Bradley Helps Local Businesses Succeed

Bradley's Turner Center for Entrepreneurship is offering a number of upcoming events and programs. To learn more, read below.

How to Read and Understand Government Solicitations

Tuesday | May 4
3:30 - 5 p.m. | Online
Understanding a solicitation is the first and most important step to winning a government contract. However, understanding solicitations is often treated as an afterthought. Before expending resources toward writing a proposal writing, it is imperative to understand what the government needs and expects from a successful offeror(s) (i.e., scope of work, special contract requirements, evaluation criteria, etc.). This free presentation will allow participants to review the structure of a solicitation issued by a federal agency and receive advice for proposal preparation along the way. Click here to learn more.

Small Business Workshops

Thursday | May 6 | 10 a.m. - Noon 
Wednesday | May 19 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley is offering a number of workshops to help attendees learn important steps and tips related to starting a business. These virtual workshops, titled Starting Your Business in Illinois, are offered at no cost. To learn more and register, click on the links provided above. For questions, email sybil@bradley.edu or call 309.677.2992. Morton Community Bank is a co-sponsor of both workshops.

Understanding Section 301 and Section 232 Tariffs and Future Trade with China

Thursday | May 6
3 - 4 p.m. | Online
Section 301 is currently used for a wide range of products to address intellectual property issues along with market access to U.S. companies. Although used for years as an effective trade tool by domestic industries, it has received criticism by importers and consumers for being too broad. This webinar will discuss not only the issue of Section 301 and tariffs, but also what changes we can expect in the near future. Leslie Alan Glick, an attorney and co-chair of the International Trade and Customs Specialty Team at Butzel Long's Washington, D.C., office will be the event's featured speaker. Glick is an expert in international trade and customs law. Click here to learn more.

SBA 504 Loan Program

Wednesday | May 12
Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Online
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley is collaborating with Illinois Business Financial Services (IBFS) to discuss the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program and how small businesses can take advantage of it. IBFS has been packaging and preparing loan requests for the SBA for more than 40 years. Since that time, IBFS has helped hundreds of small businesses realize their dreams of expansion or construction of new and existing real estate and/or large pieces of equipment. Click here to learn more.

State of Illinois Fast Track and Recognition Certification

Thursday | May 13
Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Online
This no-cost training session will focus on the new Fast Track Certification application and how it leverages vendors currently certified with the City of Chicago and Cook County. The session will also explain the Recognition Certification and how it has streamlined the certification process for several businesses. Click here to learn more.

Digital Marketing: An Insider's View

Wednesday | May 26
Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Online
This webinar will concentrate on digital marketing -- what exactly digital marketing is, the differences between digital and traditional marketing, etc. Participants will also learn ways to target potential customers. Examples include enhancing search engine optimization and engaging in social media platforms. If you are starting a business and/or have little or no online presence and want to improve that, join Greg Douglas as he navigates through the different types of digital marketing. Registration is required. Click here to learn more.