Calendar of Events
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Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success
Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success
WBDC’s Road to Success four-week Bootcamp provides entrepreneurs with the essential tools to build and grow sustainable businesses. Our Road to Success Bootcamp is a prerequisite which lays the foundation for business setup and planning fundamentals. After completion of the bootcamp and all its assignments, graduates are invited to join our Road to Success Cohort,...
1 event,
Chicago Maker Voices: A Roundtable Discussion
Chicago Maker Voices: A Roundtable Discussion
Join this unique round-table event for manufacturers, CPG companies, and other makers. Dive into engaging breakout sessions with fellow business leaders to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate successes. Network, collaborate, and make your voice heard to drive real change! This event is hosted in partnership with the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) at their Make City...
1 event,
SAGE Advice Chicago Information Session
SAGE Advice Chicago Information Session
Thanks to everyone who joined! Watch our Information Session here. Password: 0P#Ncb9i Not sure if The SAGE Advice Program: Strategies to Advance and Grow Enterprises is right for you? Join our NO COST info session to get all your questions answered! SAGE Advice is a dynamic, hands-on initiative designed to empower women-owned small businesses to grow...
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3 events,
The Future of Small Business Engagement with Large Companies: Learn how to do business with Deloitte and Medtronic
The Future of Small Business Engagement with Large Companies: Learn how to do business with Deloitte and Medtronic
Deloitte, Medtronic and our ecosystem partners are inviting small and diverse companies who provide IT Professional Services to join us for an engaging workshop that explores the latest trends in small business development and strategies for how to do business with Deloitte and Medtronic. Gain insight into emerging small business development trends Receive practical guidance...
Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success
Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success
WBDC’s Road to Success four-week Bootcamp provides entrepreneurs with the essential tools to build and grow sustainable businesses. Our Road to Success Bootcamp is a prerequisite which lays the foundation for business setup and planning fundamentals. After completion of the bootcamp and all its assignments, graduates are invited to join our Road to Success Cohort,...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY April 7-28, 2026 | 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 a peek...
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2 events,
Elevate Spring 2026 | Application Deadline
Our Elevate cohort is designed for established licensed home providers and childcare center providers that have been in business for two or more years and are ready to grow strategically. Participants work with experts to identify growth opportunities, enhance capacity, and position their businesses for long term, sustainable expansion. Through the Elevate Cohort, participants will...
27th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair – Minnesota
27th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair – Minnesota
Small businesses interested in doing business with the government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend this Trade Fair. This event will provide small businesses an opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 60 Federal, State and local agencies; commercial/prime contractors, and nonprofit organizations; access available technical assistance; and learn about upcoming contracts.
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2026 Top Shelf Retail: High Volume Growth Insights | Application Deadline
The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is proud to present Top Shelf Retail: High Volume Retail Growth Insights. This cohort is an eight-week, curriculum based virtual cohort program designed to help established retail businesses access procurement opportunities in the mass retail market. Participants will learn how to build pricing, branding, and marketing strategies, and how...
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2 events,
Government Contracts Webinar
Government Contracts Webinar
FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS ONLY. Introduction to Government Contracting Government contracting can be a powerful growth path for small businesses, but many owners don’t know where to start. This workshop breaks the process down in simple, practical steps—helping you understand how government agencies buy products and services, what qualifications you need. You’ll learn the key terminology,...
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 1
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 1
This interactive 2-part series is designed for WBENC WBEs who want to make sure they are using their 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,
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY April 7-28, 2026 | 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 a peek...
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Join us on SBDC Day! 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 SBDC at the Women’s Business Development Center.
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,
WBE Networking Breakfast + Tips to Achieve Financial Wellness
WBE Networking Breakfast + Tips to Achieve Financial Wellness
Join WBEs (women business enterprises), corporate and community partners to discover new resources and connections to support you and your business. What to Expect: 7:30 - 9:00am Networking with business owners, corporate and community partners Resource tables Light breakfast buffet 9:00 - 10:00am | Tips to Achieve Financial Wellness from U.S. Bank Increase financial literacy Have capacity...
Financial Bootcamp | Spring 2026
Financial Bootcamp | Spring 2026
Get Your Finances Organized and Ready for Capital & Growth Are your business finances out of shape? Hesitant to apply for a loan because you’re not sure what lenders expect? Then it’s time for Financial Bootcamp—the place where Illinois business owners build financial confidence, clarity, and control. Over six powerful weeks, you’ll gain the essential...
1 event,
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 45-minute webinar. Please note that this program is aimed at companies who are WBE certified, not those thinking about getting certified.
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Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 2
Essentials of Leveraging Your WBENC WBE Certification – Session 2
This interactive 2-part series is designed for WBENC WBEs who want to make sure they are using their WBE Certification to the fullest. Session 2 will focus on your Capability Statement - a one page profile of your firm’s unique value proposition, showcasing your competencies, achievements, and differentiators.
3 events,
The SAGE Advice Program: Strategies to Advance and Grow Enterprises | Application Deadline
Presented by WBDC Midwest in partnership with Capital One SAGE Advice is a dynamic, hands-on initiative designed to empower women-owned small businesses to grow and thrive. This program delivers customized learning experiences led by accomplished women entrepreneurs and Capital One associates. The SAGE Advice Program fosters meaningful, high-impact connections between experienced business leaders and women-owned businesses. Our mission is simple...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY April 7-28, 2026 | 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 a peek...
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.
3 events,
Capital Readiness 101
Capital Readiness 101
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 businessowner hoping to acquire external capital, including grants, lines of credit, credit cards and/or term loans. Please join Women’s Business Development Center Director Emma Westfall for...
The Growth Lab | Pilot Episode
The Growth Lab | Pilot Episode
We are excited to introduce something brand new from WBDC: The Growth Lab. The Growth Lab is a dynamic advisory series where entrepreneurs bring their real business challenges to a panel of experienced advisors and subject matter experts. In each session, one founder takes the "hotseat," sharing the questions keeping them up at night while our panel...
Funding Resources for Business Owners
Funding Resources for Business Owners
Illinois Business Owners! Securing funding looks different depending on where your business is in its lifecycle. This presentation helps business owners understand capital readiness and how funding needs and sources evolve from startup through growth and into established operations. Participants will learn the difference between cash flow and capital, explore various capital types, sources, and...
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WBDC’s Networking Event Series
WBDC’s Networking Event Series
WBDC's Spring Networking Event This isn't just another networking event, this is YOUR moment to reconnect with the entrepreneurs who understand and celebrate your journey. We’d love to have you join us on Thursday, April 23rd from 4:30 to 7:00 PM at Cedar Concepts Corporation (4100 S. Packers Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609). This won’t be just...
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Adopting a Digital Mindset Webinar
Adopting a Digital Mindset Webinar
FOR IL RESIDENTS ONLY. As a small business owner, you recognize the many challenges that come with a fast-changing landscape like reaching new clients, ensuring data security, improving efficiency, and just keeping up with the latest trends in technology. It can feel overwhelming with all the different digital tools and solutions available, but by having...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY April 7-28, 2026 | 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 a peek...
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...
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Empoderamiento Financiero para Proveedoras de Cuidado Infantil
Empoderamiento Financiero para Proveedoras de Cuidado Infantil
Un taller presencial diseñado para aprender, hacer preguntas y ganar confianza en el manejo de tu dinero. Exploraremos fundamentos de finanzas personales y empresariales, opciones de acceso a capital y recursos comunitarios que te ayudarán a fortalecer tu negocio y tu bienestar económico. Funded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business...
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