Calendar of Events
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0 events,
1 event,
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,...
3 events,
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...
1 event,
3 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...
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...
1 event,
3 events,
ScaleHigher (en español) Verano de 2026
ScaleHigher (en español) Verano de 2026
ScaleHigher une la educación empresarial tradicional, el entrenamiento en liderazgo y los conocimientos sobre habilidades digitales en una sola cohorte. Los propietarios de negocios tienen acceso a oportunidades de aprendizaje práctico impartidas por expertos en la materia, asesoramiento personalizado de especialistas en branding y herramientas digitales, así como una oportunidad única para que los líderes...
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.
5 events,
2026 Solopreneurs’ Mastermind Series
2026 Solopreneurs’ Mastermind Series
Join the Solopreneurs' Mastermind Series: a focused, 6-month program for Illinois solo business owners who are actively working with clients and ready to sharpen what they offer, find the right clients, and learn from actually doing the work. This isn't theory. This is about getting in the field and figuring out what works. Program Details...
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...
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,
Entiende tus finanzas y planea para crecer tu negocio de Cuidado Infantil
Entiende tus finanzas y planea para crecer tu negocio de Cuidado Infantil
En este taller de dos días aprenderás a preparar e interpretar los estados financieros, como hacer un presupuesto y como establecer indicadores clave de desempeño para una mejor toma de decisiones. Aprenderás a calcular el punto de equilibrio y crear un presupuesto. Fechas: 10 y 11 de junio, 2026 Hora: 6-8 pm Funded (in part)...
3 events,
High Stakes High Impact Casino Summit
High Stakes High Impact Casino Summit
INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING BUSINESS ChicagoMSDC and Wind Creek Chicago Southland invite you to attend the High Stakes High Impact Casino Summit. This event is your strategic gateway into creating business opportunities. Whether you're a small business, a corporate or casino buyer, or an industry leader, this event is dedicated to helping you collaborate, innovate, and...
Inicie Su Negocio en Illinois: Hágalo Bien Desde el Principio
Inicie Su Negocio en Illinois: Hágalo Bien Desde el Principio
¿Está considerando iniciar un negocio en Illinois pero no sabe por dónde empezar? Acompáñenos en nuestro seminario web “Inicie Su Negocio en Illinois” y obtenga la información y confianza que necesita para dar sus primeros pasos correctamente. Durante este taller interactivo, usted podrá: Realizar una evaluación inicial para identificar sus fortalezas y áreas de oportunidad...
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
3 events,
2026 WBENC National Conference IMPACT
Expand Your IMPACT at the WBENC National Conference June 15-18, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah! The WBENC National Conference isn’t just another business event. It is a powerful gathering point for business-building connections, collaboration, and growth that drive impact and innovation. Every year, WBENC raises the bar with fresh, dynamic approaches that spark connections...
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.
4 events,
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Business Marketing
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Business Marketing
In this 1.5-hour workshop, small business owners will explore how to leverage AI—especially tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot—to boost marketing effectiveness and productivity. You’ll start by understanding what AI is (and what it isn’t) and how the platforms we hear about fit into the broader picture of artificial intelligence. The session will unpack how...
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...
3 events,
Workforce Solutions for Growing Businesses
Workforce Solutions for Growing Businesses
Join fellow local entrepreneurs, business owners, and workforce leaders for an interactive, solutions‑focused summit designed to help you attract, develop, and retain talent in today’s evolving labor market. This 2‑hour summit brings together small businesses and key regional partners—including colleges, chambers of commerce, workforce agencies, and business support organizations—to share real‑world strategies you can implement...
3 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 45-minute webinar. Please note that this program is aimed at companies who are WBE certified, not those thinking about getting certified.
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
3 events,
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...
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...
6 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 Fractional Hype – Executive-Level Expertise Without the Full-Time Cost
The Fractional Hype – Executive-Level Expertise Without the Full-Time Cost
Every business deserves the right support at the right moment. Our fractional executives partner with you to strengthen your people, processes, systems, and strategy—creating momentum that moves your business forward. Join us for a panel discussion with W. EDGE Collective where we will discuss how a fractional executive can help your business gain executive-level leadership...
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.
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
3 events,
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Businesses
Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Small Businesses
For IL residents only. In this 1.5-hour workshop, small business owners will explore how to leverage AI—especially tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot—to boost marketing effectiveness and productivity. You’ll start by understanding what AI is (and what it isn’t) and how the platforms we hear about fit into the broader picture of artificial intelligence. The...
Grant Funding for Small Businesses: How to Find and Win Free Capital
Grant Funding for Small Businesses: How to Find and Win Free Capital
Securing capital is one of the biggest hurdles for any entrepreneur, but you don't always have to trade equity or take on debt to grow. This session breaks down the grant landscape in clear, practical terms, helping owners understand the difference between federal, state, and private funding sources, what reviewers actually look for in a...
2 events,
The Growth Lab | Episode 3
The Growth Lab | Episode 3
The Growth Lab is back — and Episode 3 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...
1 event,
1 event,
1 event,
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