Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

National Small Business Week
2024-04-28 - 2024-05-04
For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Join us to celebrate this year from April 28 – May 4.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2024-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Celebrating National Small Business Week April 28 – May 4, 2024
Presented by Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Thinking about starting a business in Illinois? This workshop helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the opportunities and requirements for starting their business. You’ll be taken step-by-step through a variety of topics and can ask questions.
Topics covered:

Introduction to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Feasibility Checklist
Creating a Lean Business Plan
Identifying Your Customers
Sources of Funding, including Financing and Grant Options
Business Formation and Registration

Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Time: 10 AM-12 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: Free to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. Registration closed – event is at max capacity.

SBDC Webinar: How to Improve Your Web Content for SEO
2024-05-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Celebrating National Small Business Week April 28 – May 4, 2024
Presented by Amanda Langworthy, Lead Content Strategist at Pixo
Tackling search engine optimization (SEO) can be overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. This webinar is for anyone who writes or publishes content on a website. You will learn how to optimize your content for search engines and help your audiences find your site, without relying on technical loopholes or algorithm tricks.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sNUwQ5mCSv67aDxQFujvwg
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
PLEASE 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.
Pixo is a woman-owned web and software company, based in Urbana, that’s been partnering with clients to untangle tough problems in content, design, and code for more than 20 years. Learn more: https://pixotech.com/

Webinar: Small Business Marketing Essentials
2024-05-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Celebrating National Small Business Week April 28 – May 4, 2024
Presented by Scott Clanin, Owner & President – Clanin Marketing
Starting a small business? Learn the fundamental marketing essentials that will set you on the path to success! Our workshop guides you through strategic planning, branding, and the key elements every small business should prioritize. Gain insights into creating a compelling online presence, reaching your target audience, and establishing a marketing foundation that propels your business forward.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Friday, May 3, 2024
Time: 10 – 11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kDAsQKY1RD-a4C1QiFGHpA
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, New American Welcome Center at University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.
Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com/.

SBDC Workshop: Writing a Business Plan at Champaign Public Library
2024-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director – Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Why do you need a business plan? It’s your playbook!
In this workshop, we will discuss the fundamentals of business planning. Developing your business plan should be a process, not just a task, evolving with your business.
Topics covered will include:
• Clarify Your Business Plan’s Purpose and Objectives
• Understand Your Business Plan Needs
• Break Down the Components of a Business Plan
• Select the Right Tools for Business Plan Development
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion C) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided.
Registration for this event has closed.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2024-05-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-05-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-05-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-05-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-06-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-07-03 10:00 - 11:30 and 1 more date | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States
Sarah Michaels, Director of Environmental Health at CUPHD, hosts Open Office Hours every week to assist food/drink/retail establishment owners, managers, and workers with questions related to Environmental Health programs and services: https://www.c-uphd.org/environmental-health.html.
The Open Office Hours are available every Wednesday from 10-11:30 AM at CUPHD: 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820.
No pre-registration is required.

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC Office Hours at Champaign Public Library
2024-05-09 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-06-13 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-07-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
SBDC Director, Madeleine Wolske, will hold open office hours at Launch (at Champaign Public Library) on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 12 – 3 PM.
January – September 2024 dates:

January 11
February 8
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 13
July 11
August 8*
September 12*

SBDC services are offered at no cost & are completely confidential. For those interested in attending the Office Hours and have not worked with the SBDC before, please register as a client prior to your meeting: https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/signup?centerid=118
*During the August 8 and September 12 sessions, Madeleine will be joined by Sarah Michaels, Director of Environmental Health at CUPHD, to assist food/drink/retail establishment owners, managers, and workers with questions related to Environmental Health programs and services: https://www.c-uphd.org/environmental-health.html.
Launch at the Library business services include a walk-in coworking space, seminars, meeting rooms, and resources to help start, manage, and grow your business. Visit champaign.org/launch for more information.

Webinar: The Art of Visual Storytelling
2024-05-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Presented by Scott Clanin, Owner & President of Clanin Marketing
Your brand has a story to tell. Your team, products, services, mission statement, work style, and community involvement – all these aspects have a story to share with your audience and set you apart from other businesses. In this webinar, we’ll discuss tips and best practices for developing your own set of graphics, photos, and videos to entice followers to learn more and connect with you. Elevate your online presence with storytelling and learn more about simple photo and video storytelling options from Clanin Marketing’s photographer and videographer, that you can incorporate today to best reach your audience.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Time: 1 – 2 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4cqpTDqVStqjaxJ7tjYv-Q
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com.
This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, University of Illinois Research Park, and Village of Rantoul.

SBDC Webinar: Writing a Business Plan
2024-05-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director – Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Why do you need a business plan? It’s your playbook!
In this webinar, we will discuss the fundamentals of business planning. Developing your business plan should be a process, not just a task, evolving with your business.
Topics covered will include:

Clarify Your Business Plan’s Purpose and Objectives
Understand Your Business Plan Needs
Break Down the Components of a Business Plan
Select the Right Tools for Business Plan Development

The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chat box, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.
Dates / Times:

Thursday, January 18, 2024 – 1-3 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gfXd1hDvS6qHDduANr-mCw
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 – 9-11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KDTZaF0ITFWJXnneMmoWGw
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – 1-2 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2VPUMIbIRhWS00hth8_V9g
Thursday, April 4, 2024 – 2-3 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Nkdd0331T1qr6bu84Ls9FA
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – 10 – 11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SAQQ6PB3Q3WWP5XNQb8kGg
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 – 10 – 11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s4S8dx7xSPWqdoQqKqVkbg
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – 2-3 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ko4NbTWqQICSHzsQHnsrrA
Thursday, August 22, 2024 – 10-11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kY-1dH-KQMGd4oJ7MKc55w
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 – 10-11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_q-cghMhlSga0n54hZ8bNVw

*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2024-05-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Thinking about starting a business in Illinois? This workshop helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the opportunities and requirements for starting their business. You’ll be taken step-by-step through a variety of topics and can ask questions.
Topics covered:

Introduction to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Feasibility Checklist
Creating a Lean Business Plan
Identifying Your Customers
Sources of Funding, including Financing and Grant Options
Business Formation and Registration

Date: Friday, May 24, 2024
Time: 1-3 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: Free to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Webinar: Navigating Google's Latest Updates for Business Growth
2024-05-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Scott Clanin, Owner & President of Clanin Marketing
Get ahead of the curve with our Google Updates webinar covering the latest updates to key Google products, including Google Business Profile, Google Search ads, and more. Discover how these new tools can revolutionize your online presence and drive business growth. Join us to stay informed, stay competitive, and unlock the full potential of Google’s latest advancements.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024
Time: 10 – 11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EPyO2KE8TVWNIbTcTu39jQ
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com.
This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, University of Illinois Research Park, and Village of Rantoul.

SBDC Webinar: Web Accessibility 202 — A Hands On Guide
2024-05-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Landi Najarro, Lead Web Developer at Pixo
When your website adheres to accessibility standards for people with disabilities, it makes the user experience better for all. This webinar is for anyone who has a basic understanding of web accessibility and wants to take it to the next level. Join us to learn practical ways to improve your site’s design, content, and code for accessibility, and how to know when you need more extensive updates.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f5q2k-QRTAWvAsVjKGg3SA
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
PLEASE 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.
Pixo is a woman-owned web and software company, based in Urbana, that’s been partnering with clients to untangle tough problems in content, design, and code for more than 20 years. Learn more: https://pixotech.com/

Webinar: Digital Marketing Essentials
2024-06-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Presented by Scott Clanin, Owner & President of Clanin Marketing
This webinar will provide you with the tools and techniques to strengthen your digital marketing strategies. Ideal for those starting off in digital marketing or simply wanting to improve their skills, this workshop will address topics in search engine optimization and marketing, advertising through Google, Facebook campaigns, tracking website data, and more.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Time: 1 – 2 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5a40beYGSN-hyJVjn9lGVQ
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com.
This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, University of Illinois Research Park, and Village of Rantoul.

2024 East Central Illinois Lender Forum
2024-06-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Together with the U.S. Small Business Administration, we invite you to attend our 2024 East Central Illinois Lender Forum.
Attend this no-cost event, open to all area lenders, to refresh your knowledge and gain insights on available programs & resources.
Attendees will hear from:

Callie Heidbreder – Business Programs Specialist, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Charles White – Lender Relations Specialists, U.S. Small Business Administration
Darin Gehrke – Senior VP; Market Lead Central & Southern Illinois, SomerCor
Gayle Roenbaugh – Export Finance Director – West Region, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of International Trade
Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Marcia Schlicht – Vice President / Loan Officer, Growth Corp
Rebecca Huston – Invest in Illinois Director, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
Robert Owens – Business Development Specialist, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Tristan Brown – Illinois Operations Manager, Justin PETERSEN

Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library – Robeson Pavilion Rooms A & B (200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820)
RSVP: Free to attend; register below to secure a seat. All materials will be provided.
Hosted by: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), and Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC).
All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2024-06-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Thinking about starting a business in Illinois? This workshop helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the opportunities and requirements for starting their business. You’ll be taken step-by-step through a variety of topics and can ask questions.
Topics covered:

Introduction to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Feasibility Checklist
Creating a Lean Business Plan
Identifying Your Customers
Sources of Funding, including Financing and Grant Options
Business Formation and Registration

Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: Free to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Informational Session: Introduction to the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment
2024-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Rantoul Business Center, 601 S. Century Blvd., Rantoul, IL, 61866, United States
Join us on Monday, June 24, from 12-1 PM at the Rantoul Business Center to learn more about resources available through the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment.
Attendees will hear from Diana Alfaro, the Latinx Business Development Manager with the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Illinois Small Business Development Center Director, Madeleine Wolske.
Topics covered will include:

An introduction to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
An introduction to the Illinois Office of Minority Economic Empowerment
Technical assistance (no cost resources to assist your business)
Funding opportunities available through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Additional resources that can uplift your business

This session will be approximately 40 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Monday, June 24, 2024
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: Rantoul Business Center (601 South Century Boulevard, Rantoul, IL 61866 – free parking is available)
RSVP: No cost to attend. Register below to secure a seat. All materials & a light lunch will be provided to you.
Hosted by: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), and Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC).

Webinar: Optimize Your Social Media Accounts
2024-06-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Scott Clanin, Owner & President of Clanin Marketing
Let’s work on strengthening your social media strategies! Ideal for those looking to improve existing accounts, this workshop will cover new tools and features that will help you optimize your social media presence. We’ll discuss photography best practices, tips for writing copy, new advertising options, and more!
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 10 – 11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5PZTAncYQqSaSN5YcjYWTA
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com.
This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, University of Illinois Research Park, and Village of Rantoul.

Webinar: LinkedIn for Business
2024-07-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Presented by Scott Clanin, Owner & President of Clanin Marketing
Learn how to optimize your business presence on LinkedIn. Ideal for B2B (business-to-business) models, this webinar will cover the importance of company profiles, best practices, types of content to share, and creative campaign options from LinkedIn to help generate website traffic and leads.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Time: 1 – 2 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ikRymrtgQc-7offnOI0b_w
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Scott Clanin is the owner and president of Clanin Marketing, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies. Learn more at https://www.claninmarketing.com.
This webinar is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, University of Illinois Research Park, and Village of Rantoul.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2024-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Thinking about starting a business in Illinois? This workshop helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the opportunities and requirements for starting their business. You’ll be taken step-by-step through a variety of topics and can ask questions.
Topics covered:

Introduction to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Feasibility Checklist
Creating a Lean Business Plan
Identifying Your Customers
Sources of Funding, including Financing and Grant Options
Business Formation and Registration

Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: Free to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.
