Calendar of Events
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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...
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 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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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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How to Write a Business Plan Workshop
How to Write a Business Plan Workshop
FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS ONLY. “How to Write a Business Plan,” a virtual workshop designed specifically for pre-venture entrepreneurs. In this workshop, current and future 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...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY May 5-26, 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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Road to Success Cohort | Spring 2026
Only for those who completed the R2S Bootcamp. FOR IL RESIDENTS ONLY. Road to Success 2.0 is a six-session cohort, for which the Bootcamp is a prerequisite. Road to Success cohort guides pre-venture and emerging businesses towards success by going more in depth into areas crucial for business growth. The cohort covers essential business concepts...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY May 5-26, 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...
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...
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 SBDC at the Women’s Business Development Center.
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Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Digital Divide with Be The Data Hero
Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Digital Divide with Be The Data Hero
Pauline McKinney, Founder of Be The Data Hero, will offer a workshop that combines digital tools and data collecting practices. Pauline is a strategic problem solver with a reputation for finding the signals others miss. She founded Be The Data Hero after seeing the same pattern everywhere: smart leaders drowning in data but starving for...
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Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY May 5-26, 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...
2026 WBDC Virtual Corporate Connections
2026 WBDC Virtual Corporate Connections
A virtual engagement designed to hear from our Corporate Partners on how to do business within their organizations. Procurement and supplier engagement sourcing professionals will highlight their category needs for the next 12 – 18 months as well as provide insights into their sourcing strategies. Program Format The Virtual Corporate Connections begins with a welcome and program...
2 events,
Adopting a Digital Mindset
Adopting a Digital Mindset
In this workshop you will learn what a digital mindset is and why it is essential for you and your small business to grow and stay competitive. We will discuss how to choose the right digital tools and solutions for your business needs, how to measure performance and impact, and how to foster a digital...
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.
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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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Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY May 5-26, 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...
2 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 | Episode 2
The Growth Lab | Episode 2
The Growth Lab is back — and Episode 2 is going to be one you don't want to miss. At The Growth Lab, entrepreneurs bring their real business challenges to a panel of experienced advisors and subject matter experts. In each session, one founder takes the spotlight, sharing the questions keeping them up at night while our...
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Marketing en un Mundo Digital
Marketing en un Mundo Digital
Aprende a fortalecer la presencia digital de tu negocio en un taller práctico y fácil de aplicar. Descubrirás qué hace único a tu negocio, dónde están tus clientes y cómo aprovechar mejor tus espacios en internet para atraerlos. También aprenderás a analizar resultados, hacer ajustes y construir espacios digitales propios que impulsen la marca de tu...
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WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round
This year the WBDC will host WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round in two segments. One will be for professional services and the other will be for products. Applications will open for both at the same time. For the 1st Round, WBE's will use storytelling techniques to clearly describe who they are and what their business does,...
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Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success June 2026
WBDC’s Road to Success four-week Bootcamp provides Illinois 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...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY June 2-23, 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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Achieve Summit | Southland Development Authority
We’re excited to share the upcoming Achieve Summit hosted by the Southland Development Authority, taking place June 4–6 at Wind Creek Southland Casino & Hotel. Achieve Summit is a 3-day experience designed for entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and anyone who is ready to grow. This year’s summit brings together a dynamic lineup of speakers, including...
Breaking Into the Big Leagues: Unlocking Partnerships, Procurement & Engagement Opportunities with Chicago’s Professional Women’s Sports Organizations
Breaking Into the Big Leagues: Unlocking Partnerships, Procurement & Engagement Opportunities with Chicago’s Professional Women’s Sports Organizations
Chicago professional women’s sports teams aren’t just entertaining- their organizations are potential partners for small business owners! Join us at this no-cost event at Whiskey Girl Tavern to learn about the different avenues available to small business owners interested in working with women’s professional sports organizations. Whether you are looking for a vendor contract, business...
2 events,
Achieve Summit | Southland Development Authority
We’re excited to share the upcoming Achieve Summit hosted by the Southland Development Authority, taking place June 4–6 at Wind Creek Southland Casino & Hotel. Achieve Summit is a 3-day experience designed for entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and anyone who is ready to grow. This year’s summit brings together a dynamic lineup of speakers, including...
2 events,
Achieve Summit | Southland Development Authority
We’re excited to share the upcoming Achieve Summit hosted by the Southland Development Authority, taking place June 4–6 at Wind Creek Southland Casino & Hotel. Achieve Summit is a 3-day experience designed for entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and anyone who is ready to grow. This year’s summit brings together a dynamic lineup of speakers, including...
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