College of DuPage launches webinar series to help businesses overcome economic impact of COVID-19
The Small Business Development Center at College of DuPage is presenting the Community Supporting Small Business Panel, a series of free webinars designed to support businesses as they safely open or reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The webinars are presented from 11 a.m. to noon on selected dates in October and serve as a kickoff for “Disaster-Proof and Recovery of Small Businesses,” a new SBDC program featuring presentations, events and direct assistance to help businesses mitigate the risks of business interruption due to disaster.
Series offerings include:
• “COVID-19 General Support, Disaster Planning, Disaster Recovery” on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Local community leaders will participate in a moderated panel discussion designed to raise awareness of local resources and the ways communities are bringing new services to support business. The panel includes Lemont Economic and Community Development Director Jason Berry, Lombard Assistant Director of Community Development Jennifer Ganser, Glen Ellyn Economic Development Coordinator Meredith Hannah, President of the Naperville Development Partnership Christine Jeffries, West Chicago Business Development Coordinator Peter Kelly, Woodridge Director of Community Development Kim Porter and Partner at Fitzpatrick Development Group Elle Withall. Learn more and register at ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33120.
• “Disaster 2020: Stories of Survival, Startup and Growth During the Pandemic” on Monday, Oct. 26.
This moderated panel discussion features seven local business owners sharing their stories to help businesses better prepare for crisis situations as they arise. Industries represented include food production and restaurants, fitness, health services, IT consulting and retail. Learn more and register at ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33124/.
• “Disaster Resources: Access to Capital” on Thursday, Oct 29.
This moderated discussion features panelists from a range of financial institutions sharing information about resources available to help small businesses. Topics cover traditional sources of finance, alternative nontraditional options and creative ways to support self-financing. Learn more and register at ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33125/.
The Illinois SBDC at College of DuPage is part of a nationwide network of centers that promote entrepreneurship, small business growth and the economy through free, confidential consulting for small and home-based businesses.
Learn more about the Illinois SBDC at College of DuPage at www.cod.edu/business-development-center/sbdc/.