Calendar of Events
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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,...
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...
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Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY July 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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1 event,
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,...
2 events,
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY July 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...
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...
1 event,
How To Sell to Illinois with Krysti Rinaldi
How To Sell to Illinois with Krysti Rinaldi
Learn how to sell your products and services to the state of Illinois. Join Krysti Rinaldi, Assistant Deputy Director for the Bureau of Strategic Sourcing, who will share insights on how to make Illinois your customer. Krysti oversees the procurement and administration of hundreds of State-wide master contracts which are vital to providing supplies and...
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 45-minute webinar. Please note that this program is aimed at companies who are WBE certified, not those thinking about getting certified.
Know Before You Apply – WBE Certification
Know Before You Apply – WBE Certification
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.
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1 event,
Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success | Registration Deadline
FOR IL RESIDENTS ONLY. Road to Success Bootcamp is a 4-week bootcamp that covers introductory concepts necessary for emerging and pre-venture entrepreneurs. This bootcamp will include three business education workshops and one combined legal clinic and working session. Participants must complete all four sessions, attend one advising session, and complete a follow-up survey in order to be considered...
2 events,
Two Days. One Powerful Experience. NCMSDC Business Growth Summit and Golf Invitational
July 21-22 Minneapolis Minnesota The WBDC is honored to serve as an ecosystem partner for the North Central MSDC Twin Cities Events July 21: Business Growth Summit – Target Plaza Commons, Minneapolis July 22: Invitational Scholarship Golf Classic – The Wilds Golf Club These events bring together corporate leaders, business owners, minority business enterprises (MBEs),...
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp
ELEVATE YOUR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING JOURNEY July 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...
2 events,
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,...
2 events,
Milwaukee | WI 2026 WBDC Small Business Social
As we celebrate 40 years of advancing entrepreneurs, the Wisconsin WBDC community is proud to join the entire network in honoring this milestone year. The WI 2026 WBDC Small Business Social will bring together entrepreneurs, partners, staff, and supporters under the theme: 40 Forward: Moving Forward Together This special gathering allows our local and satellite...
A Beginner’s Guide to Cashflow Projections
A Beginner’s Guide to Cashflow Projections
Projecting cashflow can help business owners prepare for a variety of scenarios and can be a powerful tool in a business owner's decision making. Business owners are invited to join us to learn how to craft their own cashflow projection. Attendees can expect to leave this session with a firm understanding of the benefits of...
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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 July 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...
1 event,
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,
Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Digital Divide with 10/10 Research
Lunch & Learn: Bridging the Digital Divide with 10/10 Research
Join us for a Lunch & Learn with Nicholena Patel, founder of 10/10 Research, as she explores how digital tools can help entrepreneurs gather meaningful market insights and make smarter business decisions. Drawing on her experience serving clients from global tech companies to local nonprofits, Nicholena will introduce accessible research platforms and survey tools that...
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