CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 2011

 

WBDC 2011 Technology Makeover Competition

 

Apply now to the WBDC 's 3rd Annual Small Business Technology Makeover Competition!  

The winner will receive$100,000.00 in FREE technology products and business services to help your business grow.  Applications are due December 9, 2011.

  

Click here to learn more and to apply.

 

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Partner Events

 

December 2: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Business Opportunity Fair

Discover how to become a St. Louis Fed supplier and meet purchasing decision-makers. Registration closes November 29.

 

December 2:  Public Building Commission of Chicago Contractor Open House

Hear from PBC officials about new initiatives and upcoming 2012 projects.

 

December 6: Women In Bio (WIB)-Chicago's Networking on the Northshore  

Learn about Women in Bio-Chicago and celebrate their inaugural year. 

 

December 14: U.S. Department of Energy Business Opportunity Session and Matchmaker 

The Deputy Secretary of the U. S. Department of Energy and the Women's Business Development Center present a
Business Opportunity Session and Matchmaker for minority and  women-owned businesses. This session will help women and minority-owned
businesses gain access to contracting and subcontracting opportunities with the

U. S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies. 

 

Registration closes December 8.

 
To register, click here.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR CURRENT GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES.

 

 

 

 

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Greetings!

New 25th Anniversary Logo

 

WBDC WORKSHOPS 

December 2011

 

December 1: City of Chicago Certified, Now What?

This workshop will provide newly certified  M/W/DBE and BEPD firms valuable information on how to compete for City of Chicago contracts.  Participants will also learn about resources available to certified firms.

 

December 1: Reputation Management and Analytics (e-Marketing Series)

Do you know how to fix a bad review that is tarnishing your reputation? Do you know how to create buzz around your business name in order to create relationships that lead to revenue? Managing your business' online reputation and measuring the impact of your online efforts are important tools in your business' e-Marketing kit.  

 

December 6:  Connection Points: Networking with Accountants, Attorneys, Mediators and Financial Advisors

If you are looking to meet potential collaborators who are Accountants, Attorneys, Mediators and Financial Advisors, then this event is for you. This Connection Points event will include plenty of networking time and a short panel discussion on the issues involved in protecting intellectual property. 
 

December 7: Starting a Business in Illinois

Are you considering starting a business in Illinois? Put yourself ahead of the curve by attending this workshop to gain the knowledge you need to assist with a successful launch. This workshop will address if  business ownership is right for you, the transition from being an employee, volunteer, homemaker and/or independent contractor to business owner and more. 

 

December 8: Online Store Savvy (e-Marketing Series)

Do you want to have an online business but aren't sure how to set one up? This workshop will discuss what you should look for in hiring an outside consultant to develop your online store and will help you identify important online sites which can be key to your success.

 

December 13: Growing Your Business with Debt Through the Efficient Use of Debt Capital

This workshop is geared towards mature business owners that currently have debt or are thinking about using debt capital to grow their business in this historically low interest rate environment.  A panel of seasoned lenders will discuss efficient uses of debt and talk about how a bank evaluates your business.  This workshop will also cover highlights and changes to loan programs including SBA and USDA.  

 

December 15: Workin' the Social Media Beat: Your Online Marketing Plan (e-Marketing Series)

Does your online presence yield the best bang for your buck?  Without a plan and goals for using social media, many small business owners invest a lot of time without gaining the desired results from their efforts. Learn how to create a realistic social media plan to grow your business.

SAVE THE DATE

for January 2012 WBDC Workshops

 

January 5: Wisdom, Wine and Cheese (Introduction to WBDC Services)

January 10: Wisdom, Wine and Cheese (Introduction to WBDC Services

January 11: Starting a Business in Illinois

January 12: Are You Ready for a Government Contract?

January 17: Take the Mystery out of Finance

January 19: Identifying the Market Viability of Your Business Concept (Part of JumpStart Series)

January 23: FastTrac Planning: Maximizing the Potential for Your Business (12 Week Program)

 

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS ONLINE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.WBDC.ORG 
OR CALL US AT (312) 853-3477 X. 0