Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: How to Respond to an RFP/RFQ – Mastering Proposal Writing
2025-07-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Webinar
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Unlock the foundations and building blocks to crafting compelling, winning proposals with our in-depth presentation. We will cover important aspects of the process to respond to government solicitations. This includes understanding the clients’ needs to structure your response and addressing their evaluation criteria. Gain the skills and strategies needed to stand out in competitive bid processes and avoid Common Pitfalls in Proposal Development.
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-ADMctRzTJ-GT_0nb4GQhA
*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.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign Public Library
2025-07-10 12:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-14 12:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
SBDC Director, Madeleine Wolske, will hold open office hours at Launch (at Champaign Public Library) on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 12 – 3 PM.
2025 dates:

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

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

SBDC Webinar: Writing a Business Plan
2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-21 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.

2025 Open Office Hours at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-06 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-20 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-27 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
2025-07-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-06 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL, United States

Webinar: 3-Part Series with HACC - Starting Your Business in Illinois
2025-07-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director — Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
This is part one of a 3-part series with the Housing Authority of Champaign County.
Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure where to begin? This session is designed to help you take the first steps. We’ll walk through simple tools to help you figure out if your idea can work, how to make a basic business plan, and what you need to know to officially start a business in Illinois. You’ll also learn about services and support available through the Illinois SBDC so you don’t have to build your business alone — all at no cost to you.
Topics include:

What the Illinois SBDC does and how we help
Evaluating if your business idea can work
Making a simple, one-page business plan
Understanding who your customers are
Registering your business

The webinar will be approximately 30-40 minutes of presentation time, followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chat box, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AJkABVz_TxaMEq824plNHA
*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
2025-07-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Illinois Small Business Development Center, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director – Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Thinking about starting a business in Illinois? This workshop helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the opportunities and requirements for starting their business. You’ll be taken step-by-step through a variety of topics and can ask questions.
Topics covered:

Introduction to the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Feasibility Checklist
Creating a Lean Business Plan
Identifying Your Customers
Sources of Funding, including Financing and Grant Options
Business Formation and Registration

Time: 6-8 PM
Dates:

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

Location: Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, 1817 S. Neil Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820
Registration: No cost to attend, registration required to secure a spot. Materials will be provided. RSVP below.

Workshop: Social Media 201
2025-07-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
This workshop qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Level up your social media presence with ways to create thumb-stopping content, best practices for going live, utilizing the latest ad options, finding new customers, and more. Familiarity with social media is recommended.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat (no cost to attend). All materials will be provided.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

2-Part Workshop Series: Be Grant Ready at the State and Federal Levels (Part 1)
2025-08-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Session 1 will cover the SAM.gov registration process.
Join Keli Krueger-Huhra, Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC Director, and Madeleine Wolske, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, to learn about the necessary steps to become grant ready.

SAM.gov Registration: Monday, August 4, 1-2:30 PM (register below)
GATA Registration: Monday, August 11, 1-2:30 PM (register at https://cusbdc.org/event/2-part-workshop-series-be-grant-ready-at-the-state-and-federal-levels-part-2/)

No cost to attend; pre-registration required.
Location: Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820) – Robeson A/B
This series is presented by the Illinois SBDC & Illinois APEX at Champaign County EDC in collaboration with Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci, Champaign Public Library, and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Regional Economic Development.

Workshop: Getting Started on Canva
2025-08-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
This workshop qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
Whether you need quick and easy social media graphics, posters, presentations, or flyers, Canva is the perfect solution for a well-branded design in just a few clicks. We’ll show you ways to get started, available templates, when to use Canva and when not to use Canva, customization features, and much more. Experience is not required to attend!
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat (no cost to attend). All materials will be provided.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Virtual Informational Session: Champaign County Small Business Grant Program
2025-08-08 13:00 - 13:30 | Webinar
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director — Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Need up to $5,000 in grant funding for your small business? Join us for a focused, 30-minute session to review the Champaign County Small Business Grant application process and get answers to your questions.
This grant opportunity is open to small businesses in Champaign County that started before March 11, 2020, and operate out of a physical location. The deadline to apply is August 22, 2025.
In this session, we’ll spend:
15 minutes walking through the application, covering:

Eligibility Requirements
Required Documentation
Eligible vs. Ineligible Expenses
Tips for Writing Your COVID-19 Impact Statement and Use-of-Funds Narrative
Business Plan Requirements and a quick look at an AI-powered tool to help you draft one

15 minutes for live Q&A to address your specific questions
Whether you’ve already started your application or just learned about the opportunity, this session will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Participants can submit questions in the chat throughout the session.
Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
Time: 1-1:30 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fpWw-fwrTCO4IVmHPkYZJA
*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.

2-Part Workshop Series: Be Grant Ready at the State and Federal Levels (Part 2)
2025-08-11 13:00 - 14:30 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
Session 2 will cover the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) registration process.
Join Keli Krueger-Huhra, Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC Director, and Madeleine Wolske, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, to learn about the necessary steps to become grant ready.

SAM.gov Registration: Monday, August 4, 1-2:30 PM (register at https://cusbdc.org/event/2-part-workshop-series-be-grant-ready-at-the-state-and-federal-levels-part-1/)
GATA Registration: Monday, August 11, 1-2:30 PM (register below)

No cost to attend; pre-registration required.
Location: Champaign Public Library (200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820) – Robeson A/B
This series is presented by the Illinois SBDC & Illinois APEX at Champaign County EDC in collaboration with Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci, Champaign Public Library, and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Regional Economic Development.

Webinar: What’s New for 2025
2025-08-12 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 Rhonda Roberts – Tax Manager, M|H
Proper tax planning utilizes tax laws to maximize deductions and credits while minimizing tax liability. This session will cover some of the tax impacts of the recently enacted legislation, as well as other annual updated tax amounts.
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d7KA47vkQRWNoEdCcYS7pA
*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.
At M|H, they are committed to leading the accounting industry in transformative solutions that drive their clients’ success by implementing innovative technologies and embracing emerging markets. The firm has a community-based origin that goes back over 40 years, and they have used their growth to expand services to clients nationwide.

Webinar: 3-Part Series with HACC - Financial Opportunities for Your Business
2025-08-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Presented by Madeleine Wolske, Director — Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
This is part one of a 3-part series with the Housing Authority of Champaign County.
Starting a business doesn’t always mean spending a lot of money, but it helps to know what funding options are available. In this workshop, we’ll talk about small grants, loans, and programs in Illinois that support new entrepreneurs. You’ll also get tips for setting up a business bank account, managing your money, and building credit, all explained in simple, clear steps.
Topics include:

Small business grants and loans in Illinois
Programs that help with credit and lending
What to know before applying for a loan or grant
Setting up a business bank account
Managing money when you’re just starting out

The webinar will be approximately 30-40 minutes of presentation time, followed by Q&A. Participants will be able to ask questions in the chat box, which will be addressed at the end of the presentation, moderated by a member of our team.
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Time: 10-11 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F-0LgF-HRbC3jYZUr1sOhw
*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: Meta for Business Overview - A Beginner's Guide
2025-08-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, United States
This workshop qualifies for reimbursement as part of the City of Champaign New Business Grant Program. If you are an awardee of the program and attend this session, you will receive a certificate to include in your reimbursement forms to the City.
Presented by Scott Clanin – Director, Clanin Creative
New to Meta for Business? This session is designed for businesses and organizations looking to better understand Meta’s tools (formerly Facebook for Business). We’ll explore how to navigate Meta Business Suite, schedule posts using Planner, review performance through Insights, and get a first look at Ads Manager. Perfect for those ready to level up their presence across Facebook and Instagram.
The workshop will be approximately 45 minutes of presentation time followed by Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Time: 2-3 PM
Location: Champaign Public Library (Robeson Pavilion A/B) – 200 W. Green Street, Champaign, IL 61820
Register below to secure a seat (no cost to attend). All materials will be provided.
Scott Clanin is the owner and director of Clanin Creative, an independent design agency based in Champaign, Illinois. With a deep passion for marketing and a sharp creative eye, Scott leads projects that help businesses craft and communicate their unique stories. He is a strong advocate for the local community, having served on the boards of Promise Healthcare, 40 North, the Champaign Center Partnership, and more. As a certified Google professional, Scott combines his expertise in digital strategy with a commitment to innovative design, helping brands grow and thrive.
Clanin Creative is an independent design agency hailing from Champaign, Illinois, dedicated to transforming brands with standout design and compelling storytelling. Their unique approach blends strategic insight with creative skill, delivering tailored solutions that elevate brands and connect with audiences. Learn more by visiting www.clanincreative.com
This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and presented in collaboration with Champaign County EDC, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, Champaign Center Partnership, Champaign Public Library, Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, EDC of Decatur & Macon County, Experience Champaign-Urbana, Parkland College Community Education, and University of Illinois Research Park.

Illinois APEX Accelerator Webinar: Why Certify?
2025-08-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Webinar
Presented by Keli Krueger-Huhra, Director – Illinois APEX Accelerator at Champaign County EDC
Socioeconomic contracting programs can be a boon for small businesses. Whether as an 8(a) Program participant, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, a woman-owned small business, or a HUBZone company, or State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program, small businesses can take advantage of set-aside and sole source contract opportunities.
When pursuing federal contract opportunities, it’s important for small businesses to take advantage of every benefit available to them. Learning about and leveraging socioeconomic programs is a great tool to increase your business’s competitiveness.
Join us as we present an overview of the available certifications and benefits available to participants.
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Time: 10:30-11:30 AM
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L9GNn9w9R8eoQpPmWq-QOg
*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.
