Events in the Ecosystem

Check out pitch competitions, workshops, and meetups here.

30 May

Marketing en un Mundo Digital

Strengthen your business's digital presence in this practical workshop. Learn to identify your unique value, target customers, and optimize your online spaces.

May 30, 2026 - May 30, 2026

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01 Jun

WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round

Participate in the WBENCPitch IMPACT 1st Round to showcase your business through storytelling.

June 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

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01 Jun

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

An on-demand webinar for entrepreneurs on writing business plans.

June 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

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01 Jun

AI for Small Business On-Demand Webinar - June 2026

Join a free on-demand webinar focusing on the use of AI in small business operations.

June 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

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01 Jun

Advantage Illinois Loan Program June 2026 On-Demand Webinar

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

June 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

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01 Jun

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

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

June 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

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01 Jun

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

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

June 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

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01 Jun

Starting a Business in Illinois June 2026 On-Demand Webinar

An on-demand webinar designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs on starting a business in Illinois.

June 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

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02 Jun

Emerging & Pre-Venture Bootcamp | Road to Success Aurora

This bootcamp is designed to help entrepreneurs build and grow sustainable businesses.

June 2, 2026 - June 2, 2026

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02 Jun

Intro to Goverment Contracting with Brenda Henderson

A training event on Government Contracting with Brenda Henderson.

June 2, 2026 - June 2, 2026

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02 Jun

Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp - June 2, 2026

Join the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp for invaluable insights into government contracting.

June 2, 2026 - June 2, 2026

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02 Jun

122nd Annual Meeting of Membership

Join us for the 122nd Annual Meeting of Membership by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, featuring speakers from the business community.

June 2, 2026 - June 2, 2026

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02 Jun

Happy Hour @ Riverlands Brewing

A networking happy hour with pizza and craft beer hosted by Fox Valley Business Network.

June 2, 2026 - June 2, 2026

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03 Jun

APEX - Process for Becoming a Vendor for the State of Illinois Colleges and Universities - WIU

This training covers the process for becoming a vendor for the State of Illinois Colleges and Universities.

June 3, 2026 - June 3, 2026

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04 Jun

Breaking Into the Big Leagues: Unlocking Partnerships - 2026-06-04

Explore partnership opportunities with Chicago’s professional women’s sports organizations at this informative event.

June 4, 2026 - June 4, 2026

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04 Jun

Achieve Summit | Southland Development Authority - June 4, 2026

Join us for the Achieve Summit, a 3-day event for entrepreneurs and investors, featuring a lineup of dynamic speakers.

June 4, 2026 - June 6, 2026

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05 Jun

Achieve Summit | Southland Development Authority - June 5, 2026

Join us for the Achieve Summit, a 3-day event for entrepreneurs and investors, featuring a lineup of dynamic speakers.

June 5, 2026 - June 6, 2026

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06 Jun

Achieve Summit | Southland Development Authority - June 6, 2026

Join us for the Achieve Summit, a 3-day event for entrepreneurs and investors, featuring a lineup of dynamic speakers.

June 6, 2026 - June 6, 2026

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09 Jun

Starting a Business in Illinois – Get It Right from Day One - 2026-06-09

Gain clarity and confidence in starting your business in Illinois with our interactive webinar.

June 9, 2026

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09 Jun

Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp - June 9, 2026

Join the Government Contracting Beginner’s Bootcamp for invaluable insights into government contracting.

June 9, 2026 - June 9, 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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