Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Webinar: Legal Business Entity Formation 101 - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business
2025-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 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: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cakwSrF4QDermzkEWkMjTg
*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

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-05-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | 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.

2026 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-05-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States

Webinar: Understanding Financial Statements
2025-05-23 10:00 | 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 Todd Davis – Partner, M|H
Properly understanding your financial statements enables better decision-making now and in the future, as you gain a clear picture of your company’s health and performance. Whether it’s your balance sheet, income statement, or statement of cash flows, each serves a purpose and is important for different reasons. In this webinar, we will discuss the importance of each and some key metrics to keep an eye on.
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9uypxdN4TW2tEV2V2JgGAA
*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.
Todd is a partner with M|H, which has offices in Champaign, Peoria, and, most recently, Danville. Before joining M|H in 2023, Todd served eight years as the Chief Accounting Officer at Hallador Energy Company, where he played a pivotal role in managing financial operations and ensuring SEC and tax compliance. He also served as a Director and Senior Manager for 16 years at a large national accounting firm. Todd’s expertise in overseeing accounting operations and compliance is utilized to manage our Business Advisory Services (BAS) and Virtual Chief Financial Officer (VCFO) services.

Workshop: 10 Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
2025-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
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
Marketing missteps can cost your business time, money, and potential customers. In this session, we’ll uncover the most common mistakes businesses make – whether in branding, campaigns, websites, or social media and show you how to avoid them.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion C) – 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 workshop 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 of the University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

ITC Webinar: Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) Program
2025-06-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Presented by Riccardo Navon, Trade Specialist – Europe – Office of Trade & Investment, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) administers the Illinois State Trade and Export Program (ISTEP) program which provides Illinois’ small businesses with both financial and technical assistance to increase their exports. The ISTEP program includes 5 options for Illinois’ companies to grow their export sales:

Group Trade Missions
Individual Foreign Market Sales Missions
Product Compliance
Website Localization
EXIM Bank: Export Credit Insurance

This webinar will discuss the ISTEP program, the purpose & impact of the program, and answer any questions you may have.
The webinar will be approximately 30-40 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.
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Jxv60fG4RTaodMgAADBmxw
*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.
Riccardo Navon is an accomplished international trade and marketing professional with decades of experience in strategic marketing, global sales, operations, and procurement. Currently serving as an International Trade Specialist at DCEO in Chicago, he has a strong track record of driving business growth, managing international teams, and enhancing operational efficiency across diverse industries. Riccardo has held leadership roles in the private sector both in Europe and the US, contributing to business expansion, restructuring initiatives, and the successful execution of cross-border projects.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 1 – Why Certify?
2025-06-09 10:00 - 11:00 | 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: Monday, June 9, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qtG64InSQnGJ_A-04I1xcQ
*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.

Workshop: Mastering Instagram Reels – An Interactive Walkthrough
2025-06-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
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
Lights, camera, action! Join us for a hands-on experience where you’ll master the art of creating stunning Instagram Reels. This real-time demonstration covers everything from shooting techniques to seamless editing, adding music that resonates, reviewing the latest new tools released in the past 6-months, and deploying creative effects. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the skills to make your content stand out in the ever-evolving world of short-form video.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
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 workshop 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 of the University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign Public Library
2025-06-12 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-10 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.
2025 dates:

March 13
April 10*
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14*
September 11
October 9*
November 13
December 11*

* denotes dates that 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.
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
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.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 2 – SBA Small Business Certifications
2025-06-16 10:00 - 11:00 | 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: Monday, June 16, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_73d19jmKQjKowrMO02Fr1Q
*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.

ITC Webinar: Go Global — Federal Resources for Your Export Success
2025-06-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Join us for this webinar to learn how to unlock international growth using powerful EXIM Bank, Small Business Administration, and U.S. Commercial Service tools!
With more than 95% of the world’s consumers outside of the United States, opportunities abound for U.S. small businesses to sell internationally. Most export companies have an easier time riding out fluctuations in the U.S. economy and are more likely to stay in business. On average, sales grow faster, more jobs are created, and employees earn more than in non-exporting firms. 85% of U.S. exporters are small or medium-sized companies. This session will bring together federal resources to help you, no matter where you fall on the export spectrum, whether you have never considered exporting, are a new exporter, or a seasoned exporter.
Attendees will hear from:

Adam Shanks – Director (Rockford Office), U.S. Commercial Service
Mariel Huasanga – Regional Director, EXIM Bank
Keith Schlegel – Export Finance Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Manufacturing & Trade

Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uNcQNLmPR-OOcyvUX3ezDw
*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
Adams Shanks has been the Director of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Rockford office, serving Northwest Illinois, in September 2021. He is also the eCommerce Solutions Center Superuser and the Trade America Global Team lead for the Caribbean. Before his career at the U.S. Commercial Service, Adam worked for 16 years in the meteorological industry.
Mariel Huasanga is the Regional Director for EXIM Bank, where she applies her trade finance expertise to support exporters across Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Ohio, helping them strengthen their competitive position in the global marketplace. With extensive experience in exporting, importing, international business intelligence, and logistics, Mariel is a seasoned expert in international trade. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from the University of Lima and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Mariel is also a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) through NASBITE International. Fluent in multiple languages, including Italian, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, she brings a diverse, global perspective to her work.
Keith Schlegal is an Export Finance Manager with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Office of Manufacturing and Trade, whose mission is to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace. Based in the Chicago SBA Illinois District Office, Keith works with banks and SBA Resource Partners throughout Illinois and Wisconsin to increase access to capital for small business exporters. He has experience in international trade, commercial lending, and supply chain finance. Prior to joining the SBA, he had 20 years working in the private sector for a couple of financial institutions covering global trade & supply chain finance. He earned his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago, IL while majoring in International Studies with a focus on International Political Economies.

SBDC Workshop: Writing a Business Plan
2025-06-18 14:00 - 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
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:

Clarifying Your Business Plan’s Purpose and Objectives
Understanding Your Business Plan Needs
Breaking Down the Components of a Business Plan
Selecting the Right Tools for Business Plan Development

Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 2-3 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: Small Business Tax 101
2025-06-23 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 Mandy DeJarnette – Partner & Tax Department Head, M|H
As a small business owner, the sea of different taxes imposed on you and your small business can seem overwhelming. Grasping the basics of business taxes is essential to avoid unnecessary penalties & interest, not to mention the stress of not knowing. During this session, we will discuss the basic tax obligations for your business structure and provide you a base of knowledge that will point you in the right direction.
Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lul-0EqJSCWS4NIH6T19OA
*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.
At M|H, they are committed to leading the accounting industry in transformative solutions that drive their clients’ success by implementing innovative technologies and embracing emerging markets. The firm has a community-based origin that goes back over 40 years, and they have used their growth to expand services to clients nationwide.
Mandy is a Partner and head of the Tax Department at MH. She graduated with highest honors from the University of Illinois in December 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. She was awarded the Bronze Tablet for academic excellence. She received her Master of Science in Accountancy with Specialization in Taxation degree in December 2004.
Since joining the firm in 2006, Mandy has provided comprehensive tax services for individuals and many types of businesses and guides clients through complex tax regulations. She oversees the firm’s State and Local Tax team and currently serves as a committee member on the Illinois CPA Society’s State and Local Tax Committee. Beyond technical proficiency, her responsibilities as a Tax Partner include contributing to client relationship management, directing internal training initiatives, and developing and implementing tax strategies for the department.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 3 – State of Illinois Business Enterprise & Veteran Business Programs Certifications
2025-06-24 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
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: Monday, June 24, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TVkF1BhBQoaxbSJdqfTZ3w
*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.

Workshop: Content Planning Made Easy for Marketing Success
2025-06-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
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
A well-structured content plan can help you stay consistent, engage your audience, and reduce last-minute stress. This workshop will guide you through creating an effective marketing content strategy, from planning ahead to using the best scheduling tools. Discover tips for organizing content across platforms and optimizing your workflow to make content creation seamless.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Thursday, June 26, 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 workshop 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 of the University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

SBDC Workshop: Starting a Business in Illinois
2025-06-27 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, June 27, 2025
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: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Certification Series Part 4 – USDOT (IDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification
2025-06-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
This session is part 4 of a 4-part series.
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
In accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 the Illinois Department of Transportation Office of Business and Workforce Diversity administers the DBE program. The DBE regulations mandate that minority and women owned businesses be afforded the opportunity to participate in IDOT federally assisted highway, transit and airport contracts. Businesses involved in highway construction-related services (non-vertical), consultants, and supplier/equipment, rental/trucking services are considered for participation in IDOT’s DBE Program. In this session we will discuss the options to apply for DBE certification along with the requirement and process.
Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EcGb0SAaRyCYi5MsPmWQXg
*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.

Workshop: Social Media 101
2025-07-08 14:00 - 15:00 | 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
Ideal for those about to start their social media strategies, this workshop will cover the various social media platforms and their targeted users, the importance of handles and hashtags, ways to post and schedule to social media, and many other best practices.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
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 workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: How to Respond to an RFP/RFQ – Mastering Proposal Writing
2025-07-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Unlock the foundations and building blocks to crafting compelling, winning proposals with our in-depth presentation. We will cover important aspects of the process to respond to government solicitations. This includes understanding the clients’ needs to structure your response and addressing their evaluation criteria. Gain the skills and strategies needed to stand out in competitive bid processes and avoid Common Pitfalls in Proposal Development.
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-ADMctRzTJ-GT_0nb4GQhA
*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.
