Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Workshop: Navigating Google’s Latest Updates for Business Growth
2025-04-01 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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
Get ahead of the curve with our Google Updates workshop covering the latest updates to key Google products, including Google Business Profile, Google Search ads, and more. Discover how these new tools can revolutionize your online presence and drive business growth. Join us to stay informed, stay competitive, and unlock the full potential of Google’s latest advancements.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat (no cost to attend). All materials will be provided.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, New American Welcome Center of the University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-04-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-07 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
2025-04-02 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign Public Library
2025-04-10 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
SBDC Director, Madeleine Wolske, will hold open office hours at Launch (at Champaign Public Library) on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 12 – 3 PM.
2025 dates:

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

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

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 1 – Conducting Market Research
2025-04-11 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: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LsnGyGh1TOOWvOWHRICEUA
*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 Webinar: Writing a Business Plan
2025-04-17 14:00 - 15:00 | 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:

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – 10-11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yOONX7swSc-NfMfLMou5jQ
Thursday, April 17, 2025 – 2-3 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p_nefLwvTtKfhSfLKO1NRQ
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – 10-11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XqpOOpw0SH6YllP5IsJXBw
Thursday, August 21, 2025 – 2-3 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cnDgNhcXT8OM3QNZNoXANQ
Monday, September 22, 2025 – 2-3 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TsPEGWmNRMuRsjkaQwAIQw
Thursday, October 16, 2025 – 10-11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_48U0MkuBQQa1cKm2cfPKdQ
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 2-3 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HbuHo3rNRhigMR-lGb80fA
Monday, December 15, 2025 – 10-11 AM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ixM7JDROQ5mt8MIRDIYxxA

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

Webinar: Navigating the Commercial Leasing Process
2025-04-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Jill Guth, Designated Managing Broker / Owner — Guth & Associates
Are you thinking or dreaming of leasing a space for your small business? Navigating the leasing process can be complex. Join this webinar to hear from local broker Jill Guth! She’ll break down the process and help you understand the basics – what all small business owners should know – including: what to expect and ask, the difference between NNN and Gross, understanding what’s in a lease agreement, and more.
This webinar will provide an overview of the commercial leasing process and information to help you take the proper steps in the correct order. Following the presentation, Q&A will be available.
Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9CpWbxWmQ–MGwsRx3kEmA
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Jill Guth has over 37 years of leadership and management experience in the economic development arena which cultivated a variety of relationships in numerous sectors. Prior to forming Guth & Associates, Jill served as the Director of Commercial Leasing & Marketing for JSM. During her time with JSM, Guth served on several boards and committees throughout the community and founded the Champaign Center Partnership which works to promote Champaign’s Center City. Before her role at JSM, Guth served as the President/CEO of Campustown 2000 where she implemented programs to redevelop and revitalize the greater Campustown area, serving the University of Illinois. After Campustown 2000, Guth served as the Executive Director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation where she led efforts to increase economic development activities on a county-wide basis. Combining her experience in marketing, real estate, and economic development, Guth is able to provide tailored strategies to meet the needs of each individual client.

Webinar: Best Accounting Practices for Your Small Business
2025-04-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Todd Davis – Partner, 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 interactive 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: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CksNc_u_RayYIHKTgNb7lA
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
PLEASE NOTE: this webinar will be recorded and may be shared publicly. By registering for this webinar, you understand that your questions or comments shared during the webinar will be recorded and shared in a public domain.
Todd is a partner with M|H, which has offices in Champaign, Peoria, and, most recently, Danville. Before joining M|H in 2023, Todd served eight years as the Chief Accounting Officer at Hallador Energy Company, where he played a pivotal role in managing financial operations and ensuring SEC and tax compliance. He also served as a Director and Senior Manager for 16 years at a large national accounting firm. Todd’s expertise overseeing accounting operations and compliance is utilized to oversee our Business Advisory Services (BAS) and Virtual Chief Financial Officer (VCFO) services.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Mentor / Protégé Programs
2025-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Did you know that you can accelerate government contracting success through Mentor-Protégé Programs? The purpose of the MPP is to enhance the capabilities of protégé firms by requiring approved mentors to provide business development assistance to protégé firms and to improve the protégé firms’ ability to compete for federal contracts successfully. Multiple programs are created to incentivize Prime Contractors to assist small businesses and increase participation in government and commercial contracts. Join us as we discuss the benefits for the Mentors and the Proteges by participating in one of these programs.
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VAK3yci7TKieTVeokG4DlA
*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
2025-04-23 14:00 - 16:00 | IL
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: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 2-4 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Webinar: Using Intellectual Property to Maximize Business Value - Protecting Innovations and Avoiding Landmines
2025-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Alan Singleton, President – Singleton Law Firm
Are you ready to safeguard some of your business’s most valuable assets—your innovations and creations? Join us and local attorney, Alan Singleton, for a webinar on the essentials of intellectual property (IP) for small business owners. This session will introduce trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets—why they matter and how to leverage them strategically. Gain insights on when and how to use IP tools to maximize value for your business. Ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses alike!
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SgK9vCdJTM-3qQmsCZveJg
*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: Email Marketing Essentials
2025-04-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
You may have heard the importance of email marketing, but where should you start? In this workshop, we will discuss popular email marketing platforms, creative ways to grow your list, opt-in forms, email design, open rates, and many other best practices to help you get started.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat (no cost to attend). All materials will be provided.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, New American Welcome Center of the University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 2 – Develop Your Government Market Plan: Building Relationships with Your Target Agencies & Allies
2025-05-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
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: Friday, May 2, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-u7I9ltrSduTxRf1trSTWQ
*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
2025-05-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Celebrating National Small Business Week – May 4-10, 2025
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: Monday, May 5, 2025
Time: 2-4 PM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Workshop: Mastering Social Media Giveaways
2025-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
This webinar qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Celebrating National Small Business Week – May 4-10, 2025
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Giveaways can be a powerful way to grow your audience, boost engagement, and increase brand awareness, but only if they’re done right. In this workshop, we’ll break down best practices for running social media contests, common mistakes to avoid, and creative giveaway ideas that align with your brand. Learn how to navigate platform rules, maximize participation, and ensure your giveaway drives real results.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat (no cost to attend). All materials will be provided.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, New American Welcome Center of the University YMCA, Parkland College Community Education, Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce, and University of Illinois Research Park.

SBDC Webinar: City of Champaign Diversity Advancement Program (CDAP)
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Celebrating National Small Business Week — May 4-10, 2025
The City of Champaign Diversity Advancement Program (CDAP) encourages City departments, contractors, and other vendors doing business with the City to increase the amount of goods and services provided by local businesses owned by minorities, women, and other socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
The objectives of the CDAP program are to strengthen the use of businesses owned by women, racial/ethnic minorities, and other identified socially disadvantaged groups as defined in City purchasing and contracting policies, and to build capacity for these businesses through mentoring and training, and to develop and sustain a diverse pool of qualified businesses used by the City of Champaign. CDAP program requirements apply to all City purchases and are part of the City’s purchasing policies.
Adonis Fuller, the City of Champaign’s Purchasing / Compliance Specialist, and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist, will provide an overview of the program, including how to become a CDAP vendor.
The webinar will be approximately 30-40 minutes of presentation time, followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chatbox, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2ESUcr72SjGuo48o1956Yg
*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: Unlock Fresh Insights with Gies Business Students
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Celebrating National Small Business Week — May 4-10, 2025
Presented by Salvo Rodriquez — Associate Director, Business Development, Magelli Office of Experiential Learning
Join us for an exclusive webinar to learn how the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning at Gies College of Business can help solve real business challenges through the Action Learning Program—now sourcing projects for the Fall 2025 semester!
What is offered:
Teams of six Gies students, guided by expert faculty, will tackle your business problem and provide custom, data-driven recommendations—at no cost to you!
How they help:

Optimizing marketing strategies & brand positioning
Financial modeling & revenue growth analysis
Data analytics & AI-driven insights
Go-to-market strategy & competitive positioning
Navigating post-pandemic business challenges

Companies are required to commit one hour per week to meet with the student team, provide insights, and offer feedback.
Whether you’re looking to analyze big data, adapt to AI, or refine your business model, the Gies students are ready to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to your company.
The webinar will be approximately 30-40 minutes of presentation time, followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chatbox, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.
Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hcqi7HqBQbWw0J_l63N2-w
*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.
About Salvo Rodriquez: Born and raised in Champaign, Salvo is an alumnus of Parkland College, Eastern Illinois University, and most recently an MBA graduate from the University of Illinois (Gies ’20). Salvo’s career spans over 20 years in client relations, ranging from small businesses to nonprofits, and now includes the University of Illinois. Before joining the College of Business in August 2023, he served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Champaign County. In this role, he oversaw all workplace giving campaigns and developed innovative ways to collaborate with local businesses, municipalities, and individual donors through volunteerism. During his tenure at United Way, he was recognized by Champaign West Rotary as the Rookie of the Year and received a Community Impact Award from the Junior League of Champaign Urbana. In 2019, he was honored with the Man of the Year Award as part of Central Illinois Business’s 40 Under 40. Since joining Gies College of Business as the Associate Director for the Magelli Office of Experiential Learning, he has overseen efforts to source over 300 projects each academic year, providing Gies Business students with real-world experience through in-class business consulting projects from alumni nationwide and companies ranging from nonprofits to Fortune 500s across various industries.

SBDC Workshop: Writing a Business Plan
2025-05-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Celebrating National Small Business Week – May 4-10, 2025
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director – Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Why do you need a business plan? It’s your playbook!
In this workshop, we will discuss the fundamentals of business planning. Developing your business plan should be a process, not just a task, evolving with your business.
Topics covered will include:

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

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Start Now in Government Contracting Series Part 3 – Capability Statements
2025-05-13 14:00 - 15:00 | 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: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hBkfsQZLTHSmfSMNECkteg
*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.
