Training
Contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center for assistance in starting or growing your business.
You can take advantage of a variety of services–from our growing catalogue of information-packed seminars to our extensive library of business and personal resources–or visit with any of our impressive roster of business advisors.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the United States Small Business Administration, the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and our local supporters. So, nearly all of our programs and services are available at no charge to you.
2026 TRAINING EVENTS…
24
Grants for Small Businesses
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | In-person event
30
June
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event (Live)
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
15
Hiring Your First Employee
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | In-person event
Key topics include:
- Assessment: Determining if hiring is the right move for your business.
- Costs: Understanding the true financial obligations of employing staff.
22
July
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event (Live)
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
27
August
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Thursday, August 27, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event (Live)
Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
16
September
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 9:00am – 10:30am cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event (Live)
Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
24
September
Grants for Small Businesses
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | In-person event
The Grants for Small Businesses Workshop is designed to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources necessary to successfully identify and pursue funding opportunities. Participants will learn to navigate federal, state, and private-sector grants while gaining clarity on eligibility and application requirements.
13
October
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event (Live)
Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
29
October
Hiring Your First Employee
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | In-person event
Hiring your first employee Are you ready to grow your team but unsure where to start? This workshop provides a step by step guide to hiring with confidence, covering essential procedures, legal requirements, and necessary documentation for the hiring process. The goal of this program is to equip you with the knowledge to effectively hire your first employee.
4
November
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event (Live)
Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
3
December
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 9:00am – 10:30am cdt
No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event (Live)
Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help!
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois is offering this training event for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Growth Corp. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of the co-sponsor(s)’ or participants’ opinions, products or services. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the US.
