NEIU Business Innovation & Growth Center

Events in the Ecosystem

Events in the Ecosystem

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Check out pitch competitions, workshops, and meetups here.

21 Sep

Starting Your Business in Illinois Workshop (September 2026) - Evening Session

A workshop for emerging entrepreneurs on starting a business in Illinois.

September 21, 2026 - September 21, 2026

23 Sep

Grant Preparation 101 - Live online seminar

A live online seminar focusing on the pre-award process for state and federal grants.

September 23, 2026 - September 23, 2026

24 Sep

The Wedge: Intelligent Ledgers in the AI Economy

A training seminar exploring the role of intelligent ledgers in the AI economy aimed at accounting and finance professionals.

September 24, 2026 - September 24, 2026

24 Sep

Grants for Small Businesses - September 24, 2026

Workshop aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to secure funding for their small businesses.

September 24, 2026 - September 24, 2026

25 Sep

How to Start a Small Business in Illinois

A training session on starting a small business in Illinois.

September 25, 2026 - September 25, 2026

30 Sep

Starting a business in Illinois

A training session for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about starting a business in Illinois.

September 30, 2026 - September 30, 2026

01 Oct

Introduction to Marketing for Small Businesses - October 2026 On-Demand Webinar

An on-demand webinar focusing on marketing strategies for small businesses.

October 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026

01 Oct

Grant Ready: Unlocking Funding for Your Next Big Idea (October 2026, On-Demand Webinar)

An on-demand webinar about securing grant funding for entrepreneurs.

October 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026

01 Oct

Advantage Illinois Loan Program October 2026 On-Demand Webinar

An informative on-demand webinar on the Advantage Illinois Loan Program.

October 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026

01 Oct

AI for Small Business On-Demand Webinar - October 2026

An on-demand webinar focused on how AI can benefit small businesses, featuring demonstrations and practical applications.

October 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026

01 Oct

Starting a Business in Illinois October 2026 On-Demand Webinar

An on-demand webinar designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs successfully start their businesses in Illinois.

October 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026

01 Oct

Introduction to Business Plans & LivePlan - October 2026 On-Demand Webinar

An on-demand webinar to help entrepreneurs write effective business plans using LivePlan.

October 1, 2026 - October 1, 2026

13 Oct

Starting Your Business in Illinois - October 13th, 2026

A training event for individuals interested in starting a business in Illinois.

October 13, 2026 - October 13, 2026

14 Oct

SBDC Live Webinar: Insurance Types for Small Business

A webinar covering essential insurance types for small businesses.

October 14, 2026 - October 14, 2026

14 Oct

Starting Your Small Business in Illinois Live Seminar

A live seminar for developing small businesses in Illinois.

October 14, 2026 - October 14, 2026

14 Oct

Comenzando un Negocio en IL

A workshop to learn the basics of starting a successful business.

October 14, 2026 - October 14, 2026

15 Oct

Starting A Business in IL

A workshop to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand starting a business in Illinois.

October 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026

15 Oct

Export 101

This workshop will provide an overview of exporting and its benefits for business expansion.

October 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026

18 Oct

Starting Your Business in Illinois

A workshop to help entrepreneurs start their business in Illinois.

October 18, 2026 - October 18, 2026

19 Oct

Starting Your Business in Illinois Workshop (October 2026) - Evening Session

A workshop for emerging entrepreneurs on starting a business in Illinois.

October 19, 2026 - October 19, 2026

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 Marketing en un Mundo Digital
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 +2	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

Adopting a Digital Mindset - Workshop on 2026-05-20

Past

Learn about the importance of a digital mindset for small businesses and how to choose the right tools for growth.

Wed, May 20, 2026

The Fractional Hype – Executive-Level Expertise Without the Full-Time Cost

Past

Discover how fractional executives can provide essential leadership and support for your business without the full-time commitment.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

Childcare Collaborative

Past

Participate in the Childcare Collaborative program designed for childcare providers. This monthly event focuses on business growth and offers valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

APEX Live Webinar: Introducing CLEATUS APEX Lite — Free for APEX Clients

Past

An exclusive webinar introducing CLEATUS APEX Lite free for APEX clients.

Wed, May 20, 2026

Market Your Business with Social Media

Past

This is a virtual workshop focused on marketing your business through social media.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

Building Marketing Assets Faster- Grow with Google

Past

Learn to create marketing assets faster in this online workshop.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

From Access to Scale: Supplier Diversity, Procurement, and AAPI Entrepreneurship

Past

A panel discussion focused on supplier diversity and AAPI entrepreneurship, hosted by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

Starting Your Business in Illinois

Past

A free workshop on starting a business in Illinois for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

SBDC Live Webinar: Legal Issues for Small Business

Past

Join the SBDC Live Webinar to learn about legal issues for small businesses.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

Grant Preparation 101 - Live online seminar

Past

An online seminar focused on grant preparation processes.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

How to Start a Business in Illinois

Past

A live webinar designed to guide entrepreneurs through the process of starting a business in Illinois.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026

Comenzando un Negocio en IL

Past

A training workshop to learn the basics of starting a successful business.

Wed, May 20, 2026 - Wed, May 20, 2026