Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-09-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-09-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-09-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-10-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) and 6 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: Photography Tips for Your Business
2024-09-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Unlock the power of stunning visuals with our photography tips workshop tailored for business owners. Learn why high-quality photos are crucial for your brand, explore various options for sourcing professional images, and gain insider tips from a seasoned photographer. Join us to elevate your visual content, attract more customers, and stand out in a competitive market. Attendees will also hear from local photographer, Anna Longworth-Singer.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
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 president of Clanin Creative, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies.
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, 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.

SBDC Webinar: Writing a Business Plan
2024-09-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director – Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Why do you need a business plan? It’s your playbook!
In this webinar, we will discuss the fundamentals of business planning. Developing your business plan should be a process, not just a task, evolving with your business.
Topics covered will include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workshop: Steps to Starting a Business
2024-09-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (Main Conference Room), 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, Illinois, 61820
Presented by Madeleine Wolske – Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Are you looking to start your business in Illinois? In partnership with the City of Champaign and The Refugee Center, you’re invited to join us for a 30-minute workshop, specially tailored for Welcoming Week, that will quickly guide you through the essential steps to legally start your business in Illinois. Attendees will also hear from Janel Gomez, Community Relations Manager & Compliance Officer with the City of Champaign.
Topics covered:

Introduction to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Key Legal Requirements for Starting a Business
Basic Business Registration and Formation Steps
Resources and Next Steps

Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to receive one-on-one technical assistance & translation services from the entities present.
Date: Monday, September 16, 2024
Time: 1-3 PM
Location: Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (Main Conference Room) – 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820
Register: No cost to attend; RSVP below to secure your spot.
This workshop is being presented by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC in partnership with the City of Champaign and The Refugee Center as part of the New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA Welcoming Week.

Informational Session & Open Office Hours: City of Champaign Small Business Programs
2024-09-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Informational Session & Open Office Hours: City of Champaign Small Business Programs
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 30 minutes of presentation followed by 90 minutes of open office hours. City & SBDC staff will be available to answer questions and provide technical assistance.
To learn more about the programs available: https://champaignil.gov/city-incentives/
Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Time: 1-3 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library – Robeson Pavilion Room C (200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820) free parking is available

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2024-09-24 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: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: Free to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Workshop: Choosing the Right Website Platform for Your Business
2024-09-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Navigate the world of website platforms during our workshop designed for new businesses and those looking to reassess their online presence. Discover the types of sites that align with your business needs, explore the best platform options, and learn essential design tips for creating an engaging and effective website. Join us to make informed decisions, optimize your online presence, and drive business growth with the perfect website solution.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
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 president of Clanin Creative, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies.
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, 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.

Informational Session & Open Office Hours: City of Champaign Small Business Programs
2024-09-30 13:00 - 15:00 | IL
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 30 minutes of presentation followed by 90 minutes of open office hours. City & SBDC staff will be available to answer questions and provide technical assistance.
To learn more about the programs available: https://champaignil.gov/city-incentives/
Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
Time: 1-3 PM
Location: Virtual – Zoom
Register: To receive a link to join the session, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VJH1uJOdSvK0wYIHd865pA

Workshop: Identify and Engage Your Target Audience
2024-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Unlock the secrets to finding and connecting with your ideal customers in our engaging workshop. Learn how to identify your target audience, understand their needs and preferences, and tailor your marketing strategies to reach them effectively. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to refine your approach, boost engagement, and drive business growth.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
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 president of Clanin Creative, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies.
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, 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.

Workshop: Holiday Marketing Checklist – Getting Ready for Holiday Shopping
2024-10-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
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 2024 shopping season!
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
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 president of Clanin Creative, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies.
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, 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: Expanding Your Exports through EXIM Resources and Services
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
If you had a box that contained the tools needed to grow your business and increase your profits, wouldn’t you open it? The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) can give you those tools – and help make your export business successful.
The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University are presenting a no-cost webinar focusing on foreign receivables insurance and financing with EXIM Bank – the official export credit agency of the US Federal Government.
Join us for a conversation with Mariel Huasanga, Regional Director of EXIM Bank, who will provide a deeper dive into the various tools EXIM has available for exporters. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:

Protect your business against buyer nonpayment.
Extend competitive open account credit terms to international buyers.
Unlock cash flow to fulfill sales orders and take on new business abroad.
When private-sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. In doing so, the agency levels the playing field for U.S. goods and services going up against foreign competition in overseas markets, so that American companies can create more American jobs.
Using the SBA funded I-STEP grant program to reimburse 50% of the EXIM bank insurance costs.

Also speaking will be Marshall Girtman, Domestic and International Connector Sales Director for Special Mine Services Inc. in West Frankfort, IL. Mr. Girtman will discuss their export journey and how they have leveraged EXIM Bank services to support their very successful international expansion.
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 12 – 1 PM
Register: https://Bradley.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsd-Corj4pE9TJRBKlZpEWmWgKXcZiZ0aU
This event is being presented by the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University and co-hosted by the International Trade Center at Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC).

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Veteran Business Resources
2024-11-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Celebrating National Veterans Small Business Week (November 11-15, 2024)
Presented by Keith S Murphy – Director, Veteran Business Outreach Center (covering Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin)
Facilitated by Keli Krueger-Huhra – Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
National Veterans Small Business Week is a time to celebrate and empower veteran-owned businesses in our community! This webinar, hosted by the newly launched Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC, will highlight resources available for veterans, service members, and military family businesses to support your success, yielding strong economic results.
Topics covered:

Services provided through the Illinois APEX Accelerator to support government contracting opportunities
Introduction to the Veteran Business Outreach Center
Learn about access to free federal surplus property and low-cost purchase of State surplus property
Veteran-Owned Small Business Certification

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6CNfuN-bSGivHHvPOUsjJQ
*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.
Keith S Murphy is a retired United States Air Force veteran who now leads the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program. This program is funded and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD). The VBOC program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning Service Members, Veterans, National Guard/Reserve, and Military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

Workshop: Mastering Instagram Reels - An Interactive Walkthrough
2024-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
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, 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: Thursday, November 14, 2024
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 president of Clanin Creative, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies.
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, 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.

Workshop: Understanding SEO – Boosting Your Business Visibility
2024-11-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
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.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
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 president of Clanin Creative, a full-service marketing and design agency based in Champaign, Illinois, and has broad experience working closely with small to medium-size businesses and non-profit organizations. Recognized by Google for helping businesses grow on the web, Scott’s vision and leadership have helped numerous businesses successfully grow and achieve their goals with strategic marketing and branding strategies.
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, 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.

SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
2024-11-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Beth Patterson – Business Advisor, 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: Monday, November 25, 2024
Time: 1-3 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: Free to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: What is an APEX Accelerator Center & how can it help my business?
2024-11-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra – Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
For nearly 40 years, the Illinois APEX Accelerator professionals have been providing businesses the guidance they need to sell their goods and services to local, state, and federal government agencies. Keli Krueger-Huhra, the inaugural Director for the Illinois APEX Accelerator Center at Champaign County EDC, will discuss how businesses can leverage services provided through the Illinois APEX Accelerator to prepare for and secure government contracts successfully, obtain various business certifications, and more.
Topics covered:

Introduction to the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
General Overview of Government Contracting
Brief discussion of Small Business Certifications
Identifying Your Agency Customers
Marketing to Government Agencies
Finding State of Illinois agency requirements

Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_w9pCZuCEQAiwU7Vd6UsIdQ
*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.
