Every year, a week is set aside to celebrate small businesses across the country. This week takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and others.
This year, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC has several events planned during National Small Business Week.
Check out the full list of events:
Monday, May 1
SBDC Workshop: Franchising – Is it the best way to start a business?
10 – 11:30 amThis workshop will look at why you might want to own a business and the three options for going into business. There are myths about franchising that will be reviewed, plus a franchising industry overview. Next, talk about using the personal profile from FranNet to assist in choosing the right franchise for you. In addition, look at the research and due diligence you will need to accomplish before purchasing a franchise. There will be an opportunity for Q&A. More info/register here.
SBDC Workshop: Get Found on Google Search & Maps and Grow Your Business Online
3:30 – 5 pmLearn how to set up Google My Business, a free tool that helps you manage information displayed to customers on Google Search and Maps. The workshop will also include an overview of Google tools to help you improve your presence online, including Google Webmaster Tools and Google Analytics. You are welcome to bring your computer for this workshop. Wi-Fi will be available. More info/register here.
Tuesday, May 2
SBDC Info Session: City of Champaign’s Small Business Incentive Program
8:30 – 9:30 amThe City of Champaign offers financial support to small businesses for legal, financial, marketing, and educational services through its Small Business Incentive Program. Businesses located in the City of Champaign can access this program through the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC). Eligible participants can receive up to $7,500 in matching funds for professional services, including $1,000 as an education credit. The City of Champaign’s Planning and Development staff will describe this program and answer questions. More info/register here.
SBDC Info Session: City of Urbana – Business Grant Programs
10 – 11 amThe City of Urbana offers business grants and reimbursements to support new, expanding, and transitioning businesses in Urbana’s Downtown and along Cunningham Avenue. Businesses in these areas may receive a Development Grant of up to $2,000 after consulting with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC (SBDC), an Opening Grant of $1,000 after opening and holding a public opening ceremony, and up to $25,000 in reimbursements for completing renovation work. A representative from Urbana’s Economic Development Department will discuss and answer questions on these programs, among others. More info/register here.
Wednesday, May 3
SBDC Workshop: Tips & Tools for Government Sales
Presenter: Mary Turner, Director of Illinois PTAC at Western Illinois University
12 – 1:30 pmIn this session, you will learn the necessary strategies to sell to the federal government. Some of the highlights will be creating capability statements, targeting specific departments/agencies, and techniques on how to approach your government customers. More info/register here.
SBDC Workshop: Starting Your Business in Illinois
5:30 – 7:30 pmThis informative 2-hour workshop helps entrepreneurs understand many of the steps and requirements of starting a small business in Illinois. You’ll be taken step-by-step through a variety of topics and have the opportunity to ask questions. More info/register here.
Thursday, May 4
International Trade Day – An Afternoon for Exporters
1 – 5 pmHear from representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Export-Import Bank, the Midwest Inland Port, and the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment, among others. From the speakers, you’ll learn about travel grants to attend foreign trade shows, export loans, insuring foreign receivables, international logistics resources for Central Illinois exporters, the services & resources of the SBDC International Trade Center for Central/East Central Illinois, and much more. More info/register here.
Friday, May 5
SBDC Workshop: Digital Marketing Essentials
Speaker: Scott Clanin, Clanin Marketing
12 – 1 pmThis workshop will provide you with tools and techniques to strengthen your digital marketing strategies. Ideal for those starting off in digital marketing or simply wanting to improve their skills, this workshop will address topics in search engine optimization and marketing, advertising through Google, Facebook campaigns, tracking website data, and more.