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Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wed., Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m. and Thu., Dec. 3, 9-10:30 a.m.
Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training
Tue., Nov. 10, 9 a.m. and Tue., Dec. 8, 9 a.m.
217 Food Week
Through Aug. 26
Ribbon Cutting/Open House – Troxell
Tue., Oct. 27, 4-4:30 p.m.
Latest Events
Starting Your Business in Illinois
Wed., Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m. and Thu., Dec. 3, 9-10:30 a.m.
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Starting and owning a business can be exciting and frightening. There are so many things to consider – location, size, number of employees, ownership structure, and so on. Then, there are anxieties and concerns: “Where do I start?” “Am I in over my head?” “Will I make it?” If you’re thinking about starting your own business the SBDC can help! Just because you are in business for yourself doesn’t mean you have to figure it all out by yourself. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) offers consulting services and programs for individuals interested in starting or growing a business.
Business Analytics Certification (CBAP) Training
Tue., Nov. 10, 9 a.m. and Tue., Dec. 8, 9 a.m.
The Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield
CBAP® Certification Classroom Training – Upgrade Your Business Analyst & Business Analytics Career Accelerate your career as a senior business analyst with our intensive CBAP® Certification Classroom Training. Designed specifically for experienced professionals in business analysis and business analytics, this in-person CBAP Bootcamp aligns with IIBA® standards and prepares you to excel in both the exam and real-world strategic analysis roles. The globally recognized CBAP® Certification validates your ability to lead complex initiatives, drive analytical decision-making, and deliver value across projects and business functions. With hands-on guidance, interactive exercises, and BABOK®-aligned training, this classroom program offers the perfect pathway to become a high-impact business analyst. iCert Global is a global leader in classroom-based professional certification training. We specialize in business analysis, business analytics, project management, quality management, and IT governance programs across 100+ cities worldwide. Our courses include: CBAP®, PMP®, CAPM®, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL, Agile & Scrum, PRINCE2, CISA, CISSP, and more.
217 Food Week
Through Aug. 26
Various locations, Springfield, Springfield
Seven days wasn’t enough time to try all the burgers, so we’ve added three extra days to Burger Week. Check 217foodweek.com to view each location’s hours and offerings. Then gather your friends and start making plans. While enjoying the chef-inspired burgers, don’t forget your 217 Burger Week passport. Use it to plan your food journey and enter for a chance to win gift cards from local restaurants. Download your passport at 217foodweek.com or pick one up at the Illinois Times office from Aug. 17-26. Be sure to send it to the Illinois Times office by Monday, Aug. 31. Restaurants set their own burger prices, with the goal of keeping 217 Burger Week affordable while supporting local businesses. Special Jack Daniel’s drinks also are available at participating locations.
Ribbon Cutting/Open House – Troxell
Tue., Oct. 27, 4-4:30 p.m.
Troxell, 300 S. Grand Ave., Springfield
TROXELL, located at 300 S. Grand Ave. Springfield, IL, will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting/Open House on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. Please join them as they showcase their beautiful new office, adjacent to the main office at 214 S. Grand Ave. Springfield.
Rise & SHINE at Synergy HomeCare
Wed., Oct. 28, 7:30-8:45 a.m.
Synergy HomeCare, 3259 W. Iles Ave., Springfield
Join the Chamber’s young professionals networking group, RISE Springfield, at their October 28 RISE & Shine at SYNERGY HomeCare! Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other young professionals from the Springfield area, enjoy complementary coffee and light breakfast items. Registration is encouraged for this event, but not required. Don’t forget your business cards to enter in the drawing for the giveaway! RISE & Shine is RISE Springfield’s morning network building event. A Chamber member sponsor hosts the event at their facility providing them an opportunity to showcase their company and provide a light breakfast and a casual atmosphere conductive for making connections that matter.
Best of Springfield 2026 Party
Thu., Oct. 29, 5-9 p.m.
Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield
Celebrate the 2025 Best of Springfield, enjoy food and beverages from local businesses and live music by the Brandy Kristin Band. Event includes vendor booths, a costume contest and chances to win more than $900 in prizes. Tickets available online or at Illinois Times. Tickets are also available by cash or credit card at the Illinois Times office.
Delegate to Elevate: The Art of Letting Go and Unlocking the Talent in Your Team
Fri., Oct. 30, 9-11 a.m.
1908 Innovation and coworking center, 1100 S. Grand Ave. East, Springfield
Effective delegation is not about shoving off work on others, but rather empowering them to take ownership, grow skills, and aid in overall team success. This workshop helps participants understand common issues seen with delegation, and how to identify tasks and structures that enable people to be accountable without being micro-managed. Through practical tools and interactive exercises, participants will learn to “let go” in ways that elevate both their leadership and their team’s potential.
Abcor Home Health Ribbon Cutting/Open House
Thu., Nov. 5, 12-12:30 p.m.
Abcor Home Health, 2121 W White Oaks Dr, Springfield
Abcor Home Health, located at 2121 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting/Open House on November 5th at noon. Please join them as they showcase their new office.
Open House at Longview Community Bank
Fri., Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Longview Community Bank, 3330 Hedley Road, Springfield
Meet the staff and enjoy complimentary food from Azteca Restaurant, fun and freebies.
Chatham Chamber Board Meeting
Wed., Nov. 11, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Wed., Dec. 9, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Wed., Jan. 13, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Wed., Feb. 10, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Chatham Area Public Library, 600 E. Spruce St., Chatham
Regular board meeting of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chatham Area Chamber Luncheon
Thu., Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Salvation Army, 1600 Clearlake Ave., Springfield
Chamber luncheon scheduled for November at the Salvation Army in Springfield.
Chamber on Tap – Green Toyota
Thu., Nov. 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Green Toyota, 3901 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield
Green Toyota will host our November Chamber on Tap. Green’s mission is to make your car-buying experience simple, enjoyable, and personalized to meet your needs. Whether you’re visiting us here at Green Toyota or one of their other dealerships, you can trust their knowledgeable staff, competitive pricing, and commitment to your satisfaction. Chamber on Tap is The Chamber’s monthly network building event. A member sponsor hosts the event at their facility providing them an opportunity to showcase their company and provide food, drinks, and a casual atmosphere conducive for making connections that matter.
