In today’s fast-moving business landscape, every organisation—large or small—is faced with the challenge of standing out, adapting quickly, and creating real value for customers. That’s where Design Thinking comes in. Design Thinking is a human-centred approach to problem solving that helps businesses reframe challenges, uncover new opportunities, and develop solutions that are both innovative and practical. By combining empathy for users with structured creativity, it equips teams to design products, services, and processes that truly meet market needs.

Now, with the rise of powerful AI tools, the problem-solving process can move even further and faster. AI can analyse patterns, generate fresh ideas, test prototypes, and provide insights that would take humans much longer to uncover. When paired with Design Thinking, AI becomes a creative partner—helping SMEs and individuals explore more possibilities, validate ideas with data, and reduce the risk of costly trial and error.

This workshop is designed specifically for SMEs and individuals who want to grow, innovate, and stay competitive. You’ll gain:

✔️ Practical experience applying Design Thinking to real business challenges.
✔️ Hands-on exposure to AI tools that can supercharge creativity and accelerate decision-making.
✔️ Strategies to differentiate your business and find new growth opportunities.
✔️ A supportive environment to experiment, collaborate, and take away actionable insights.

By joining, you’ll not only learn new ways of thinking but also leave with tangible tools and approaches you can apply immediately in your business or professional practice.

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Presented by CREW

Presented by Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and CIBC Bank USA

Whether you are a business owner or thinking about starting one; this webinar will teach the basics about bank financing. You will receive information about loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, you will learn about the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program as a resource that makes you eligible to apply for CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan.

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Are you creating original work as a visual artist, writer, theatre worker, musician or sound designer, video game designer, graphic designer, or other creative? Copyrighting your work can help you protect your creations. Lawyers for the Creative Arts with Irwin IP LLP, now a part of Miller Johnson, are hosting a free Copyright Registration Workshop in-person on Thursday, November 13 in Chicago to help you register your work! 

Learn about copyright, what is protected, and how to register your creations with the U.S. Copyright Office. After the presentations, attorneys will be available to guide you through registering copyrights on one or more of your works. Be aware that not everything is copyrightable. 

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Presented by Lawyers for the Creative Arts

Landing a national retail account — whether it’s Whole Foods, Target, or Sprouts— is a massive milestone for any emerging food and beverage brand. But behind the excitement comes a harsh reality: national distribution requires serious upfront capital to produce inventory, support promotions, and manage payment delays.

Join me and Tej Singh, CEO of SpringCash, for a candid conversation on how to strategically fund your nationwide launch so you can scale with confidence — not cash flow stress.

You’ll learn:

• The real cost structure of a national retail rollout (and what most brands underestimate).

• How to plan your working capital across production, logistics, and retailer payment terms.

• Which financing options best fit your growth stage — from PO funding and factoring to modern tools like SpringCash.

Whether you’re finalizing your first national deal or preparing for expansion, this session will equip you with the tools and financial strategy to launch strong and sustain growth.

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Presented by FoodBevy

Join the Polsky Center and Ben Register, MBA ’24, for an interactive session on Cap Table Management. One of the hardest conversations cofounders have is how to divide up their equity. This workshop will cover basic tools for establishing “fair” equity splits, methods of protecting ownership when a cofounder leaves and what to expect when it comes to dilution. Ben has extensive experience in early stage BioTech and is currently a cofounder of Bluegrass Pharmaceuticals.

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This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.

For small business owners, building a strong community is key to success. In this Ask the Expert session, you’ll discover creative ways to engage customers both online and offline, ultimately leading to more traffic for your business.

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Presented by Verizon

Join BACP along with dynamic leaders from Austin African American Business Networking Association (AAABNA) and Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA)to discuss actionable strategies for attracting holiday shoppers, implementing effective “shop local” campaigns, and marketing your business to draw in new clients. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn expert insights on driving business success this holiday season!

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Presented by BACP

This masterclass will explore how artists, labels, and music entrepreneurs can move beyond simply releasing music to building sustainable, globally scalable businesses. Attendees will learn strategies for multi-market growth, catalog monetization, rights management, and long-term financial planning to create lasting impact in the industry.

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Presented by Music Business Association

Join Polsky Center Investor-in-Residence Tim Kelly, MBA ’00, for a workshop on due diligence on PE funds for the merits of a partnership for employment as well as investment purposes. Tim walks through where to have skepticism and look for information sources and considerations.

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Join the Polsky Center and Ben Schmuck, Innovation Manager at Caterpillar, for an informative session about the Business Model Canvas framework. Whether you’re launching a startup or refining an existing business, this session will guide you through each key component, from Customer Segments to Revenue Streams. Expect practical examples, interactive discussion, and actionable insights to help you visualize and strengthen your business strategy.

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Presented by Wintrust Bank

This webinar will explain the concept of record-keeping and its importance to small businesses. It will identify record keeping practices, rules and tools commonly available to small businesses. It will also identify benefits a small business devices from proper record keeping, explaining record keeping basics and identify software products available for small business record keeping.

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In a world of viral hits and endless audio content, where does the intentional listener find a unique and engaging music experience? Join executives from the high-quality music platform Qobuz, in conversation with artist and label teams, for a look at how prioritizing artistry and highlighting eclectic music can build community and drive commerce.

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Presented by Music Business Association

Onboarding new suppliers, moving into your own facility, and getting into retail - growth brings exponential compliance tasks. Managing them with pen and paper or spreadsheets can quickly drain resources and even create risks.

That's why it's smart to start thinking about compliance early. When your business scales, you shouldn't have to scale the compliance overhead or scramble to find a solution. The good news: AI is built for these tasks. Join our panel to hear how AI can help you save time, reduce risk, and stay ahead as you grow.

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Presented by Naturally New York

Your team can be your greatest growth asset if you build it strategically. In this session, we'll explore how early-stage brands can make smart, high-impact hiring decisions that will allow your business to flourish. From deciding who to hire and when, to knowing when fractional talent makes more sense than a full-time role, this conversation will help you avoid common pitfalls and build a foundation for growth.

We'll dive into:

• Your first 5 hires: who they should be (and why)

• Hiring vs. fractional: how to decide what you need, when

• Hiring best practices: what makes a great hire—and a great hiring process

• Creating culture across blended teams: in-house, remote, and fractional

• The role of AI in hiring

Whether you're hiring your first team member or building out your next phase of growth, this session will equip you with actionable insights to do it right.

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Presented by Naturally Norcal

Hosted by Polsky Center Investor-in-Residence Tim Kelly, MBA ’00, this workshop will introduce you to a multitude of careers that fall within the PE industry and also give you a brief description of the related skills that different roles require, some pros and cons of different career paths, and ways to pursue some of these positions.

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Presented by Dr. Rhonda Henderson, from Olive Harvey College

Learn how to identify and understand your most valuable customer groups in this fast-paced, hands-on workshop designed for busy entrepreneurs. You'll discover simple segmentation methods that work without big budgets or complex tools, and learn how to tailor your marketing to the right customers. Walk away with a practical customer profile template and immediate action steps you can implement this week to drive growth and improve customer retention.

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Presented by Score Chicago

Two experienced SCORE mentors will lead you through this self-assessment to help determine if you are ready to become an entrepreneur. Do you have the qualifications, the temperament and skills needed to succeed?

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In this webinar, you will learn about The MLC's monthly royalty payments. We’ll walk you through each of the royalty statement documents Members receive with their payments. You’ll learn about what those documents include and how you can access additional detailed royalty information in the Member Hub within The MLC Portal, with plenty of time for Q&A.

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Presented by The MLC

Presented by National Association of Women Owners (NAWBO) member Angie Noll, Founder of Reconciled Solutions, and BACP.

Does thinking about your income statement send shivers down your spine? Are you spooked by the thought of updating your balance sheet? Is reviewing your cashflow a nightmare? Many business owners are intimidated by their financial reports--but they don’t have to be scary. Those reports actually have an important story to tell about the business, and understanding that story is crucial to achieving sustainable growth. Walk away from this session with the tools and knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions and drive the success of your small biz.

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Work in Progress (WIP) is a fantastic opportunity for designers to give and receive feedback either on a specific project or a portfolio piece. We welcome high schoolers, college students, recent graduates, young professionals, mid-level, senior, creative directors and retired designers of all ages to join.

Reviews for feedback in each event are limited to the first three (3) people who sign up and attend – so be sure to register while there are still available spots!

You are also welcome to join in to provide feedback or just listen in. No matter how you would like to participate, please click "Register" to receive the Google Meet link information.

Showing your design drafts and hearing opinions is an integral part of the design process. Work In Progress is an opportunity to engage in that collaborative process. Improve your communication skills, learn to receive constructive feedback, get fresh perspectives on your work, and hone your presentations skills in a welcoming environment.

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Presented by AIGA

Are you a songwriter, composer or lyricist streaming your songs on a digital platform? The MLC helps creators like you (and your publishers and administrator partners) collect your streaming royalties. This webinar from The MLC introduces who we are, why self-published writers should become Members of The MLC, and why registering your songs with The MLC is critical to ensuring you receive ALL of the royalties you are entitled to when your songs are streamed in the U.S.

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Presented by The MLC

Presented by Cheryl Hudson-Jackson; Director- Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center, Cheryl Hudson-Jackson; Director- Breedlove Entrepreneurship Center

Whether you're raising your first round or your fifth, your pitch deck is your startup’s first impression—and it needs to be powerful. In this fast-paced, hands-on 90-minute session, you'll learn how to create a pitch deck that grabs attention, tells a compelling story, and gets investors excited. From the must-have slides to pro tips that separate you from the pack, we’ll break down exactly what investors look for and how to deliver it with clarity and confidence. You’ll walk away with the tools, templates, and tactics to make your next pitch your best yet.

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Presented by BACP

Learn how to capture splits at the point of creation, generate split sheet contracts, register with The MLC and PROs, and manage credits with Sound Credit. This webinar for songwriters, composers, and publishers shows how to collaborate with your entire team on the ultimate work-in-progress music space. 

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Presented by The MLC

In the face of stress and adversity, do you find yourself reacting with anger, frustration, or apathy? These counterproductive responses are deeply rooted in our human survival instincts. But what if you could rewire your brain to thrive instead of just survive? 

Join us for an enlightening workshop where we’ll delve into the neuroscience of “Survive vs. Thrive” and equip you with powerful tools to maintain productivity and support your team, even under intense pressure. 

Don’t let your survival instincts limit your potential! Equip yourself with neuroscience insights and practical strategies to unlock your learning brain. This session will empower you to keep a growth mindset, allowing your problem-solving capabilities and professional performance to thrive. 

This is an essential professional development opportunity for anyone looking to thrive in today’s fast-paced business world. 

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Presented by Lawyers for the Creative Arts

Financial planning can be difficult for independent musicians. The economic norms in the industry (fluctuating monthly income, freelance/gig work, low pay, and other forms of financial precarity) can make it hard to know where to start when managing debt and saving for the future.

Join Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Golden Egg Chicago and the Illinois Treasurer’s office for a program covering free resources to help you plan for the future. We’ll introduce you to financial planning tools, educational resources, retirement fund options, legal support and more.

This program is ideal for musicians and other artists in Illinois who are managing student loans, medical or other debt; planning for a child’s future education costs; planning for retirement or emergency funds; or looking to create better budgeting habits, all while navigating the creative economy.

Join us in-person at Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library (400 S. State Street, Chicago) or on Zoom.

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Presented by Lawyers for the Creative Arts

Presented by Sarah Wilson, Uptown United & Uptown Chamber of Commerce

Considering taking your business from home to a storefront? Join us and learn how to determine if you're ready for brick and mortar, what you need before signing a lease, and how to avoid common pitfalls as best you can. 

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Our Nonprofit Start-up Workshop is designed to help you through the legalities and business issues you’ll face in launching your new organization. We help you to complete the necessary state and federal forms and provide a wealth of practical advice including business, governance, and financial matters for nonprofit start-ups.

Few attorneys have LCA’s years of experience in these important topics. Our Workshops give you the ability to do everything you would otherwise have to retain a private attorney to do for you. We cover:

• Incorporate?

  • Reasons to incorporate, reasons not to.

  • Alternatives that can work for you.

  • Completing necessary forms, bylaws, articles of incorporation, and more.

• Best Practices for Nonprofit Start-ups.

  • Basics of budgeting, projecting revenues and costs.

  • Strategies for nonprofit fundraising.

  • Holding directors’ meetings, filling necessary officers’ positions.

  • Key issues in governance for nonprofits.

• Tax Exempt Status — Do You Need It?

  • The reasons to obtain federal tax exempt status, reasons why you might not need to, and some alternatives that may work for you.

  • How to maintain your tax exemption

  • Other operating issues.

• How to File for 501(c)(3) Status.

  • Line-by-line instructions for completing the tax exemption applications

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Presented by Lawyers for the Creative Arts

Discover the power of AI in developing diverse content designed for a range of platforms including social media, email marketing, blogging, your website, and more. Learn how to use AI to streamline content creation, aiding you in delivering a consistent and engaging brand narrative across different channels.

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Presented by Women’s Business Development Center in collaboration with the Naperville Public Library

Are you a self-administered songwriter (also known as independent songwriter) with questions about The MLC and your digital audio mechanical royalties? We invite you to join experts from The MLC for this interactive webinar to get answers to any questions you have about membership, The MLC Portal, and all of the tools and resources available to help you register your musical works data with The MLC and get the mechanical royalties you're owed.

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Presented by The MLC

Presented by the Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

The purpose of the workshop will be to explore trademark law and help founders both analyze the risks of potential trademark infringement suits by third parties as well as how to best protect their company's own trademark rights in its brand names. We will discuss the process to conduct a preliminary trademark search to identify other companies’ existing trademark rights in a proposed trademark, and we will also explore how to determine the strength of a proposed trademark.

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