2025 East Central Illinois Lender Forum
2025-08-27 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Together with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, we invite you to attend our 2025 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:

Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Robert Owens – Business Development Specialist, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Time: 1:30-3 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.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-09-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-22 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
2025-09-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States

Workshop: Telling Your Brand's Story
2025-09-09 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
Struggling to explain what makes your business unique? This session will help you uncover your key differentiators and shape a compelling brand story. Learn how to talk about your business in a way that connects with your audience – online, in print, and in person. Walk away with practical messaging tools to elevate your elevator pitch, website copy, and more.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 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.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign Public Library
2025-09-11 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-09 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.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2025-09-15 18:00 - 20:00 | 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

Time: 6-8 PM
Dates:

Monday, July 21, 2025
Monday, August 18, 2025
Monday, September 15, 2025
Monday, October 20, 2025
Monday, November 17, 2025

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.

SBDC Webinar: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2025-09-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Webinar
Presented by Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Thinking about starting a business in Illinois? This webinar 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 have the opportunity to 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 Business Registration
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 2-4 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yEBNUG8hR1CJe2RLiVhw7A
*Once you register, you will receive an email with instructions on joining the webinar.
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.
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: 3-Part Series with HACC - Marketing Your Small Business
2025-09-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director — Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
This is part one of a 3-part series with the Housing Authority of Champaign County.
You don’t need a big budget to market your business, but you do need a plan. In this session, we’ll help you figure out who your customers are, how to reach them, and how to share your story. You’ll learn about free and low-cost tools like social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth marketing. Whether you’re selling food, offering services, or making products, this session will help you build a strong foundation.
Topics include:

Finding and understanding your customers
Sharing your message clearly and consistently
Free and low-cost marketing tools
Basics of social media and digital marketing
Building trust and growing your reputation

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: Friday, September 19, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FZVeWtP0Sa-ukz6bLOxLpQ
*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.

Informational Session & Open Office Hours: City of Champaign Small Business Programs (In-Person)
2025-09-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Join Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC Director, Madeleine Wolske, and City of Champaign’s Planning & Development Associate Planner, Daniel Saphiere, to learn more about the new City of Champaign Small Business Programs – New Business Program and Growing Business Program.
This session will include 15-20 minutes of presentation, followed by a Q&A session / technical assistance.
To learn more about the programs available: https://champaignil.gov/city-incentives/
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 12-2 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library – Robeson Pavilion A/B (200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820)
Free parking is available – materials will be provided to you.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: SBA Small Business Certifications
2025-09-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
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: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_96ATu4mYS22UIvgb1RhWUw
*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.

Informational Session & Open Office Hours: City of Champaign Small Business Programs (Virtual)
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Webinar
Join Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC Director, Madeleine Wolske, and City of Champaign’s Planning & Development Associate Planner, Daniel Saphiere, to learn more about the new City of Champaign Small Business Programs – New Business Program and Growing Business Program.
This session will include a 30-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session, which a member of our staff will moderate. Questions can be submitted via the chat box during the webinar, or sent to Jordan Held at jordan@champaigncountyedc.org before the day of the webinar.
To learn more about the programs available: https://champaignil.gov/city-incentives/
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 1-2:30 PM
Location: Virtual – Please register to receive a link to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xNUeb6YtS9q4nNfZTXWBAw
A digital version of the presentation will be sent to all who attend the webinar.

Webinar: Marketing to Hire - Attracting the Right Talent with the Right Message
2025-09-30 12:00 - 13:00 | 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
In a competitive job market, great marketing isn’t just for customers, it’s for candidates too. This webinar dives into strategies for recruiting through digital ads, social media, and your careers page. We’ll cover must-haves for a strong employer brand, what job seekers are really looking for, and how to turn your hiring content into your biggest recruitment asset.
The webinar will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 12-1 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6D3hDAv5Sv-0oN0NsjMVNw
*Once you register, you will receive an email with instructions on joining the webinar.
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.
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 webinar 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: State of Illinois Business Enterprise & Veteran Business Programs Certifications
2025-09-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
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: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f8-jKw0mRl6KNAH8uO1NeA
*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 Workshop: How the Illinois APEX Accelerators Can Help
2025-10-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Celebrating National APEX Day: https://www.napex.us/
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Government contracting is constantly evolving, and success depends on staying ahead of critical updates. Whether you’re registering in SAM.gov, researching databases for opportunities, or navigating the new and updated portals such as the MySBA Certification Portal, understanding these tools can open doors to contracts and partnerships across state and federal agencies.
This session will highlight the expertise offered by the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC to give you step-by-step guidance, practical tips, and the latest updates — so you can turn information into action and position your business for growth.
Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 1-2 PM
Location: Illinois APEX Accelerator 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.
This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

Webinar: Holiday Marketing Checklist – Getting Ready for Holiday Shopping
2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
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
The holiday season is right around the corner! This workshop will cover holiday marketing advice to help you sell more this season. With tips for email marketing, social media, creating holiday offers, optimizing your website, and more, you’ll leave this session feeling confident for the 2025 shopping season!
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cVuZPkchQOS-P1qWpaBhkg
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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 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 County Chamber of Commerce, 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.
This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2025-10-20 18:00 - 20:00 | 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

Time: 6-8 PM
Dates:

Monday, July 21, 2025
Monday, August 18, 2025
Monday, September 15, 2025
Monday, October 20, 2025
Monday, November 17, 2025

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.
This training event is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, I certify that I am legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.
