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…

16

April

Business on the Move Initiative

 

Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6pm – 7pm cdt

No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | In-person event

Business on the Move is a community-based business development initiative hosted by the Faith Coalition for the Common Good and the Illinois Small Business Development Center. The initiative is structured to intentionally connect aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to SBDC advising, technical assistance, and resources as they work through the core components of a complete, practical business plan.  This specific session will focus on business start-up, preplanning, cash flow management managing a business, and small disadvantaged businesses.
register now

21

April

Starting Your Business in Illinois

 

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 9:00am – 10:30am cdt

No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event

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.

register now

27

May

Starting Your Business in Illinois

 

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm cdt

No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event

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.

register now

24

June

Grants for Small Businesses

 

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm 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. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: *Understand typical grant funding objectives.
register now

30

June

Starting Your Business in Illinois

 

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm cdt

No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event

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.

register now

15

July

Hiring Your First Employee

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm 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. Participants will learn that hiring is a strategic, financial, and legal commitment that strengthens their business foundation.

Key topics include:

  • Assessment: Determining if hiring is the right move for your business.
  • Costs: Understanding the true financial obligations of employing staff.
register now

22

July

Starting Your Business in Illinois

 

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 11:30am – 1:00pm cdt

No Fee | Workshop/Seminar | Virtual event

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.

register now

217.522.2772
sbdc@cisbdc.com

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.