GREAT Week

04/10/2026

The SBDC is hosting a webinar on Thursday, April 23rd at 2:00pm in collaboration with Think Big.

The main topic will be how to start a small business in Illinois, and we also intend to introduce the CEJA Contractor Incubator.

If you have an interest in clean energy, be sure to sign up.

9a4bf20a-87e0-4be0-819b-9f5eb4b0206e@60001d96-f9e1-410d-b637-1b1737938dcc" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/9a4bf20a-87e0-4be0-819b-9f5eb4b0206e@60001d96-f9e1-410d-b637-1b1737938dcc

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

02/18/2026

What a wonderful presentation from Franscisca French with City of Rockford Government on Business First

Business First is a focused 30-minute meeting, you’ll sit down with representatives from the City of Rockford’s Economic Development, Building & Construction, and Planning & Zoning teams, along with the Winnebago County Health Department, Four Rivers Sanitation Authority, and the Small Business Development Center. Together, they will walk through your project, explain requirements, outline next steps, and answer your questions so you can confidently move forward.

If you missed the presentation, visit–https://rockfordil.gov/222/Business-First, to learn more.

02/17/2026

Interested in participating in GREAT Week? Here are the upcoming events this week.

* One note: on a previous graphic, the event at the Rockford Public Library was listed as Friday, it is on Saturday 2/21.

02/17/2026

We appreciate Think Big for hosting the GREAT Week kickoff last night. It was great to tour their facility, hear from Dr. Sheila Hill about all the amazing events and community programs Think Big! offers.

We also heard from our other partners with details about their upcoming sessions this week. To learn more, visit great-week.com/register.

Thank you to all that attended and made the evening a success!

02/16/2026

Today is the day! GREAT Week kicks off with the first event at Think Big!

Join us all tonight from 4:00-6:00pm at Think Big!
1311 North Main Street Rockford, IL 61103

You can register here – great-week.com/register

02/13/2026

Next Friday 2/20, we have two GREAT events:

Tax Man Cometh! Hosted by Rockford University
Friday February 20 | 3:00-4:00pm
Rockford University PURI Building
5050 E State Street, Rockford Illinois

Marketing for Startups Hosted by Neighbor Branding & Rockford University
Friday February 20 | 4:00-5:30pm
Rockford University PURI Building
5050 E State Street, Rockford Illinois

Register here – great-week.com/register

02/09/2026

One week away until GREAT Week kicks off with our first event at Think Big Corporation.

We have a whole slate of GREAT events for everyone to attend. Check out the list and timing of these events throughout the week. All events are FREE to attend.

Register Today - great-week.com/register

02/05/2026

We have amazing partners for GREAT Week. Watch this video to learn a little about what is in store.

Thank you to Miralem Botic for filming and editing the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1qc9WvrOIw

ACE network in Rockford, Illinois invites you to GREAT Week. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend this free informational event.---------------------------...

02/05/2026

We have two exciting events on 2/19. Register at great-week.com/register to secure a spot.

Growth Dimensions- Economic Development for Belvidere-Boone County is hosting Brand Better & Build Smarter: Marketing Strategies and State Resources for Entrepreneurs
Thursday 2/19 from 2:00-4:00pm
982 Belvidere Rd.�
Belvidere, IL

Illinois Small Business Development Center @ Rock Valley College is hosting Upgrade Your Cashflow: Small Business Financing Seminar
Thursday 2/19 from 5:00-7:00pm
RVC Atrium
3301 N Mulford Rd,
Rockford, IL 61114

Join these events to learn vital information regarding the growth of your business.

great-week.com/register

02/04/2026

On 2/18, GREAT Week has 3 amazing events lined up for business owners and entrepreneurs.

Midland States Bank is offering two events:
How Business Obtain Credit + How Business Use Credit
Wednesday 2/18 from 12:00-2:00pm (Light lunch provided)
Midland States Bank • Lower Level
6838 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

Rockford University will be hosting:
Technology & Entrepreneurship
Wednesday 2/18 from 4:00-6:00pm
PURI School of Business • Room 019
5100 E State Street,
Rockford IL 61108

Register to join us – great-week.com/register

02/03/2026

Join City of Rockford Government as they present Business First–a collaborative event, a representative from the City of Rockford will walk entrepreneurs through the process of meeting with the Business First team.

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

Register Today – great-week.com/register