Events in the Ecosystem

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Check out pitch competitions, workshops, and meetups here.

25 Jun

The Wedge + SIUE Presents: How to Exit Your Business Without the Financial Stress

A workshop designed to aid business owners in planning a smooth exit from their businesses without financial stress.

June 25, 2026 - June 25, 2026

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25 Jun

NorthShore Business Network Happy Hour @ Sketchbook Brewing (June 25th)

Join NorthShore Business Network for a casual networking happy hour at Sketchbook Brewing on June 25th.

June 25, 2026 - June 25, 2026

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26 Jun

How to Start a Small Business in Illinois

A seminar providing an overview of starting a small business in Illinois.

June 26, 2026 - June 26, 2026

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26 Jun

13th Annual MESC 2026 KICK OFF EVENT

Learn about the Metro East Startup Challenge and how you can participate to win up to $28,000 in prize money.

June 26, 2026 - June 26, 2026

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30 Jun

Starting Your Business in Illinois - June 30th 2026

Join the Illinois Small Business Development Center for a free online seminar on starting your business.

June 30, 2026 - June 30, 2026

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01 Jul

Introduction to Business Plans LivePlan - July 2026 On-Demand Webinar

An on-demand webinar for entrepreneurs to learn how to write a business plan.

July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2026

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01 Jul

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

An on-demand webinar to help entrepreneurs understand and access available grant opportunities.

July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2026

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01 Jul

Starting a Business in Illinois July 2026 On-Demand Webinar

This on-demand webinar offers essential guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Illinois.

July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2026

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01 Jul

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

An on-demand webinar for small business owners focusing on essential marketing strategies.

July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2026

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01 Jul

Advantage Illinois Loan Program July 2026 On-Demand Webinar

An on-demand webinar focused on financial resources available for small businesses in Illinois.

July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2026

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01 Jul

AI for Small Business On-Demand Webinar - July 2026

Join the Illinois SBDC for a free on-demand webinar on the use of AI in small businesses.

July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2026

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06 Jul

WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round

Participate in the WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round, where women business enterprises will showcase their stories and business ideas.

July 6, 2026 - July 6, 2026

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08 Jul

Windy City Business Network Happy Hour @ Midwest Coast Rooftop

Enjoy a happy hour of networking with craft beer and pizza at Midwest Coast Brewing Co.

July 8, 2026 - July 8, 2026

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08 Jul

Comenzando un Negocio en IL

Un taller para aprender los elementos básicos para comenzar una empresa exitosa.

July 8, 2026 - July 8, 2026

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10 Jul

13th Annual MESC 2026 KICK OFF EVENT- Virtual

Join the virtual seminar for the 13th Annual MESC 2026 Kick Off Event to learn about the Metro East Startup Challenge.

July 10, 2026 - July 10, 2026

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14 Jul

How to Start your Childcare Business: From Vision to Reality - 2026-07-14

Este webinar te guiará a través de los pasos esenciales para iniciar un negocio de cuidado infantil con confianza.

July 14, 2026

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14 Jul

Paid Social That Works — Facebook & Instagram Advertising Essentials

Learn how to effectively use Facebook and Instagram ads for your business.

July 14, 2026 - July 14, 2026

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15 Jul

SBDC Live Webinar: Engage More Clients with Business-to-Business (B2B) Content Marketing

This workshop focuses on B2B content marketing strategies for engaging clients effectively.

July 15, 2026 - July 15, 2026

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15 Jul

Comenzando un Negocio en IL

Aprenda los elementos básicos para comenzar una empresa exitosa en este taller.

July 15, 2026 - July 15, 2026

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15 Jul

How to Start a Business in Illinois

A live webinar teaching aspiring entrepreneurs how to create a business plan and register their business in Illinois.

July 15, 2026 - July 15, 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 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

Direct Lending Program Information Session - 2026-05-26

Past

Join us for an information session on the Direct Lending Program, an alternative capital option for businesses. Learn about borrower requirements and how to apply.

Tue, May 26, 2026 - Tue, May 26, 2026

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Get Money Smart in 2026

Past

Join the Get Money Smart in 2026 webinar to take control of your business finances.

Tue, May 26, 2026 - Tue, May 26, 2026

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Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp - May 26, 2026

Past

Conclude your training with the final session of the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp.

Tue, May 26, 2026 - Tue, May 26, 2026

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