Plan For Profit Cohort

Next date: Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey to shape the future of your Illinois business?

We’re thrilled to introduce our innovative Plan For Profit program, now at no cost, designed for passionate entrepreneurs like you who are eager to start or expand their business ventures. The Illinois SBDC and the Women Business center at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) provides a comprehensive training program for entrepreneurs learning to work on their business, whether they are start-up or emerging businesses.

Program Benefits

• Conduct market research to identify target customers
• Strengthen marketing strategies and brand
• Receive financial advising and loan assistance
• Get one-on-one mentoring
• Access online or in-person training
• Participants will benefit from 2-3 one-on-one financial coaching sessions with FEC as part of the program.

Six Weeks to Success

Over the course of six weeks, you will:

• Create a business model canvas, including target market and value propositions
• Test your business idea in the marketplace
• Focus on key areas of your business
• Pitch to an expert panel and get feedback
• Have a one-on-one advising session

Upon completion, you’ll receive a program certificate to showcase your new business acumen.

Program Prerequisites

• Attend the 2-session virtual boot camp
• Commit to one business idea for development
• Assess your business concept and readiness with our Director
• Bring a laptop or tablet to sessions
• Complete a program application

Plan For Profit Boot Camp: Your First Step!

Take the first step in this exciting journey by registering for our Plan For Profit Boot Camp sessions. Participants who complete the Boot Camp and homework assignments will be invited into the full Plan for Profit program, running weekly for six weeks on Thursdays.

Details

Where? Via Zoom

Prerequisite Bootcamp Sessions:
Session 1: Thursday, February 12, 2025 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. (virtual)
Session 2: Thursday, February 19, 2025 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. (virtual)

Plan For Profit Sessions: Thursdays from March 5th–April 9th, 2025 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. (virtual).

This Plan for Profit session is sponsored by Financial Empowerment Center

When