Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Webinar: Advertising with Google Ads
2025-01-09 14:00 - 15:00 (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 Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Google Ads is the leading online marketing service that allows companies to promote ads at the top of Google search results and throughout websites across the world. Through this webinar, you will be trained by a Google Certified Professional who will cover all the necessary steps to create, manage, and measure successful campaigns on the Google Search and Google Display networks.
Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ei7ZLzUlSP6gqdYuRLlMcg
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
PLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This session is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Mahomet Chamber of Commerce, New American Welcome Center at University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

2026 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-01-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States
Sarah Michaels, Director of Environmental Health at CUPHD, hosts Open Office Hours every week to assist food/drink/retail establishment owners, managers, and workers with questions related to Environmental Health programs and services: https://www.c-uphd.org/environmental-health.html.
The Open Office Hours are available every Wednesday from 10-11:30 AM at CUPHD: 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820.
No pre-registration is required.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-01-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-11 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-12-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-11-27 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-11-20 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-11-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2024-11-06 10:00 - 11:30 and 5 more dates | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 2 – Develop Your Government Market Plan: Building Relationships with Your Target Agencies & Allies
2025-01-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
This session is part 2 of a 3-part series.
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Building a reputation as an expert in your industry, building relationships with potential customers and partners, and getting face time at industry events or meetings are as vital in government business as they are in private sector sales. However, due to government acquisition regulations, it is critical to establish relationships and build trust long before a solicitation is released. In this session, we’ll explore the pivotal role that marketing plays in winning government procurement opportunities. We’ll delve into the resources available for small businesses to connect with their target agencies, such as agency OSDBUs, SBA PCRs, SBLOs, and other allies who advocate for small businesses. We’ll look at marketing tools such as the Dynamic Small Business Search to enhance your company’s visibility to agencies and primes. You’ll also learn to find and prepare for networking and matchmaking events. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your marketing game in the procurement landscape.
Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OzVugfqjRBOU0g31aeR-tQ
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
PLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 1 – Conducting Market Research
2024-12-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
This session is part 1 of a 3-part series.
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
What do we find when we do Market Research? Propensity! In other words:

Who buys what you sell?
How do they buy it?
How often do they buy it?
How much they are buying?

This is the beginning of the journey to determine if government contracting is a good fit for your business. In the first of our 3-part series, we will help you decide whether you can compete based on what the marketplace tells you. You’ll learn how to effectively use available resources to perform research for past awards, current agency opportunities, and forecasts to determine which agencies use your product or services. We’ll show you how to generate agency top ten lists and see how you can get questions answered by using the search criteria for informing the results.
Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BH9YFo72Th-waqzFB-GlbA
*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: Website Audit Checklist for 2025
2024-12-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
When’s the last time you looked at your own website? Let’s take a moment to pause and review what you should audit on your website before going into 2025! We’ll share the latest in website design trends, tips to improve user experience, ways to enhance your search engine optimization strategies, and more!
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Thursday, December 12, 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.

SBDC Webinar: Starting Your Business in Illinois with the Housing Authority of Champaign County
2024-12-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Presented by Beth Patterson – Business Advisor, 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 Registration
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MyXvEe8vQLyFG9_zvP5i1w
*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.
This webinar is presented by the Housing Authority of Champaign County and the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC.
The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) is a municipal corporation organized pursuant to the Illinois Housing Authority Act. The jurisdiction of HACC includes all incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County of Champaign, Illinois. To learn more: https://hacc.net/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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: 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.
