Workshops and Events

Join us to learn how to use AI to streamline operations, make better decisions, and accelerate growth all while protecting your business from costly mistakes and emerging risks.

Please note: This program is being offered by SCORE and you will need to register with them and provide them with your email address in order to attend. You will have the option to opt out of their mailing list when you register. Upon registration with the library, you will be sent the link to register with SCORE. The Zoom link for this program will come directly from SCORE. Upon registration with SCORE, every individual will receive a unique Zoom Link for the workshop. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. Thank you. 

How do you know if you are charging enough? If your prices are based mainly on what competitors charge or what feels reasonable, they could be too low. And if they are, even strong sales can leave you working harder without generating the profit your business needs.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to better understand what it really costs to run your business and use those numbers to make smarter pricing decisions. We’ll cover how to account for your costs, build profit into your prices, evaluate your current pricing, and recognize when it may be time to make a change.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:

• Calculate the major components of the true cost of doing business
• Understand how to build real profit into each sale
• Evaluate whether current prices are financially sustainable
• Recognize the risks of pricing mainly from competitors, intuition or simple markup
• Determine when a price increase may be needed
• Approach raising prices with greater confidence

Presenter:  Jennifer Dawn is a Business Coach and founder of Best Planner Ever. She began her entrepreneurial career selling apples off her grandfather’s tree because a lemonade stand was so “yesterday”. She’s a serial entrepreneur who has grown two multi-million-dollar businesses, is a successful speaker, and author.

Jennifer serves high-achieving entrepreneurs through private business coaching and hands on workshops. She is a master at setting and achieving goals, problem solving, profitability, and cash flow.

What does the workplace of the future look like? Discover how thoughtful workplace strategy can create flexible, adaptable spaces that support focus, collaboration, connection, and the way people work today.

In this free webinar, you’ll learn how a workplace can strengthen company culture, attract and retain talent, and enhance the employee experience—while making more sustainable choices through preowned furniture, sustainably sourced products, and GREENGUARD-certified manufacturers.

Join us for practical insights on creating a workplace that works for your people, your brand, and the planet.

This webinar is free to attend, and registration is required.

Presenters:
Mason Awtry, Founder/CEO
Rightsize Facility

Jessica McCambridge, VP, Workplace Solutions
Rightsize Facility

If you’ve been turned down for a business loan or don’t qualify for traditional financing, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are other ways to fund your business beyond a bank loan, and understanding the alternative funding options and how they work can help you decide which ones are worth exploring.

In this webinar, we’ll break down the major alternative funding options available to small business owners. You’ll learn how different sources of capital work, the situations they may be best suited for and what to look at before deciding whether an option makes sense for your business.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:

• Explore funding options available outside traditional bank loans
• Understand how the major alternative funding categories work
• Match potential funding sources to different business needs and stages
• Compare the costs, requirements and tradeoffs of different options
• Avoid pursuing funding that may not be a good fit for your business
• Identify your next steps for researching and pursuing funding

Presenter:  Boyd Karren is the Founder and Managing Partner of OTRO Financial, a nationwide business funding consultancy dedicated to helping entrepreneurs secure capital when traditional banks say no. With decades of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and business finance, Boyd has founded, acquired, and grown multiple companies across a variety of industries.

The end of the year is fast approaching, and your window to make smart tax moves is shrinking. Understanding the latest rules can help you avoid surprises, stay on top of deadlines, and empower you to make decisions that can positively impact your tax bill.

In this webinar, our expert presenter will explain the latest updates in plain language. You’ll get a clear picture of what’s changed for 2026, what deadlines and reporting requirements to be aware of, and where opportunities may exist to reduce your overall tax burden.

In this webinar, you will learn:

• What’s new for your 2026 return and how to prepare for 2027
• Year-end actions that can lower your tax bill
• Deductions for vehicles, equipment, employee benefits, and more
• Tax credit changes for 2026
• Prepping for W-2 and 1099 reporting

Presenter:  Barbara Weltman is an attorney and a prolific author with such titles as J.K. Lasser’s Small Business Taxes, J.K. Lasser’s Guide to Self-Employment, Home Business Magazine’s Home-Based Business Start-up Guide, and Smooth Failing.

Join fellow business leaders from across DuPage County for The Business Solutions Exchange, an interactive event designed to bring businesses together to share experiences, discuss challenges, and uncover new ideas.

At this in-person event you will:

• Hear how a local business navigated challenges and found success

• Join a peer-led roundtable discussion focused on the topics that matter most to your business

• Collaborate with other business leaders to brainstorm solutions to real-world challenges

This is an opportunity to network, learn from others, share your perspective, and walk away with ideas you can put into action.

Manufacturers continue to face challenges finding and retaining skilled workers. Learn how registered apprenticeships can help build a stronger talent pipeline while developing the skills employers need.

Join us for a free webinar that will explore:

• Common workforce challenges facing manufacturers
• What a registered apprenticeship is and how it works
• The benefits of apprenticeships for employers
• How apprenticeships can support recruitment, retention and skills development
• Partners, resources and support available to help manufacturers get started

Whether your company is considering an apprenticeship program or looking to strengthen an existing workforce strategy, this webinar will provide practical information and resources to help you explore the possibilities.

Presenter: Lisa Schvach, Executive Director, workNet DuPage Career Center

Hosted by Choose DuPage, the MFG Pro Series offers free webinars where Chicagoland manufacturers can hear from experts, ask questions, and hone their understanding of key issues.

Access to capital can be a critical part of growing a business—but navigating the lending process can feel complicated. This webinar offers practical insight into how to use SBA lending to support growth, expansion and long-term success.

Attendees will learn:

• How to maximize the benefits of SBA loan programs
• What lenders look for when evaluating borrowers
• Steps businesses can take to position themselves for success

Whether you’re considering an SBA loan now or planning for future growth, join us to learn how the right financing strategy can help move your business forward.

Presenters:

• Ben Huels, AVP, SBA Business Development Officer II
• Ameel Sheth, AVP, SBA Business Development Officer II
• Roy Wright, VP, SBA Business Development Officer II