Whether your testing is focused on usability, performance, reliability, certification, or all the above, being ill-prepared for the product development phase of the project can be expensive or even fatal. Taught by Deborah Brown of Bosch USA, this class will show you how to design and execute a comprehensive product test plan. REGISTER HERE

A single-session workshop facilitated by Financial Wellness Counselor Rebecca Selkowe focused on identifying financial goals and getting specific about the flow of money in our lives. Participants will learn simple strategies for tracking income and expenses in a way that makes sense for performing arts and entertainment industry professionals who don’t always earn and spend the same way each month, and be connected with resources and an action plan to take the next step. Note: This event is open only […]

Back by popular demand: Informed by last session's questions, this webinar features attorney Erin Conway, who will explain to startups the pros, cons, and risks of having a social media presence and how to manage those risks. In addition, participants learn some new considerations for when engaging third parties – influencers, marketing and advertising agencies, design firms, manufacturers, suppliers, etc. and how to safely host contests and promotions using your socials! REGISTER HERE

This free webinar, will guide you through the assessment process and introduce you to the tools you’ll need to start and grow your business. You’ll be better prepared to: Determine if you have the traits necessary to be a business owner Identify your strengths and weaknesses and how they fit with business ownership Assess the feasibility of your business idea within your targeted market Conduct market research, business planning, and financial projection REGISTER HERE

In this workshop, you will learn how to present your startup ideas coherently. By the end, you should be able to: 1) Identify the key value that your idea/venture can deliver 2) Develop a focused approach for articulating your value 3) Learn how to position your business model around your core value REGISTER HERE

In this class, taught by Briana Belligio and Adam Spector is DLA Piper Law, you will learn about the importance of founder agreements, how to divide equity among co-founders, and key terms that founders should consider including in such agreements such as vesting, acceleration and IP ownership provisions. REGISTER HERE

Presented by BACP and Chicago Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights As an entrepreneur starting a new business, you are faced with important decisions. First and foremost, selecting the right legal structure for your business. The legal entity you choose may impact critical aspects of your business, such as your ability to raise capital, how your company is managed, its tax treatment, liability protection for managers and more. CLC will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various legal entities including Corporations […]

Are you ready to take your LinkedIn skills to the next level? This course will provide you with the advanced LinkedIn strategies that are guaranteed to help increase your profile views and grow your network in a meaningful way! In this session we will review the following LinkedIn areas: Networking: Discuss effective strategies that will help you meet new meaningful connections and increase informational interviews. Content Creation: Learn how to write quality LinkedIn content that will help you accelerate your LinkedIn presence. 15-Day […]

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In these challenging times it’s important for companies to take advantage of all the benefits they are eligible for through federal and state programs. Anne Fabry of MVM Associates and Bowers R&D will lead a general discussion on incentives such as grants and tax credits, some which can serve as an additional source of capital for your business. Opportunities in states like Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia as well as the area of Washington DC do vary in their scope and […]

If so, please join us for our upcoming Personal Perspective: The Entrepreneurial Journey webinar. In this webinar, you will have a chance to hear from graduates of the Creative Entrepreneur Project about the businesses they have created, the insights they have gained and the strategies they have used to succeed. About The Creative Entrepreneur Project The Creative Entrepreneur Project equips performing arts and entertainment professionals with resources to successfully navigate the entrepreneurial journey and increase their income and independence through business ownership. […]

Presented by WBDC Aurora  Navigate the steps to starting or expanding your business online! We will learn how to build a business plan and the foundational requirements to starting a business! Speaker | Donna Beasley Donna Beasley is an IL-PTAC and Veteran Business Advisor with the Women’s Business Development Center helping small business entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses online and in government contracting. Donna has worked as an entrepreneur and marketing professional in a variety of industries […]

This event is for entrepreneurs with an existing startup looking to fill a senior level/leadership position (operations, finance, HR, Board Seat, etc.) and for individuals interested in filling these open roles. Participants will be placed in breakout sessions according to your hiring needs, with ample time for networking. Each entrepreneur will have 3-5 minutes (timed) for the following: Introduction of yourself Introduction of your role & company (what industry are you in?) What are you looking for in a senior […]

Presented by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Ladder Up This workshop will answer important tax questions for your business including: Are you required to file a tax return? Is your worker an independent contractor or an employee? What will the IRS request during an audit? Are you required to make estimated tax payments? What resources does the IRS have for small business owners? Register for the 1/15 Webinar

Small business grants are an entrepreneur’s dream, because they offer money that does not have to be repaid. But finding, applying for and winning small business grants can be daunting. In this webinar, presented by Education Director of Nav Gerri Detweiler, you’ll learn: The main sources of grants, including both private and federal grants Tools for researching small business grants Application tips to increase your chances of being successful Is there really free money to start a business? The current […]

Join us for a workshop led by Jessica Schultz Trinet. In this workshop, Jessica will discuss the following topics: How should companies think about different employee classifications What are the payroll & benefits basics and compliance aspects Thank you to MUFG Union Bank, N.A., for support of programming to reach small business owners. For more information, please visit: MUFG Union Bank. REGISTER HERE

Presented by WBDC Aurora CARES ACT Program In this workshop, we dive into why some small businesses were not ready for the CARES Act and other funding. We will provide tips on how to get your business set up properly, proper financial statements, NAICS code, registering your business for grants, and much more. This workshop will be led by Terrie Simmons, Director, WBDC Aurora CARES ACT Program HOW TO REGISTER:  If you have not done so in the past 12 […]

One of the strongest tools in the entrepreneur's repertoire: Business Model Canvas. When used to its full potential, Business Model Canvas helps companies align on their current state, ideate new paths forward, and design an impactful future. This workshop, taught by Jarrod Lowery of Do Tank, will help you understand the difference between your user, buyer, and financer, and how to craft a compelling story about how your solution addresses each of their goals. REGISTER HERE

Join serial entrepreneur Phil Leslie for this session where we “get real” about how early-stage companies think about competitive analysis, especially in a digital/web environment. This session will challenge your thinking about who you are (and aren’t) competing against. It will help you develop strategies to communicate your unique selling proposition to just the right market segment. Warning: you may leave this session concluding that you need to yield certain prospects to your competitors. And that’s ok, because you’ll also […]

In this webinar, you’ll gain a practical understanding of marketing research techniques and tools. You’ll learn how to develop a marketing strategy by utilizing free resources to access customer demographics, spending habits, and possible trends in your industry. There will be particular emphasis on how to target your best potential customers and minimize wasted exposure, helping you deliver your products and services cost effectively. Discover how to put ReferenceUSA and DemographicsNOW to work for you Learn how business librarians can […]

Looking to get to the next level in your career? Interested in launching a business? Or do you want to establish yourself as a thought-leader in your field? Regardless if you're a job-seeker, career-climber, entrepreneur or influencer, we all share common goals: recognition, connection, impact and growth. What if there was a way to achieve all of this while being connected to a higher purpose? There is, and it’s called the Personal Branding. Your personal brand helps to attract the […]