May 3: American Express OPEN Victory in Procurement Presents "Marketing to the Government"
Join American Express OPEN, in partnership with the WBDC, for "Pitching Your Business - Marketing to the Government". This free 3-hour event for contract-ready small business owners will teach you how to effectively pitch your business to the government.
May 3: Starting a Business in Illinois
Are you considering starting a business in Illinois? Put yourself ahead of the curve and 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.
May 8: Identifying the Market Viability of Your Business Concept (Part of Jumpstart Series)
How do you know if you have a viable idea that will thrive in the marketplace? How do you identify your business model and determine your target market? How do you conduct your own market research? Find answers to these questions and more at this session.
May 8: Online Joint Business Counseling: Teaming for Contracts: Peer Partnerships
Are you an established business owner seeking to grow your business through government and corporate contracting? Don't miss this opportunity to learn from WBDC business counselors about peer partnerships in an interactive, small group format.
May 10: Connection Points: Networking with Event-Related Professionals & Those Seeking Event-Related Services
If you are looking to meet potential collaborators who are caterers, event planners, florists, photographers or videographers, then this event is for you. This Connection Points event will include plenty of networking time and a short panel presentation where resources in each discipline share insights on trends in the industries and other questions from participants. We will share information on helping a client select these types of services and costs they can expect from your services. Come connect to new and known colleagues, and learn more of how you can be of service to each other and each others' clients!
May 15: Take the Mystery out of Finance
Learn the Five C's: cash flow, collateral, capital, character and conditions, as well as detailed information about financing through equity, debt, receivables, purchase order and leasing. This workshop will provide real world examples and help you determine what financing options are available to you.
May 15: Reach Your Market Strategically (Part of Jumpstart Series)
Once you know who your target market and ideal clients are, you need to figure out how to reach them. You will learn how to distinguish between selling and marketing, identify features and benefits of your products/services, develop at least three strategies for marketing and more.
May 16: Where Do You Fit in the Supply Chain? How to Win Contracts and Become a Long-Term Sustainable Supplier
In today's competitive marketplace it is essential for women-owned businesses to stay current about how to compete in the corporate supply chain. Learn how to position your business within the supply chain, focus on your competitive edge, clearly communicate your value proposition, clarify your target customers and more.
May 22: Financial Smarts for Business Starts (Part of Jumpstart Series)
Learn to analyze costs and revenues for your business. This workshop will address the importance of decreasing risk by employing monthly record keeping, the critical role of the tax professional/accountant, how financial analysis (record keeping) and marketing work together and the difference between cash flow and profit and loss. Learn to apply five types of financial statements and know the purpose of each statement.
May 23: How to Leverage Your WBENC Certification
For newly certified Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs) or WBEs that want to enhance their knowledge about programs and services offered by the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) and develop relationships with WBDC corporate and government partners.
May 29: Financial Analysis: Building Your Financial Muscle with the Expert (Part of Jumpstart Series)
Dig deeper into understanding the financial pieces of running your business with insight from a WBDC finance specialist. Learn how to determine cash flow projections, create revenue assumptions and sales projections prior to listing business expenses, develop sales projections utilizing a variety of strategies, utilize financial ratios and what is essential in managing business banking relationships.
June 2: 14th Annual Child Care Business Expo: Shining a Light on the Business Side of Child
The only bi-lingual professional development conference focusing on the business side of child care. Learn from industry leaders, network with other child care entrepreneurs and find resources for your child care business.
