Cohort Learning

Provided by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at WBDC, Plan for Profit offers a comprehensive training program for startup or emerging entrepreneurs learning to work on their business. Participants outline a business concept, determine market needs, identify target markets, develop marketing strategies, and learn the language of business. Learn more and apply.

Nine-Week Program | $99

Presented by the Women’s Business Center Aurora, the eCommerce cohort gives business owners the tools they need to thrive in an online world. Whether in the pre-venture stage or looking to pivot from brick and mortar, participants will gain knowledge on digital strategy, online payment platforms and more. Learn more and apply.

Six-Week Program | No Fee

The award-winning ScaleUp program assists established businesses experiencing no or slow growth patterns and sustainability issues. Entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to maintain a profitable business with comprehensive business development services. Participants learn about everything from break-even pricing to key performance indicators.  Learn more and apply.

Nine-Week Program | No Fee

ScaleHigher brings traditional business education, leadership skills building, and digital skills knowledge together into one cohort. Business owners will gain valuable insights from leadership coaches to build their business around their unique leadership style, and will work with storytelling experts to build a brand story and leverage it to drive sales. This cohort also includes a technology evaluation to inform decision-making. Peer-to-peer cohort learning connects a community of business owners and creates a supportive space to grow. Learn more and apply.

Ten-Week Program | No Fee

Top Shelf Retail helps established businesses access procurement opportunities in the mass retail market, assisting diverse business owners scale their products for national Big Box retailers. Participants pitch their services to a select corporate representative group that provides valuable feedback. Learn more and apply. 

Eight-Week Program | No Fee

Top Shelf Services helps established professional services businesses access procurement opportunities in the mass retail market. The program is specifically targeted to businesses in professional service areas such as technology, training, legal, marketing, and public relations. Participants pitch their services to a select corporate representative group that provides valuable feedback. Learn more and apply.

Six-Week Program | No Fee

The Rise Up! program is designed for childcare providers that have been in business for less than two years. Program topics range from SWOT analysis to operational efficiencies.  For new businesses, advisers work with clients weekly on their business plans and financials. For existing businesses, advisers help with operations, financials, and opportunities to increase business revenue. Learn more and apply.

Six-Week Program | $60

The Elevate program is available to established licensed home providers and childcare center providers that have been in business for two or more years. It guides participants through a step-by-step process to develop a business and marketing plan, learn operational policies and procedures, and implement sound methods for managing their critical childcare business financials. Learn more and apply. 

Six-Week Program | $60

CityCon is offered by the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center at WBDC. It is designed for firms interested in pursuing City of Chicago contract opportunities. Prime and Sub-contractors can gain assistance with building their capacity and hands-on proposal-writing technical assistance for responding to a Bid or Request for Proposal. Learn more and apply.

Eight-Week Program | No Fee

Presented by the Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the WBDC, GovCon helps established small business owners navigate and access federal government contracting opportunities. Designed for business owners new to government procurement, participants create a business capability statement, prepare a mock proposal, and learn to network with government agencies. Learn more and apply. 

Eight-Week Program | No Fee