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X-WR-CALNAME:Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250218T140000
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SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 3 - State of Illinois Business Enterprise & Veteran Business Programs Certifications
DESCRIPTION:This session is part 3 of a 4-part series. \nPresented by:\nKeli Krueger-Huhra\, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC\nJohnny Rodriguez\, Outreach Manager – Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion \nThe BEP/VBP program promotes the economic development of businesses owned and operated by minorities\, women\, people with disabilities\, veterans\, and service-disabled veterans and supports their participation in the State’s overall procurement process as both prime and subcontractors.  State agencies and universities have a goal to buy at least 30% of goods and services from BEP certified Businesses and at least 3% of their procurement budgets with certified veteran owned (VBP) businesses.  Please join us as we discuss the requirements and process to obtain this certification. \nDate: Tuesday\, February 18\, 2025\nTime: 2-3 PM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D01q9x5kSr61lHui2Q9Z4Q \n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-certification-series-part-3-state-of-illinois-business-enterprise-veteran-business-programs-certifications/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX,Certification Series
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250204T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250204T150000
DTSTAMP:20250122T152343Z
CREATED:20250122T152343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250122T152343Z
UID:10000216-1738677600-1738681200@cusbdc.org
SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 2 - SBA Small Business Certifications
DESCRIPTION:This session is part 2 of a 4-part series. \nPresented by Keli Krueger-Huhra\, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC \nThis course provides an in-depth review of the Small Business Administration (SBA) certifications designated for small businesses pursuing opportunities in the federal government marketplace. In this webinar you will learn the specifics of how to qualify a business for Small Business Self Certification and a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB).  In addition\, we will introduce the SBA’s new unified certification website\, MySBA Certifications portal and the process and requirements for application in the 8(a) Business Development Program\, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)\, Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)\, Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone)\, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)\, and Economic Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).  Take advantage of this program to gain the confidence to apply for certification. \nDate: Tuesday\, February 4\, 2025\nTime: 2-3 PM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_okeXpwM4QV-hrhYsaL-fMg \n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-certification-series-part-2-sba-small-business-certifications/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX,Certification Series
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250128T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250128T110000
DTSTAMP:20241216T163122Z
CREATED:20241213T165450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241216T163122Z
UID:10000208-1738058400-1738062000@cusbdc.org
SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Deconstructing the RFQ/RFP Solicitation
DESCRIPTION:Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra\, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC \nIt can seem overwhelming to find a federal government solicitation you’re interested in but first need to understand what it would take to bid on this opportunity. This is our tax dollars at work\, so it’s necessary for municipal\, state\, and federal contracts to use a transparent process to keep track of what\, where and how our money is being spent. This webinar will provide an understanding of the common parts of a solicitation document to properly prepare a bid. Our objective is to make working with challenging government bid documents seem more reasonable by allowing you to familiarize yourself with the usual sections and lingo involved in the procurement procedure.  At the end of the webinar\, you’ll understand where to find the government’s requirement in a bid document. \nA second session will follow in March on How to Respond to an RFP/RFQ. \nDate: Tuesday\, January 28\, 2025\nTime: 10-11 AM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D9L53lqgTRmGdIZcjGonMQ\n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-deconstructing-the-rfq-rfp-solicitation/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250117T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250117T150000
DTSTAMP:20241216T163138Z
CREATED:20241213T163838Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241216T163138Z
UID:10000207-1737122400-1737126000@cusbdc.org
SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 1 - Why Certify?
DESCRIPTION:This session is part 1 of a 4-part series. \nPresented by Keli Krueger-Huhra\, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC \nSocioeconomic contracting programs can be a boon for small businesses. Whether as an 8(a) Program participant\, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business\, a woman-owned small business\, or a HUBZone company\, or State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program\, small businesses can take advantage of set-aside and sole source contract opportunities. \nWhen pursuing federal contract opportunities\, it’s important for small businesses to take advantage of every benefit available to them. Learning about and leveraging socioeconomic programs is a great tool to increase your business’s competitiveness. \nJoin us as we present an overview of the available certifications and benefits available to participants.  Three additional sessions will be available with details specific to the state and federal certifications discussed in this webinar. \nDate: Friday\, January 17\, 2025\nTime: 2-3 PM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GcALFpLKSeu5EIY445utgg\n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-certification-series-part-1-why-certify/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX,Certification Series
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250107T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250107T110000
DTSTAMP:20241118T141153Z
CREATED:20241118T141153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241118T141153Z
UID:10000185-1736244000-1736247600@cusbdc.org
SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 2 – Develop Your Government Market Plan:  Building Relationships with Your Target Agencies & Allies
DESCRIPTION:This session is part 2 of a 3-part series. \nPresented by Keli Krueger-Huhra\, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC \nBuilding a reputation as an expert in your industry\, building relationships with potential customers and partners\, and getting face time at industry events or meetings are as vital in government business as they are in private sector sales.  However\, due to government acquisition regulations\, it is critical to establish relationships and build trust long before a solicitation is released. In this session\, we’ll explore the pivotal role that marketing plays in winning government procurement opportunities.  We’ll delve into the resources available for small businesses to connect with their target agencies\, such as agency OSDBUs\, SBA PCRs\, SBLOs\, and other allies who advocate for small businesses.  We’ll look at marketing tools such as the Dynamic Small Business Search to enhance your company’s visibility to agencies and primes. You’ll also learn to find and prepare for networking and matchmaking events.  Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your marketing game in the procurement landscape. \nDate: Tuesday\, January 7\, 2025\nTime: 10-11 AM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OzVugfqjRBOU0g31aeR-tQ\n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-start-now-in-government-contracting-series-part-2-develop-your-government-market-plan-building-relationships-with-your-target-agencies-allies/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241217T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241217T110000
DTSTAMP:20241118T140434Z
CREATED:20241118T140434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241118T140434Z
UID:10000184-1734429600-1734433200@cusbdc.org
SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 1 – Conducting Market Research
DESCRIPTION:This session is part 1 of a 3-part series. \nPresented by Keli Krueger-Huhra\, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC \nWhat do we find when we do Market Research?  Propensity!  In other words: \n\nWho buys what you sell?\nHow do they buy it?\nHow often do they buy it?\nHow much they are buying?\n\nThis is the beginning of the journey to determine if government contracting is a good fit for your business.  In the first of our 3-part series\, we will help you decide whether you can compete based on what the marketplace tells you.  You’ll learn how to effectively use available resources to perform research for past awards\, current agency opportunities\, and forecasts to determine which agencies use your product or services.  We’ll show you how to generate agency top ten lists and see how you can get questions answered by using the search criteria for informing the results. \nDate: Tuesday\, December 17\, 2024\nTime: 10-11 AM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BH9YFo72Th-waqzFB-GlbA\n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-start-now-in-government-contracting-series-part-1-conducting-market-research/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241126T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241126T110000
DTSTAMP:20250127T174234Z
CREATED:20241029T141016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T174234Z
UID:10000183-1732615200-1732618800@cusbdc.org
SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: What is an APEX Accelerator Center & how can it help my business?
DESCRIPTION:Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra – Director\, Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC \nFor nearly 40 years\, the Illinois APEX Accelerator professionals have been providing businesses the guidance they need to sell their goods and services to local\, state\, and federal government agencies. Keli Krueger-Huhra\, the inaugural Director for the Illinois APEX Accelerator Center at Champaign County EDC\, will discuss how businesses can leverage services provided through the Illinois APEX Accelerator to prepare for and secure government contracts successfully\, obtain various business certifications\, and more. \nTopics covered: \n\nIntroduction to the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC\nGeneral Overview of Government Contracting\nBrief discussion of Small Business Certifications\nIdentifying Your Agency Customers\nMarketing to Government Agencies\nFinding State of Illinois agency requirements\n\nDate: Tuesday\, November 26\, 2024\nTime: 10-11 AM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w9pCZuCEQAiwU7Vd6UsIdQ \n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: This webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-what-is-an-apex-accelerator-center-how-can-it-help-my-business/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX,Illinois APEX Accelerator Services
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241112T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241112T150000
DTSTAMP:20250127T174229Z
CREATED:20241029T140350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T174229Z
UID:10000182-1731420000-1731423600@cusbdc.org
SUMMARY:Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Veteran Business Resources
DESCRIPTION:Celebrating National Veterans Small Business Week (November 11-15\, 2024) \nPresented by Keith S Murphy – Director\, Veteran Business Outreach Center (covering Illinois\, Minnesota\, and Wisconsin) \nFacilitated by Keli Krueger-Huhra – Director\, Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC \nNational Veterans Small Business Week is a time to celebrate and empower veteran-owned businesses in our community! This webinar\, hosted by the newly launched Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC\, will highlight resources available for veterans\, service members\, and military family businesses to support your success\, yielding strong economic results. \nTopics covered: \n\nServices provided through the Illinois APEX Accelerator to support government contracting opportunities\nIntroduction to the Veteran Business Outreach Center\nLearn about access to free federal surplus property and low-cost purchase of State surplus property\nVeteran-Owned Small Business Certification\n\nDate: Tuesday\, November 12\, 2024\nTime: 2-3 PM \nRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6CNfuN-bSGivHHvPOUsjJQ\n*After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPLEASE NOTE: This webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar\, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain. \nKeith S Murphy is a retired United States Air Force veteran who now leads the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program. This program is funded and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). The VBOC program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training\, counseling\, and resource partner referrals to transitioning Service Members\, Veterans\, National Guard/Reserve\, and Military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.
URL:https://cusbdc.org/event/illinois-apex-accelerator-webinar-veteran-business-resources/
LOCATION:Webinar
CATEGORIES:APEX,Illinois APEX Accelerator Services
END:VEVENT
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