Illinois Small Business Week begins this weekend. Throughout next week, there will be events and programs directed at small business owners and entrepreneurs. Some events will focus on recognizing successful small business owners and discussing how they managed to succeed. Others will be geared toward people who are in the preliminary stages of starting their business. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming events.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
12:00PM
In Good Company (A Tribute to the Region’s Entrepreneurs)
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, Atrium
150 E. Pleasant Hill Road
Carbondale, IL
This luncheon, hosted by the Southern Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, will honor all of SIEC’s Challenge Grant recipients since 2003. They will also unveil their new entrepreneurship studio, called StudioE (www.studioeclub.biz). StudioE is a modern center where entrepreneurs can connect and share ideas. It also features a library space that provides commonly needed resources. The studio is “based on the concept of the power of peer connections and the mission of developing the business community.”
3:30PM
3rd Annual Stateline Fast Pitch Business Plan Competition
NIU Outreach Center-Rockford
8500 E. State St.
Rockford, IL
Watch up-and-rising entrepreneurs pitch their businesses in three minutes and listen to feedback from investors. The event is hosted by the Rock Valley Entrepreneurship Center and will feature a keynote speech from Tim Keane, a software entrepreneur who currently directs the Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship and the Golden Angels Network at Marquette University. This will be a good event for those of you who enjoy networking with fellow entrepreneurs or angel investors.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
9:30AM – 11:30AM
How to Write a Business Plan (Free Seminar)
Jewish Vocational Service
216 W. Jackson Blvd. #700
Chicago, IL
If you want extra advice on your business plan, this could be a helpful seminar. This event is hosted by the Illinois SBDC/Duman Microenterprise Center. “Planning is your roadmap to success in the business world.” If you’re interested in attending the event, e-mail Pam Lipton at PamLipton@jsvchicago.org.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
11:30AM – 1:30PM
ICNC Annual Summer Luncheon
Galleria Marchetti
825 W. Erie St.
Chicago, IL
This event is hosted by the Illinois SBDC at the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago. It aims to celebrate the economic development and accomplishments in the Kinzie Corridor. If you have a business in the area, it might be helpful to attend because they will discuss upcoming projects that might have an impact on you. U.S. Congressman Danny Davis will be the keynote speaker. The event costs $75 – order tickets at.
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