Partner Workshops

Choose DuPage

How Certification Can Boost Your Business - Choose DuPage (In-person) 
Thursday, January 26, 2023
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Register here

Attention women- and minority-owned businesses: Choose DuPage is hosting a workshop made just for you! Join other local business owners as you learn how to attract clients and open new opportunities through Certification. Experts will be on-hand to explain how businesses can obtain two of the most widely recognized Certification programs – the Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification and the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification – and answer any questions about the process. 

College of DuPage

ITC - Researching Export Markets (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
10:00 am - 11:00 am
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Understanding market demands and other key considerations related to export destinations is essential before making the final decision on your export market. Learn how to utilize free resources for your next international market research project as well as how to read and analyze market information.

PTAC - The Certification Process (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 
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Learn how to interpret the alphabet to pursue profits and find out which small business certification is best for you. Discuss details of the application process, documentation requirements, certification options and how to market and leverage certifications for the growth of your business.

SBDC - Insurance Types for Small Businesses (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Learn about insurance for existing businesses and startups. Discuss various risk factors and learn about the pitfalls of being insured improperly. Learn ways to save money and how to select the right agent for your business and more.

ITC - Export Planning Made Easy (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Register here

An export plan is essential for any business that is trying to expand to new market. Learn how to draft your export plan in a few simple steps during this helpful webinar.

IMEC

Identifying Energy Efficiency and Money Saving Opportunities for Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
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This webinar will include information about a suite of beneficial program opportunities from the IMEC, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development’s Department of Planning and Development, as well as the 2023 ComEd Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) offerings and incentives specific to industrial and manufacturing businesses. It will also provide an opportunity for attendees to hear existing CEEP customers share the details of their energy efficiency journey, including reflections on the CEEP application process and how their businesses have benefitted from the program. This webinar will offer a unique opportunity for interested businesses to ask questions directly to existing program participants as well as CEEP Outreach Service Providers.

Improve Process Efficiencies - Lean Manufacturing Overview with Simulation -DuPage (In-person)
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Meeting today’s manufacturing challenges demands a lean enterprise — streamlining product design and manufacturing by applying lean manufacturing principles, concepts and techniques. The primary focus of this effort is the continuous elimination of waste in the company’s business processes. This interactive workshop combines comprehensive classroom instruction with simulation of a production facility. The basic concepts of Lean manufacturing and the tools and methodology necessary to implement “lean” on the shop floor are demonstrated. Participants assume the role of production workers, applying lean tools to their individual workspaces and the entire product line. This learn-do technique, over three “shifts”, illustrates cause and effect relationships for each of the lean tools presented.

SCORE

Step-by-Step Email Marketing Guide For Your Business (Virtual)
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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Email marketing has consistently shown to have the highest return on investment than any other form of business marketing, but to see a large return on investment, you need to understand the basics of email marketing. In this webinar, marketing expert Patty Ross will teach you the basics of email marketing and techniques to help you build an email list, write a compelling email and create a content calendar.

Social Media Marketing Strategies for Your Small Business (Virtual)
Thursday, February 2, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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Social media can be a powerful tool for small business owners to market their products and services directly to their customers. However, social media can also be overwhelming. Which platform do you post on? How often should you post? What do you post and when? In this webinar, marketing expert Patty Ross will teach you the basics every business owner should know about social media marketing and the latest trends you should follow.

How To Find Funding Opportunities For Black Owned Businesses (Virtual)
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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In celebration of Black History Month, our expert presenter, Phyllis Johnson, owner & CEO of PKJ Consulting, will discuss funding and financial opportunities available to the black community. In this webinar, you will learn what funding options are available, where to find funding and financial opportunities, and how to qualify for funding opportunities.