insurance Considerations for the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry faces unique risks — from cultivation and processing to retail and transportation — and traditional insurance policies often don’t provide adequate protection. This workshop will help cannabis business owners, investors, and advisors navigate the complex landscape of cannabis insurance. Participants will learn about the key types of coverage every cannabis operator should...
2 events,
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY November 4 - 25, 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....
Women in CPG Celebration
Women in CPG Celebration
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 3 P.M. TO 6:30 P.M. BMO TOWER Naturally Chicago, Women's Business Development Center and BMO are thrilled to invite you to our Women in CPG Celebration. This live event takes place on Tuesday, November 11, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and is hosted by BMO at 320 S. Canal St. (near Union...
2 events,
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...
Stronger Together – WBDC Celebration and Connection
Stronger Together – WBDC Celebration and Connection
Minneapolis MN When women business owners come together, good things happen. Join us on November 12th to discover new connections, shine a spotlight on your business, enjoy an abundant vegan to carnivore hors d’oeuvres buffet, and leave inspired by Amanda Brinkman and the stories of resilience of three WBEs at different stages of their business....
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.
Maximize Your Momentum: Marketing Strategies for “Small Business Saturday”
Maximize Your Momentum: Marketing Strategies for “Small Business Saturday”
Small Business Saturday, on November 29, 2025, is a marketing initiative created and promoted by American Express to encourage holiday shopping. Laurie Underwood, Marketing Consultant to WBDC and owner of bridal and lifestyle brand, Laury Bride and Living, shares short term strategies to make the most impact. With potential customers looking at small businesses on...
3 events,
2025 WBDC Midwest Virtual Utility Conference & Business Matchmaker
You’re Invited! This conference is a powerful gathering of thought leaders, energy companies, prime contractors, and small businesses committed to transforming how local energy initiatives drive economic development and community resilience. As the energy landscape evolves, so too must the partnerships that power it. This event explores how inclusive collaboration across the utility supply chain...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY November 4 - 25, 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....
Smart Marketing Strategies for Small Business Success
Smart Marketing Strategies for Small Business Success
Please join the Illinois SBDC at the WBDC for a Digital Marketing Workshop In just one hour, you’ll learn how to: Show up where your ideal clients are and get noticed Turn likes and follows into real sales and bookings Use social media, email marketing, and content strategy without feeling overwhelmed Create a simple digital...
3 events,
“Say Less, Sell More”: A Sales Workshop for Intentional Business Leaders
“Say Less, Sell More”: A Sales Workshop for Intentional Business Leaders
“Say Less, Sell More” is an intensive 3-day interactive sales workshop designed for Illinois business leaders who want to move beyond theory and who are not afraid to master the art of persuasive, authentic sales conversations. This is NOT another ‘lecture-based’ seminar. It’s hands-on performance workshop where you will experiment, rehearse, and refine real-world scripts...
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.
3 events,
“Say Less, Sell More”: A Sales Workshop for Intentional Business Leaders
“Say Less, Sell More”: A Sales Workshop for Intentional Business Leaders
“Say Less, Sell More” is an intensive 3-day interactive sales workshop designed for Illinois business leaders who want to move beyond theory and who are not afraid to master the art of persuasive, authentic sales conversations. This is NOT another ‘lecture-based’ seminar. It’s hands-on performance workshop where you will experiment, rehearse, and refine real-world scripts...
WBE Certification: Know Before You Apply
WBE Certification: 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.
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. This training...
1 event,
“Say Less, Sell More”: A Sales Workshop for Intentional Business Leaders
“Say Less, Sell More”: A Sales Workshop for Intentional Business Leaders
“Say Less, Sell More” is an intensive 3-day interactive sales workshop designed for Illinois business leaders who want to move beyond theory and who are not afraid to master the art of persuasive, authentic sales conversations. This is NOT another ‘lecture-based’ seminar. It’s hands-on performance workshop where you will experiment, rehearse, and refine real-world scripts...
2 events,
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 November 4 - 25, 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....
1 event,
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 Workshop
How to Write a Business Plan Workshop
Whether you are new to entrepreneurship or refining your concept, this session will give you the tools and confidence to move forward. Funded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY December 2 - 23, 2025 | 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...
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...
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.