Monday February 16  |  4:00-6:00pm
Think Big!
1311 N Main Street, Rockford

The kick-off event will host a panel featuring ACE partners focused on all the entrepreneur resources available in the region, hosted by Matt Simpson. There will also be opportunities to learn about the resources and events available for the week. In addition, Think Big! will talk about their resources, classes and their space. There will be guided tours of the Think Big Entrepreneurial Center

Tuesday February 17  |  2:00-3:00pm    
City Council Chambers
425 E. State Street, 2nd Floor, Rockford, IL 61104

Business First collaborative event, a representative from the City of Rockford will walk entrepreneurs through the process of meeting with the Business First team.

Wednesday February 18  |  4:00pm–6:00pm
PURI School of Business 
5100 E State Street, Rockford IL 61108
Room 019

Explore how cutting-edge technology can drive business efficiency and innovation. Join Sam Kirker of SJK Enterprises and David Scurlok as they share real-world insights on tech-powered growth, streamlined operations, and immersive training that helps entrepreneurs build smarter, more competitive ventures.

Wednesday February 18  |  12:00pm–1:00pm
Midland States Bank
Lower Level
6838 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

In this workshop business owners will learn the value of creditworthiness and how to maintain a good business credit score. They’ll also discover the documents necessary to make a successful application for a business loan

Wednesday February 18  |  1:00pm–2:00pm
Midland States Bank
Lower Level
6838 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

In this workshop, business owners will learn the types of credit available to small business owners such as lines of credit and term loans as well as options from the Small Business Administration.

Thursday February 19  |  5:00-7:00pm
IL Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
RVC Atrium @ Rock Valley College 
3301 North Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61114

Navigating the world of business capital can be overwhelming. Join the Rock Valley College SBDC for an in-depth session on structuring your small business for growth and securing the right type of funding to achieve it.

Thursday February 19  |  2:00-4:00pm
Growth Dimensions Economic Development
982 Belvidere Rd.
Belvidere, IL

 Growth Dimensions is excited to bring together entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners for an engaging and empowering workshop designed to help you grow smarter, brand stronger, and tap into Illinois resources that can fuel your business.

Friday February 20 | 3:00-4:00pm
Rockford University PURI Building
5050 E State Street, Rockford Illinois

Prepare your business for tax success! This session equips entrepreneurs with essential tax insights, deadlines, deductions, compliance basics, record-keeping tips, and strategies to minimize liabilities so you confidently tackle taxes and keep your business thriving year-round.

Friday February 20 | 4:00-5:30pm
Rockford University PURI Building
5050 E State Street, Rockford Illinois

Visibility is key for the growth of your business. This will be an interactive workshop to help founders understand the landscape and tactics to market their businesses.

Saturday February 21  |  2:00-3:00pm    
Rockford Public Library
215 N. Wyman Street, Rockford

Hear a presentation on resources for budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, a hands on tour of the Maker Lab, and time set aside for questions/information on how to get a library card.