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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T120000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260420T171704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T171705Z
UID:10003732-1778670000-1778673600@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Get Your Business on Google Search and Maps: Optimizing for AI and Gemini- Grow with Google
DESCRIPTION:If your business isn’t on Google\, you don’t exist to the modern customer. But today\, “being on Google” means more than just a pin on a map. It means being the answer when AI-powered search engines recommend the best local spots. \n\n\n\nThis workshop walks you through how to build a high-performing Google Business Profile that speaks to both humans and AI. Whether you’re a local staple or a brand-new startup\, you’ll learn how to feed Google’s ecosystem the right data so you show up exactly when and where customers are looking. A practical roadmap to becoming the most “findable” business in your area. \n\n\n\nREGISTER TODAY\n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, you will learn: \n\n\n\nThe AI Connection: Understand how Gemini and Google Search use your profile to recommend your business to customers. \n\n\n\nClaim & Optimize: How to set up your Google Business Profile to rank higher and look better. \n\n\n\nAI-Assisted Management: Using Gemini to draft high-impact business descriptions and respond to reviews in seconds. \n\n\n\nThe “Trust Factor”: What specific data points (photos\, hours\, attributes) make Google “favor” your business over competitors. \n\n\n\nVisibility 2.0: How to avoid the “hidden profile” trap and ensure you’re visible across Search\, Maps\, and AI-driven results \n\n\n\n\nOur Speaker\n\n\n\nMaria Elena Duron helps small business owners\, content creators\, and service providers grow with clarity\, visibility\, and smart AI strategy.  As a Chief AI officer and nationally recognized Grow with Google Coach\, she’s trained over 18\,000 businesses to turn digital confusion into systems that get them seen\, trusted\, and chosen.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/get-your-business-on-google-search-and-maps-optimizing-for-ai-and-gemini-grow-with-google/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T150000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20251204T162341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T162344Z
UID:10003707-1778677200-1778684400@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Starting Your Business in Illinois Workshop
DESCRIPTION:This in-person workshop is for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn all the components of how to start a successful business in Illinois. Get a realistic view of the requirements to start a business and the resources available to support your new venture. While attending this no cost 2-hour workshop\, you will learn how to get your business name registered\, where to obtain a tax ID number\, which legal form to choose\, business planning\, taxes\, financing options and much more! After attending the workshop\, our team of certified business advisors are available to work with you\, one-on-one\, to navigate the process and help you succeed! This workshop is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University and co-sponsored by Morton Community Bank. After registering\, you will receive a confirmation email. All of these workshops are in-person. \n\n\n\nREGISTER TODAY\n\n\n\n\n2026 Schedule\n\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  January 21 | 10:00AM—12:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  February 18 | 9:00AM—11:00AMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  March 18 | 3:00PM—5:00PMBradley University – BECC 1130\, 1422 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  April 15 | 9:00AM—11:00AMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  May 13 | 1:00PM—3:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  June 10 | 3:00PM—5:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you are unable to attend one of the in-person events above\, please watch the on-demand recording of the State of Illinois’ introductory guide for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in Illinois below\, prior to meeting with a business advisor. \n\n\n\nView On-demand Recording\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor more information\, please contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at illinoissbdc@bradley.edu or call 309.677.2992 (ask for Amy\, if prompted).
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-workshop-may-26/
LOCATION:Peoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria\, IL\, 61606\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T120000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260420T171854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T171855Z
UID:10003733-1778756400-1778760000@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Sharpen Your Product Idea with Gemini - Grow with Google
DESCRIPTION:Have a product idea but unsure if it’s worth building? In this practical workshop\, you’ll learn how to use Gemini AI to validate your concept before investing time\, money\, or resources. \n\n\n\n​We’ll walk through how to use Gemini to research your target market\, analyze competitors\, refine your value proposition\, pressure-test your assumptions\, and identify your ideal customer profile. You’ll also learn how to generate early user feedback questions\, define problem statements\, and clarify what makes your idea different in the marketplace. \n\n\n\n​Whether you’re a founder\, small business owner\, or aspiring product creator\, this session will show you how to use AI as a strategic validation partner — helping you reduce risk\, increase clarity\, and move forward with confidence. \n\n\n\nREGISTER TODAY\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nOur Speaker\n\n\n\nMaria Elena Duron helps small business owners\, content creators\, and service providers grow with clarity\, visibility\, and smart AI strategy.  As a Chief AI officer and nationally recognized Grow with Google Coach\, she’s trained over 18\,000 businesses to turn digital confusion into systems that get them seen\, trusted\, and chosen.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/sharpen-your-product-idea-with-gemini-grow-with-google/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T120000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260420T172237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T172238Z
UID:10003734-1779188400-1779192000@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Enhancing Customer Engagement with AI: Personalization and Predictive Analytics - Smart Brand System
DESCRIPTION:From email to ecommerce\, AI is now the engine behind deeper personalization. \n\n\n\n Learn how to use AI to create tailored experiences\, anticipate needs\, and drive conversions without guesswork. \n\n\n\nREGISTER TODAY\n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, you will learn: \n\n\n\n ✅ How AI tools personalize experiences at scale \n\n\n\n ✅ Using customer data to predict behavior and drive timing \n\n\n\n ✅ Ethical use of personalization in small business \n\n\n\n ✅ Integrating AI into CRM and content delivery \n\n\n\n ✅ Boosting retention and conversion with minimal manual work \n\n\n\n\nOur Speaker\n\n\n\nMaria Elena Duron helps small business owners\, content creators\, and service providers grow with clarity\, visibility\, and smart AI strategy.  As a Chief AI officer and nationally recognized Grow with Google Coach\, she’s trained over 18\,000 businesses to turn digital confusion into systems that get them seen\, trusted\, and chosen.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/enhancing-customer-engagement-with-ai-personalization-and-predictive-analytics-smart-brand-system-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260519T193000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260428T164429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T164430Z
UID:10003743-1779211800-1779219000@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Starting Your Business in Illinois Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join us for “Starting Your Business in Illinois Workshop\, Tazewell County Edition“. This in-person workshop is for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn all the components of how to start a successful business in Illinois. Get a realistic view of the requirements to start a business and the resources available to support your new venture. While attending this 2-hour workshop\, at no cost\, you will learn how to get your business name registered\, where to obtain a tax ID number\, which legal form to choose\, business planning\, taxes\, financing options and much more!  This event is sponsored by the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University and co-sponsored by  Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce\, Morton Community Bank\, and Peoria NEXT. This workshop is intended for individuals who have not previously started/owned a business.No cost to attend; however\, registration is required. Registration information will be shared with training partners.  Presenters for this workshop: Eric Sampson\, SBDC Director and Don Schwegel\, Vice President-Commercial Banker\, Morton Community Bank. This workshop is in-person. \n\n\n\nREGSITER TODAY\n\n\n\n\n2025 Schedule\n\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  June 11 | 3:00PM-5:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  July 23 | 10:00AM- 12:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  August 13 | 9:00AM- 11:00AMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  September 17 | 1:00PM-3:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  October 15 | 3:00PM-5:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  November 19 | 1:00PM-3:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\nWednesday\,  December 10 | 10:00AM- 12:00PMPeoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria 61606 MAP | Register\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you are unable to attend one of the in-person events above\, please watch the on-demand recording of the State of Illinois’ introductory guide for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in Illinois below\, prior to meeting with a business advisor. \n\n\n\nView On-demand Recording
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/starting-your-business-in-illinois-workshop-10/
LOCATION:Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce\,\, 402 Court Street\, Pekin\, IL 61554\, Pekin\, Illinois\, 61554\, United States
CATEGORIES:In-Person
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T120000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260420T172429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T172430Z
UID:10003735-1779274800-1779278400@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Building Marketing Assets Faster- Grow with Google
DESCRIPTION:​Creating consistent\, high-quality marketing materials can be time-consuming — especially when you’re running a small business.  \n\n\n\nIn this hands-on workshop\, you’ll learn how to use Nano Banana to quickly generate polished marketing assets that support your sales and growth goals. \n\n\n\n​We’ll walk through how to create social media graphics\, promotional visuals\, campaign creatives\, and branded content in a fraction of the time it typically takes. You’ll see practical examples of how entrepreneurs are using Nano Banana to move from idea to finished asset quickly — without needing a design team or advanced technical skills. \n\n\n\n​By the end of the session\, you’ll have repeatable workflows and real examples you can use immediately to accelerate your marketing execution\, stay consistent\, and bring campaigns to life faster. \n\n\n\nREGISTER TODAY\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nOur Speaker\n\n\n\nMaria Elena Duron helps small business owners\, content creators\, and service providers grow with clarity\, visibility\, and smart AI strategy.  As a Chief AI officer and nationally recognized Grow with Google Coach\, she’s trained over 18\,000 businesses to turn digital confusion into systems that get them seen\, trusted\, and chosen.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/building-marketing-assets-faster-grow-with-google/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T160000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260428T173248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T211848Z
UID:10003746-1779807600-1779811200@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Unlocking Southeast Asia: Opportunities in Malaysia & Vietnam for U.S. Manufacturers Webinar
DESCRIPTION:Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions\, offering significant opportunities for U.S. manufacturers. As global supply chains diversify and consumer markets expand\, Malaysia and Vietnam have emerged as attractive destinations for U.S. products. This webinar provides an overview of the trade environment in ASEAN and a practical introduction to exporting into two of the region’s most dynamic markets.  Participants will gain actionable insights into navigating the region\, understanding local business environments\, and resources to help leverage trade opportunities. \n\n\n\nTOPICS OF DISCUSSION:  \n\n\n\n\nMarket Overview: Economic trends in ASEAN\, key industries and growth sectors in Malaysia and Vietnam \n\n\n\nTrade Opportunities: Opportunities and high-potential sectors for U.S. manufacturers \n\n\n\nRegulatory Landscape: Import\, tariff\, legal and compliance considerations\n\n\n\nMarket Entry Strategies: Distribution channels\, partnerships\, managing risk and localization best practices \n\n\n\nIllinois Office of Trade and Investment: Services\, Illinois trade missions update and ISTEP funding support\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOur Speakers: \n\n\n\nKyle Freeman\, Partner\, Dezan Shira & Associates. \n\n\n\nKyle leads the firm’s North American client services desk in Asia. He advises clients on market entry strategy\, corporate structuring and establishment\, and related tax and legal issues concerning investment in China\, Hong Kong\, and Southeast Asia. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining Dezan Shira & Associates\, Kyle worked in government relations and China trade policy for various public and private organizations. His work included assisting in high-level\, US-China bilateral trade dialogues and organizing public-private cooperation programs to promote US and foreign investment in China. \n\n\n\nKyle has a master’s degree in economics and international trade from the University of International Business and Economics\, in Beijing\, and dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and global affairs from George Mason University\, in Washington D.C. He has also been a visiting fellow at the University of Oxford and the Beijing Language Culture University. \n\n\n\nJong Hyoung (Kevin) Kim\, Asia-Pacific Trade Specialist  \n\n\n\nIllinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity\, Office of Trade and Investment \n\n\n\nKevin provides professional and tailored guidance to help Illinois small business exporters start and grow their international business and operations. Previously\, he served as an international trade specialist at the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the International Trade Center at the College of Lake County. He also worked at a multinational corporation\, specializing in export/import\, logistics\, sales\, marketing\, and material management\, and has a strong background in global trade and supply chain management. Kevin continues to assist Illinois businesses in entering and expanding within the Asia-Pacific markets\, drawing on a rich network of trade resources and partnerships. He holds an MBA from Pfeiffer University in North Carolina and is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). \n\n\n\nThis workshop is co-sponsored by: The Joseph Center\, Dezan Shira & Associates\, and Illinois Department of Commerce.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/unlocking-southeast-asia-opportunities-in-malaysia-vietnam-for-u-s-manufacturers-webinar/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T120000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260420T173129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T173129Z
UID:10003736-1779879600-1779883200@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Shield. Sharpen. Scale: AI Strategy for Small Business - Smart Brand System
DESCRIPTION:AI isn’t a trend-it’s the new terrain.  In this clarity-driven session\, you’ll learn how to navigate that landscape with a practical AI strategy that protects\, sharpens\, and scales your small business without the overwhelm. This isn’t about learning AI for AI’s sake – it’s about using the right tools and systems to grow smarter\, faster\, and more securely. \n\n\n\nREGISTER TODAY\n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, you will learn: \n\n\n\n✅ How AI search changes the way your business gets found—and what to do about it✅ What “Privacy by Design” really means for small businesses✅ How to set up simple AI systems that boost efficiency and clarity✅ Why trust and visibility are now linked—and how to stay ahead of the curve \n\n\n\n\nOur Speaker\n\n\n\nMaria Elena Duron helps small business owners\, content creators\, and service providers grow with clarity\, visibility\, and smart AI strategy.  As a Chief AI officer and nationally recognized Grow with Google Coach\, she’s trained over 18\,000 businesses to turn digital confusion into systems that get them seen\, trusted\, and chosen.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/shield-sharpen-scale-ai-strategy-for-small-business-smart-brand-system/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T170000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260428T174447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T162141Z
UID:10003747-1779892200-1779901200@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Before the Business: Building Your Founder’s Mindset
DESCRIPTION:Before the business\, there’s YOU—and that’s where smart founders start. Before you commit time and money\, take a step back and assess your readiness. In this workshop\, you’ll evaluate your goals\, skills\, support network\, and resources to understand what it really takes—and where you should focus next.  \n\n\n\nTOPICS OF DISCUSSION:  \n\n\n\n\nTake a realistic look at your readiness to start a business\n\n\n\nIdentify gaps in your skills\, time\, and resources\n\n\n\nUnderstand who can support you and how to leverage your network\n\n\n\nAlign your goals with what starting a business actually requires\n\n\n\nDetermine where to focus your next steps\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nOur Speaker: Amy Jo Lambert\, MSc is the Assistant Director of the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University and works closely with entrepreneurs to turn ideas into viable businesses. She holds a Masters Degree in Business Design & Innovation. Her work focuses on helping business owners gain clarity\, understand what it takes to succeed\, and take the next right steps with confidence as they build their strongest business potential.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/before-the-business-building-your-founders-mindset/
LOCATION:Peoria NEXT Innovation Center\, 801 W Main Street\, Peoria\, IL\, 61606\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260528T120000
DTSTAMP:20260509T011005
CREATED:20260420T173339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T173340Z
UID:10003737-1779966000-1779969600@theturnercenter.org
SUMMARY:Turning Business Documents into Action Using NotebookLM - Grow with Google
DESCRIPTION:​Your business is full of valuable information — proposals\, contracts\, SOPs\, reports\, meeting notes — but too often those documents sit unused. In this intermediate-level workshop\, you’ll learn how to use NotebookLM to transform your existing business documents into clear insights\, decisions\, and action plans. \n\n\n\n​We’ll walk through how to upload and organize key materials\, ask strategic questions across multiple documents\, extract themes\, summarize long reports\, and identify gaps or opportunities hiding in plain sight. You’ll see how NotebookLM can help you synthesize information faster\, prepare for strategic planning sessions\, streamline operations\, and make better data-informed decisions without hiring an analyst. \n\n\n\n​Designed for growth-minded entrepreneurs who already have established processes and documentation\, this session will help you move from information overload to operational clarity — turning what your business already knows into smarter next steps. \n\n\n\nREGISTER TODAY\n\n\n\n\nOur Speaker\n\n\n\nMaria Elena Duron helps small business owners\, content creators\, and service providers grow with clarity\, visibility\, and smart AI strategy.  As a Chief AI officer and nationally recognized Grow with Google Coach\, she’s trained over 18\,000 businesses to turn digital confusion into systems that get them seen\, trusted\, and chosen.
URL:https://theturnercenter.org/event/turning-business-documents-into-action-using-notebooklm-grow-with-google/
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