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Sharpen your business skills for a competitive edge.Join Innovate Springfield, Illinois SBDC for Central Illinois, and Illinois Local for a fast-paced morning. Gain actionable tools for success. Your time is valuable, so we packed four essential business growth pillars into one session.
Move beyond theory—this is a 'skill share.' Local experts share practical, ready-to-use strategies for your business.
Celebrating National Small Business Week 2026
Each year, National Small Business Week celebrates entrepreneurs who drive our economy. In 2026, we're doing more—we're fueling your next growth chapter.
Small business owners need more than recognition; they need solutions to real challenges. That's why this Skill Share pairs National Small Business Week's spirit with expert-led training. Sharpen your edge, streamline operations, and secure your business's future—all in one morning. Celebrate your journey and leave with practical tools to thrive.
What is a Skill Share?
A Skill Share is a fast event for busy professionals. Get high-impact, actionable strategies you can use right away.
Why Attend?
Want to streamline operations, find new revenue, improve health, or fund expansion? This event gives you the tools modern entrepreneurs need.
Our Topics and Experts
• AI for Business (TBD): Discover affordable AI tools to reclaim your time and boost efficiency.
• Government Contracting (Devon Travous, Capital Development Board): Learn the process of doing business with the State of Illinois and discover the pathway to new revenue opportunities.
• Business Lending (Nick Kern, Growth Corp): Get the inside track on accessing the capital you need to scale and take your business to the next level.
• Stress Management & Health (Dr. Bryne Wiley, AlignLife): Business growth is only sustainable if you are at your best. Learn practical resilience techniques to protect your well-being.
Final Agenda: May 7th Skill Share (9:30 AM Start)
| Time | Duration | Activity | Focus | Presenter(s) |
| 9:00 – 9:30 AM | 30 min | Registration & Networking | Coffee |
| 9:30 – 9:45 AM | 15 min | Welcome & Overview | Partner Intros | CISBDC, Innovate, IL Local |
| 9:45 – 10:05 AM | 20 min | Skill Share 1 | AI for Business | TBD |
| 10:05 – 10:25 AM | 20 min | Skill Share 2 | IL Gov Contracting | Capital Development Board |
| 10:25 – 10:35 AM | 10 min | Break | Coffee/Networking |
| 10:35 – 10:55 AM | 20 min | Skill Share 3 | Business Lending | Growth Corp |
| 10:55 – 11:15 AM | 20 min | Skill Share 4 | Stress Management | AlignLife |
| 11:15 – 11:30 AM | 15 min | Panel Q&A | Key Takeaways | All |
| 11:30 – 11:45 AM | 15 min | Networking & Light Lunch | Socializing |
Schedule:
• 9:00 AM: Registration & Networking
• 9:30 AM: Welcome & Overview
• 9:45 AM: Skill Share Sessions Begin
• 10:25 AM: Morning Break
• 10:35 AM: Skill Share Sessions Continue
• 11:15 AM: Panel Q&A
• 11:30 AM: Networking & Light Lunch
• 11:45 AM: Program Concludes
Important information
Spaces are limited—register online today. Registration is required for both headcount and access to Innovate Springfield. There is no cost for this event. Please allow a few extra minutes to check in at our registration desk in the lobby.
Free parking is available in the Horace Mann lot between Jefferson and Madison, with additional street parking nearby.
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Event Venue
Innovate Springfield, 1 I-55-BL, Springfield, IL 62715-0001, United States
Tickets
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