Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 3 – Capability Statements
2026-01-22 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Webinar
This session is part 3 of a 3-part series.
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
In this session, we will uncover the five essential sections that every powerful Capabilities Statement needs to include:

Core Competencies
Differentiators
Past Performance
Company Data
Contact Information

You’ll understand how to highlight your successes, showcase your strengths, and set your business apart from your competitors. We’ll also discuss design dos and don’ts to ensure your Capabilities Statements stand out in decision-makers’ eyes. This is also an opportunity to ask questions about your existing Capabilities Statement and how to perfect it.
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VOEDuCteTR2ErtkypwuqHA
*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"
2026-01-26 13:00 - 14:00 | 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 Kelly Gust – President, HR Full Circle
If only we had a crystal ball to help determine whether a job applicant would 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: Monday, January 26, 2026
Time: 1-2 PM

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EOhLElnKQh6KSgPkC2hMzQ
*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’s HR career began behind a bar in Wisconsin, where she learned two universal truths: people love cocktails, and they really love talking about their jobs. With a liberal arts degree from the University of Minnesota and a fear she might actually end up bartending forever, she pursued a master’s degree at California State University — a step that launched her into roles with companies like Starwood Hotels and Hot Topic.
For the past 20 years, Kelly has focused on making work better: better hiring, better onboarding, better leaders, better engagement, and better teams. Today she owns HR Full Circle, where she helps organizations hire, inspire, and engage their people to perform at their best.
Kelly serves as the HR Expert-in-Residence for the University of Illinois Research Park / EnterpriseWorks, on the board at Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, and the Central Illinois Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, and is a monthly columnist for the Springfield Business Journal.

2026 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2026-01-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:30 and 7 more dates | 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.

Workshop: Advertising with Google Ads
2026-02-03 13:00 - 14:00 | 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
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 workshop, 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: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 1 – 2 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, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program and Veteran Business Program Application Preparation
2026-02-17 10:30 - 11:30 | 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, persons with disabilities, veterans, and service-disabled veterans and supports their participation in the State’s overall procurement process as both prime and subcontractors. This program serves as one of the state government’s primary gateways into contracting for small businesses. 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 the process for obtaining this certification.
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 10:30-11:30 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CE1aMXFeSp2WVSRrCnRgIw
*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 made available in the public domain.

Webinar: Legal Business Entity Formation 101 – Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:00 | 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 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, February 25, 2026
Time: 1-2 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nMryLPnDTq-FkjOZT2wr9g
*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

Workshop: Mastering Instagram Reels
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:00 | 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
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.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 1 – 2 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (The Studio — Lower Level) – 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, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

SBDC Day
2026-03-18 | IL
SBDC Day is a national, collective proclamation of the impact America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) have on the success of our nation’s dreamers, innovators, and doers – America’s small businesses.
SBDC Day unites the nearly 1,000 SBDC centers across the country and the hundreds of thousands of clients they serve by sharing, in real time, the success stories and notable impacts SBDCs collectively have on the small business community. This day will be celebrated with social media campaigns, public relations initiatives, and other online events.
For more information: https://americassbdc.org/sbdcday/

Webinar: How the SBDC Can Connect You to Other Resources
2026-03-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Celebrating SBDC Day: https://americassbdc.org/sbdcday/
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Join us as a part of our SBDC Day Celebration to learn more about how the small business development center can connect your business to other available resources! Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC Director, Keli Krueger-Huhra will cover a wide variety of opportunities available: workshops & webinars, small business programs, APEX Accelerator services, the International Trade Center, and more. The best part — all services provided by the SBDC, APEX, and ITC are offered no-cost.
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 1-2 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pHFFWOxZQ_Kl0Hh8eydYtQ
*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 made available in the public domain.

Workshop: Understanding SEO – Boosting Your Business Visibility
2026-04-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Registration for this event has met capacity.
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
Elevate your online presence with our in-depth SEO workshop tailored for business owners and marketers. Discover the fundamentals of search engine optimization, learn how to enhance your website’s visibility, and attract more organic traffic. Get practical tips and strategies to improve your rankings on search engines and drive business growth.
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 10 – 11 AM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Friends Conference Room) – 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, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Webinar: Planning for the Future – Succession Strategies for Small Business Owners
2026-04-10 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 Alan Singleton, President – Singleton Law Firm
Thinking about retirement, transferring ownership, or ensuring the long-term success of your business? Join us and local attorney, Alan Singleton, for a webinar focused on business succession planning. This session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to help you navigate key considerations, address common challenges, and create a smooth transition plan. Gain insights on how to maximize value and protect your business, employees, and legacy for years to come. Perfect for small business owners at any stage of planning!
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MVtuZDJ6QKShu9sbonf3Yg
*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

Webinar: Best Accounting Practices for Your Small Business
2026-04-16 14:00 - 15:00 | 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 Jennifer Stewart – Advisory Controller, M|H
Accurate financial information is essential for running a successful business. Discipline and a few best practices can help remove much of the uncertainty in your business operations and give you the tools to make more informed business decisions. In this webinar, you will learn some of the best practices we see in successful small businesses. These practices won’t necessarily guarantee success, but they will be a big step in getting you there.
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rRY6zrn6REOLOgyy6Av6Lg
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.

2026 East Central Illinois Lender Forum
2026-04-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
This event is for local lenders at financial institutions only. If you are a business interested in learning more, please join us for the Workshop: Navigating Lending Resources on April 24 from 1:30-3:30 PM.
Together with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, we invite you to attend our 2026 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:

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Nick Kern — Loan Officer, Growth Corp
Sara Vanhala — President, Growth Corp
Aida Richardson — Chief Revenue Officer, Justine PETERSEN
Robert Owens — Business Development Specialist, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Madeleine Wolske — East Central Senior Region Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Red Team

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 9:30 — 11:30 AM
Location: Champaign Public Library – Robeson Pavilion Room C (200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820)
RSVP: Free to attend; register below to secure a seat. All materials will be provided.
Hosted by: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), and Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC).

Workshop: Navigating Lending Resources
2026-04-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Together with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, we invite you to attend this informational session, which will cover a variety of funding opportunities for your business and how the SBDC can assist you in applying for different programs.
Attendees will hear from:

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Aida Richardson — Chief Revenue Officer, Justine PETERSEN
Robert Owens — Business Development Specialist, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Madeleine Wolske — East Central Senior Region Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Red Team

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 1:30 — 3:30 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library – Robeson Pavilion Rooms C (200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820)
RSVP: Free to attend; register below to secure a seat. All materials will be provided.
Hosted by: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), and Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC).

Webinar: Understanding Financial Statements
2026-05-01 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 Jennifer Stewart – Advisory Controller, 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 1, 2026
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AH-8dYamTzW1G5SSrCbhGA
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.

National Small Business Week
2026-05-03 - 2026-05-09 | IL
Celebrating National Small Business Week, May 3-9: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week
