Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

2026 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-01-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-01-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-01-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States

Webinar: Advertising with Google Ads
2025-01-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Google Ads is the leading online marketing service that allows companies to promote ads at the top of Google search results and throughout websites across the world. Through this webinar, you will be trained by a Google Certified Professional who will cover all the necessary steps to create, manage, and measure successful campaigns on the Google Search and Google Display networks.
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ei7ZLzUlSP6gqdYuRLlMcg
*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.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This session 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, Mahomet Chamber of Commerce, New American Welcome Center at University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Webinar: Small Business HR Essentials
2025-01-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Kelly Gust, President and Chief Encourager – HR Full Circle
Hiring the right people, onboarding them effectively, and helping them perform are critical tasks for your business’s success. But if you don’t have the right tools in place, these important “HR” tasks can seem like a distraction from running your business. Structure creates the freedom you need to lead. Don’t just “wing it” with your HR tools; doing so will make it harder to hire the right talent, and leave gaps in your new hire onboarding, which will hurt your business in the long run. HR Full Circle will share with you the importance of creating a basic set of HR tools and templates, and how being prepared will help you run your business more efficiently.
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d9_bN12FRUS4uwVYXRjqtg
*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.
Kelly Gust got her start in HR working at the bar her parents owned in Wisconsin. Why DID so many people like to drink cocktails and complain about their jobs? With a liberal arts degree from the University of Minnesota, she was worried she’d ALSO end up bartending, so she pursued her master’s from California State University, then worked at great companies like Starwood Hotels and Hot Topic. Her 20-year career has been spent making work BETTER; better hiring, onboarding, leader development, employee engagement and team building. Kelly now owns a business, but instead of a bar it’s HR Full Circle, where she helps organizations hire, inspire and engage their teams to make work better. She also stays busy raising 2 teenage sons, cooking healthy food that they refuse to eat as well as running, gardening, travel, trying to improve her golf game and spending time at the lake.
This session is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC and University of Illinois Research Park.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 1 - Why Certify?
2025-01-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
This session is part 1 of a 4-part series.
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Socioeconomic 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.
When 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.
Join 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.
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GcALFpLKSeu5EIY445utgg
*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.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Deconstructing the RFQ/RFP Solicitation
2025-01-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
It 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.
A second session will follow in March on How to Respond to an RFP/RFQ.
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D9L53lqgTRmGdIZcjGonMQ
*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.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2025-01-30 14:00 - 16:00 | 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: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 2 – 4 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Webinar: Unlocking Facebook & Instagram Ads
2025-01-31 09:30 - 10:30 | Webinar
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
This webinar is your guide to understanding the diverse range of ad types available on Facebook and Instagram. You’ll explore the inner workings of creating compelling campaigns, targeting the right audience, and maximizing your ROI. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to refine your strategies, this workshop equips you with the tools to harness the advertising potential of these incredible platforms.
Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 9:30-10:30 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bkN-w41wQDCJV7cr3b3bEg
*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.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This session 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, Mahomet Chamber of Commerce, New American Welcome Center at University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 2 - SBA Small Business Certifications
2025-02-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
This session is part 2 of a 4-part series.
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
This 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.
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_okeXpwM4QV-hrhYsaL-fMg
*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.

Webinar: Interview & Hire "Like a Boss"
2025-02-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Kelly Gust, President and Chief Encourager – HR Full Circle
If only we had a crystal ball to help determine whether a job applicant will be a great new addition to your business, or a terrible choice. In this workshop, HR Full Circle will share insights for assessing the knowledge, skills and abilities that will predict success when interviewing job applicants. We’ll help you ask better questions to assess critical job competencies, as well as provide a few best practices for conducting interviews; don’t forget – the candidate is interviewing your organization, and a bad experience will scare them away. We’ll also share questions that you should avoid when interviewing and share insights for how to present and negotiate a job offer.
Date: Wednesday February 5, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K_3iJNtMSG6j7CJ0OJl0Qg
*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.
Kelly Gust got her start in HR working at the bar her parents owned in Wisconsin. Why DID so many people like to drink cocktails and complain about their jobs? With a liberal arts degree from the University of Minnesota, she was worried she’d ALSO end up bartending, so she pursued her master’s from California State University, then worked at great companies like Starwood Hotels and Hot Topic. Her 20-year career has been spent making work BETTER; better hiring, onboarding, leader development, employee engagement and team building. Kelly now owns a business, but instead of a bar it’s HR Full Circle, where she helps organizations hire, inspire and engage their teams to make work better. She also stays busy raising 2 teenage sons, cooking healthy food that they refuse to eat as well as running, gardening, travel, trying to improve her golf game and spending time at the lake.
This session is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC and University of Illinois Research Park.

Workshop: The Power of AI for Your Small Business
2025-02-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
This workshop qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing marketing strategies. In this workshop, we’ll cover cutting-edge AI tools that can transform your approach—from automated copywriting and content creation to advanced design and campaign optimization. Learn how AI can enhance creativity, increase efficiency, and drive results for your business!
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat – no cost to attend. All materials will be provided.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This session 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, Mahomet Chamber of Commerce, New American Welcome Center at University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 3 - State of Illinois Business Enterprise & Veteran Business Programs Certifications
2025-02-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
This session is part 3 of a 4-part series.
Presented by:
Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Johnny Rodriguez, Outreach Manager – Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion
The 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.
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_D01q9x5kSr61lHui2Q9Z4Q
*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.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2025-02-19 10:00 - 12:00 | 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
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, February 19, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Friends Conference Room 215) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

SBDC Workshop: Writing a Business Plan with Champaign Public Library
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week – February 16-22, 2025
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: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat (no cost to attend). All materials will be provided.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Collaborating & Contracting with the U.S. Army ERDC
2025-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Elyce Curry, Innovation Project Manager – ERDCWERX
As Illinois APEX Accelerators are encouraged to support small businesses in pursuit of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and other opportunities with the federal government, we would like to introduce ERDCWERX, a government partner of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).
ERDCWERX, an innovation hub of DEFENSEWERX, provides a streamlined path to collaboration and contracting with ERDC. ERDCWERX events, tech challenges, and other opportunities make it easier and faster for innovators to propose solutions for ERDC to consider. As a result of ERDCWERX’s partnership with ERDC, a growing number of contracts and agreements are being awarded to industry and academia.
You’ll also hear from Kimberly Dulaney with the U.S. Army ERDC Office of Small Business Programs.
Attendees will learn more about:

U.S. Army ERDC and its focus areas
Tech challenges, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), and other opportunities for small businesses to collaborate with ERDC
Licensing ERDC technology
Ways to receive project announcements

Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nQ_wYJZaQK6oJIcsbdmfZg
*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.

Webinar: Legal Business Entity Formation 101 - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business
2025-02-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Alan Singleton, President – Singleton Law Firm
Thinking about starting a business or re-evaluating your current structure? Join us and local attorney, Alan Singleton, for a webinar to learn the fundamentals of legal business entity selection and formation. This session will explore the pros and cons of various structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, S corporations and C corporations. Social purpose organizations and not for profits will also receive mention. Discover how the right entity can impact your taxes, liability, and growth potential, and gain the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for your business’s success. This session is for entrepreneurs and small business owners at any stage.
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5Fs9eTbtSTuFqQTEgrJH-A
*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.
Alan is the President of Singleton Law Firm. He has more than 25 years of experience working with entrepreneurs to develop legal solutions for companies at all stages of development and build their international intellectual property portfolios. Clients appreciate Alan’s ability to see the big picture and give comprehensive advice with both legal and business considerations in mind.
Alan’s practice is focused on corporate formation and transactions (including angel / venture capital investment rounds and mergers and acquisitions), intellectual property (technology licensing, trademark, and patent matters), and real estate
