Events in the Ecosystem

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03 Dec

APEX Government Contracting Beginners Bootcamp

APEX Government Contracting Beginners Bootcamp is a comprehensive introduction to government contracting.

December 3, 2026 - December 3, 2026

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18 Dec

How to Start a Business in Illinois

Learn how to start a business in Illinois in this informative online webinar.

December 18, 2026 - December 18, 2026

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18 Dec

How to Start a Business in Illinois

Learn how to start a business in Illinois through this online webinar.

December 18, 2026 - December 18, 2026

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May 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
2026-04-26 26 Harnessing AI for Your Small Business	2026-04-27 27 Beginner Computer Skills: Building Confidence with Technology	2026-04-28 28 Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp - April 28, 2026 From Renter to Owner: A Practical Homebuying Panel Target Supplier Engagement Symposium – Building Foundations for Growth +5	2026-04-29 29 Creating Your Capability Statement AI Strategy That Scales: Build Smarter Systems That Grow With You - Smart Brand System Culinary & Hospitality Marketplace: Doing Business with McCormick Place +2	2026-04-30 30 Sales vs. Marketing Fireside Chat with John Sassaris	2026-05-01 1 ECommerce with Shopify - Session 3 - Recorded Session 2026 Grant Ready: Unlocking Funding for Your Next Big Idea (May 2026, On-Demand Webinar) Starting a Business in Illinois May 2026 On-Demand Webinar +4	2026-05-02 2 Grow Smart: Small Business Marketing Series Email & Business Documents Empoderamiento Financiero para Proveedoras de Cuidado Infantil - 2026-05-02 +1
2026-05-03 3	2026-05-04 4 The Wedge + SIUE Presents: Legal Support for Small Businesses	2026-05-05 5 The Blue Economy and Chicago's Economic Future: Corporate Water Leadership, Workforce Pathways, and Regional Resilience How to Write a Business Plan Workshop - May 5, 2026 Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp - 2026-05-05 +2	2026-05-06 6 NorthShore Business Network Happy Hour @ Sketchbook Brewing Starting Your Business In Illinois	2026-05-07 7 Starting Your Small Business in Illinois Live Seminar ILSBDC Small Business Week Capital Readiness Pitch - Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Starting Your Business in Illinois +6	2026-05-08 8 Financial Tips for Your Small Business and the Importance of Cash Flow APEX Live Webinar: From Capability to Contract: Business Development Strategies for Winning Contracts	2026-05-09 9
2026-05-10 10 Legal Support for Small Businesses	2026-05-11 11	2026-05-12 12 Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp - May 12, 2026 How to Start your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality - May 12 Understanding Financial Statements +7	2026-05-13 13 Starting Your Business In Illinois Workshop Quarterly Meeting 2026 SBA Illinois Lender Forums +7	2026-05-14 14 Government Contracting 101: Understanding the Basics Managing Cash Flow: Practical Problem Solving SBDC Live Webinar: Insurance Types for Small Business +7	2026-05-15 15 Golden Alumni Induction Ceremony	2026-05-16 16
2026-05-17 17	2026-05-18 18 Starting Your Business in Illinois Workshop (May 2026) - Evening Session	2026-05-19 19 Enhancing Customer Engagement with AI: Personalization and Predictive Analytics 2026 WBDC Virtual Corporate Connections (2026-05-19) Starting Your Business In Illinois +3	2026-05-20 20 Childcare Collaborative Market Your Business with Social Media Building Marketing Assets Faster- Grow with Google +9	2026-05-21 21 Business on the Move Initiative - Business Plan Presentations and Graduation - May 21 2026 Mexico and the United States: The Value of a Strong Neighborhood Oak Brook Business Network Event @ Empire's Rooftop in Lombard +6	2026-05-22 22 How to Start a Small Business in Illinois	2026-05-23 23
2026-05-24 24	2026-05-25 25 Starting Your Business In Illinois Using AI For Your Business	2026-05-26 26 Grow Smart: Small Business Marketing Series: Social Media Marketing SBDC In Person: Tax Know-How for Small Business Get Money Smart in 2026 +3	2026-05-27 27 EXPORT NOW Bootcamp Starting a business in Illinois Before the Business: Building Your Founder's Mindset +10	2026-05-28 28 Turning Business Documents into Action Using NotebookLM Access to Capital Contracting Opportunities Ahead: Meet the Contractor for the MWRD's New JOC Contract	2026-05-29 29 Grow Local: Marketing Your Business in Today’s World	2026-05-30 30
2026-05-31 31	2026-06-01 1 Starting a Business in Illinois June 2026 On-Demand Webinar Introduction to Marketing for Small Businesses - June 2026 On-Demand Webinar WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round +4	2026-06-02 2 Happy Hour @ Riverlands Brewing Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp \| Road to Success Aurora Intro to Goverment Contracting with Brenda Henderson +1	2026-06-03 3 APEX - Process for Becoming a Vendor for the State of Illinois Colleges and Universities - WIU	2026-06-04 4 Breaking Into the Big Leagues: Unlocking Partnerships - 2026-06-04 Achieve Summit \| Southland Development Authority - June 4, 2026	2026-06-05 5 Achieve Summit \| Southland Development Authority - June 5, 2026	2026-06-06 6 Achieve Summit \| Southland Development Authority - June 6, 2026

Starting Your Business in Illinois

Past

This workshop is for those considering starting a business in Illinois, covering essential startup steps.

Tue, May 12, 2026

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Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Training

Past

Learn about State of Illinois Grants and how to apply for them in this online training session.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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Understanding BEP Certification: How to Qualify and Access State Contracting Opportunities

Past

A webinar on BEP certification and accessing state contracting opportunities.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp - May 12, 2026

Past

Continue your journey in government contracting with the second session of the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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Starting Your Business in Illinois (Virtual)

Past

A virtual workshop to help individuals start a business in Illinois.

Tue, May 12, 2026

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AI and Digital Upskilling Summit: Practical Skills for Small Businesses and Workforce Partners

Past

A half-day summit to help small business owners develop AI and digital skills.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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Road to Success Cohort | Spring 2026

Past

A cohort program for Illinois residents that builds on the R2S Bootcamp, focusing on essential business growth concepts.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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Starting your Business in Illinois - Vandalia

Past

A workshop guiding aspiring entrepreneurs in Vandalia through the essential steps of starting a business.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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Understanding Financial Statements

Past

A webinar on how to properly understand financial statements for better decision-making.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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How to Start your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality - May 12

Past

Explore the steps to successfully start your childcare business in this engaging workshop.

Tue, May 12, 2026 - Tue, May 12, 2026

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