Credit Card Processing Made Simple: From Swipe to Settlement

Are you confident you truly understand how credit card payments work for your business? From the moment a customer swipes their card (or enters it online) to the moment the funds reach your bank, there are multiple players, costs, and compliance rules at work. For many ......More

Are you confident you truly understand how credit card payments work for your business? From the moment a customer swipes their card (or enters it online) to the moment the funds reach your bank, there are multiple players, costs, and compliance rules at work. For many small business owners, this process can feel confusing, overwhelming, and expensive. This workshop is designed to demystify payment processing and empower you to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a startup looking for your first payment solution, or an established business searching for better pricing and smoother operations, this session will give you the knowledge you need to manage transactions confidently and cost-effectively. What You’ll Learn: The lifecycle of a payment: from swipe to settlement Card-present vs. card-not-present transactions Best pricing options and how to avoid hidden fees POS tools, demos, and what to look for in equipment Free merchant statement analysis to spot savings Best practices and pitfalls to avoid in payment processing By the end of this one-hour session, you’ll have a complete picture of how payment processing works and what steps you can take to save money, improve efficiency, and protect your business. You’ll also receive a handy resource handout, Payment Processing for Small Business, to keep as a reference guide. Take the mystery out of credit card transactions and leave with practical tools you can apply right away. Payment processing doesn’t have to be confusing—it can be a strategic advantage for your business. for your payment system, cut costs, and run transactions with confidence. Take the mystery out of credit card processing and turn it into a strategic advantage for your business. Our Speaker: Justin Sawier is the President of Electronic Commerce Payments, based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Justin was educated in Ireland where he obtained a Degree in Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland. Justin  comes with a wealth of international experience in the financial services sector, where he worked for America’s top-tier banks – Bank of America and PNC Bank – in the Business banking division for over 10 years  specializing in Payments for Businesses. Justin was born in Dublin, Ireland, and opened up his own payments business to deliver a 5-star customer experience and deliver outstanding products and pricing to compete with America’s top-tier banks. This will be a hybrid event, you can attend in-person at Bradley campus or via Zoom.  

At Bradley University or via Zoom BECC room 1130 1500 W Main St Peoria, IL 61606

Jump-O-Ween at Elevate Trampoline Park

Jump-O-Ween at Elevate Trampoline Park!    Celebrate Halloween with a spook-tacular day of fun by joining us on Friday, October 31st, 2025, from 10 AM – 5 PM for Jump-O-Ween! Enjoy 50% off all regular-priced jump passes, show off your favorite costume (no m......More

Jump-O-Ween at Elevate Trampoline Park!    Celebrate Halloween with a spook-tacular day of fun by joining us on Friday, October 31st, 2025, from 10 AM – 5 PM for Jump-O-Ween! Enjoy 50% off all regular-priced jump passes, show off your favorite costume (no masks, please), and get ready for candy, laughter, and a spooky, fun-filled time for the whole family!   Bring your little ghouls for a day full of energy, laughter, and BOO-tiful memories!  Purchase tickets in-person, or purchase ahead of time online & use code: Halloween50. Halloween50 is only valid on jump tickets for 10/31/25.  

Elevate Trampoline Park (East Peoria) 105 N Main St East Peoria, IL 61611

Holiday Toy Drive

Help us spread holiday cheer! We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys for our Annual Holiday Toy Drive in support of Toys for Tots.  Every donation makes a difference and brings joy to a child in need this season—drop off your gift and be part of the magic! 

521 E Washington St East Peoria, IL 61611

Mini's with Mom

Join us for a Father's Day craft, visit from Mr. Cow, and special memories made!

Chick-fil-A East Peoria. 250 W. Washington St. East Peoria, IL 61611

Mastering Microsoft Copilot for Business Owners

Our 6-week hybrid course, “Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot for Personal & Professional Applications,” is designed to help small business owners unlock the power of AI — without needing to be tech-savvy.   What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Copilot + Word – Writing & Cont......More

Our 6-week hybrid course, “Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot for Personal & Professional Applications,” is designed to help small business owners unlock the power of AI — without needing to be tech-savvy.   What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Copilot + Word – Writing & Content Creation Week 2: Copilot + Microsoft Designer – Visuals & Graphics Week 3: Copilot + Excel – Data Entry & Analysis Week 4: Copilot + Excel & PowerPoint – Reports & Presentations Week 5: Copilot Studio – Creating Your First Agent Week 6: Copilot Studio – Building Smart Workflows for Repetitive Tasks   Course Format & Flexibility: Classes on Tuesdays from 4- 5:30pm starting Oct. 21 - Dec. 2 (no class Nov. 25) Hybrid: Attend in person at Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center | 1130, live via Zoom, or watch the weekly recordings

Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center, Room 1130, 1422 W Main Street, Peoria 61606 & Online

Expand Your Business Globally: Illinois Export Roadshow for Manufacturers 2025

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Trade and Investment and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center in the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University   Intro:   Join us for a pizza lunch-and-learn to ex......More

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Trade and Investment and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center in the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University   Intro:   Join us for a pizza lunch-and-learn to explore solutions, connect with experts, and take the next step forward to global success.   You will learn how state resources can help your business grow through exports with International Trade Specialists from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) and Illinois Small Business Development Center-International Trade Centers (SBDC-ITCs). In addition, we will be joined by OTI’s International Trade Specialist for Africa and the Middle East to discuss opportunities for Illinois companies and to answer questions on these important regions.      TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: {Short summary for marketing your event/workshop }   Who should attend   ? Companies exporting or interested in exporting   ? Economic Development Organizations   ? Companies interested in learning more about Africa and the Middle East           What You’ll Learn   OTI services:   ? Export assistance and education   ? Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program   ? Market intelligence and international protocol   ? Trade mission coordination   Illinois SBDC-ITC’s services:   ? Export strategy and planning   ? International market selection and market entry strategy   ? Export pricing strategy   ? Export marketing strategy and resources   Africa and Middle East Spotlight:  OTI’s  International Trade Specialist for Africa and the Middle East will provide an overview of Africa and the Middle East’s growth trajectory, highlight Illinois’ export potential, and temper expectations with a realistic view of challenges.   OUR SPEAKERS:     Ericka White, State Director, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).  Margo Markopoulos, Deputy Director at the Illinois Department of Commerce over Trade and Investment. Siobhan Pangerl, International Trade Specialist for Africa and Middle East, Illinois Office of Trade and Investment.

Business and Engineering Convergence Center (BECC), Bradley University, Room 1122 1500 W Main St, Peoria, IL (Hybrid event- virtual or in-person)

Main Street Market

?? Shop Local This Season at the Main Street Market on Nov. 8, 2025!   Kick off your holiday shopping season right here in Peoria! Come shop from a wide variety of local makers, food trucks, and small businesses — all in one festive, family-friendly setting! Y......More

?? Shop Local This Season at the Main Street Market on Nov. 8, 2025!   Kick off your holiday shopping season right here in Peoria! Come shop from a wide variety of local makers, food trucks, and small businesses — all in one festive, family-friendly setting! You’ll find: *Unique handmade gifts and holiday goodies *Delicious food from local food trucks *Exclusive coupons to nearby businesses *A cheerful community atmosphere that supports local entrepreneurs This is your chance to shop small, eat local, and discover new favorites — all while supporting the heart of our local business community. ? Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! ?? Save the date and bring your friends for a day of holiday spirit and community fun.

Peoria Next Innovation Center, 801 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606

Mastering Microsoft Copilot for Business Owners

Our 6-week hybrid course, “Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot for Personal & Professional Applications,” is designed to help small business owners unlock the power of AI — without needing to be tech-savvy.   What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Copilot + Word – Writing & Cont......More

Our 6-week hybrid course, “Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot for Personal & Professional Applications,” is designed to help small business owners unlock the power of AI — without needing to be tech-savvy.   What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Copilot + Word – Writing & Content Creation Week 2: Copilot + Microsoft Designer – Visuals & Graphics Week 3: Copilot + Excel – Data Entry & Analysis Week 4: Copilot + Excel & PowerPoint – Reports & Presentations Week 5: Copilot Studio – Creating Your First Agent Week 6: Copilot Studio – Building Smart Workflows for Repetitive Tasks   Course Format & Flexibility: Classes on Tuesdays from 4- 5:30pm starting Oct. 21 - Dec. 2 (no class Nov. 25) Hybrid: Attend in person at Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center | 1130, live via Zoom, or watch the weekly recordings

Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center, Room 1130, 1422 W Main Street, Peoria 61606 & Online

Get Contract-Ready: Funding and Bonding Tools for Small Companies Who Sell Business to Business or Business to Government

Many small businesses win purchase orders or  government contracts but lack the available cash flow or bonding capacity to perform. This workshop will help participants understand how to secure working capital through purchase order and contract financing, meet bonding......More

Many small businesses win purchase orders or  government contracts but lack the available cash flow or bonding capacity to perform. This workshop will help participants understand how to secure working capital through purchase order and contract financing, meet bonding requirements, and position their company for larger contract opportunities.   What are alternative funding options and why do I need them? Purchase order (PO) and contract financing are used by small businesses to cover the costs of fulfilling a customer's order or a large contract when they lack immediate capital.    Do I need to have bonds? Bonds are often required for state and local government projects, with specific state and local requirements for contractors. Bonds guarantee performance and payment to subcontractors, with a three-party contract involving the principal, obligee, and surety.    Winning a big order or government contract is only half the challenge;  financing and bonding it are the other half.    Join experts Bob Jaskiewicz and Larry Polec for a practical session on how small businesses can use purchase order and contract financing to fund performance, meet surety bonding requirements, and strengthen their capacity for larger opportunities. This in-person event will cover the following topics:     Purchase Order Funding - Access capital for growth What types of small businesses should consider purchase order or contract financing? What is purchase order (PO) financing and when is it appropriate? What’s the difference between PO financing, factoring, and contract financing? How can small businesses use these tools to fulfill large government or commercial orders? What are the key costs, risks, and lender expectations? How does purchase order financing work? What are the benefits of purchase order financing versus other operating capital options? Bonding - Guarantee performance and payment What types of small businesses should be aware of bonding requirements? What are the benefits of surety bonding for small businesses? How does a small business qualify for bonding? What costs will the small business incur? Do higher levels of surety bonding have additional requirements? When is a surety bond required in government contracting? What does it mean to be “bondable”? How can small businesses qualify for bonding or increase bonding capacity? What are common mistakes that prevent contractors from obtaining bonds?   Speakers:  Bob Jaskiewicz and Larry Polec BOB JASKIEWICZ:  Robert (Bob) Jaskiewicz is a graduate of Michigan State University and served on the faculty of Michigan State from 1972 until 1985.  Bob has been in the Alternative Finance Industry from 1986 until present.   Founded by Bob, 1776 Capital Finance LLC specializes in working with start ups as well as established businesses who sell to business or government, but are not able to obtain traditional bank financing. 1776 Capital Finance LLC provides funding using your business or government purchase orders or invoices as collateral. LARRY POLEC: For more than 35 years, Larry Polec has been actively helping small and emerging and scaling businesses achieve their goals through various surety programs, including the SBA. Larry served as Project Director of Risk Management for the Detroit Bankruptcy Team overseeing the risk mitigations efforts to reduce claims in addition to identifying and implementing resources to improve the City’s comprehensive insurance program. Larry has presented surety seminars to Johns Hopkins University, City of Detroit, Minority Enterprise Week (United States Department of Commerce), City of Atlanta, Indiana Department of Administration and others.   This event is co-sponsored by the Illinois APEX Accelerator Center and the Illinois Small Business Development Center which are both part of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University.

Peoria Next Innovation Center A114 , 801 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606

Mastering Microsoft Copilot for Business Owners

Our 6-week hybrid course, “Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot for Personal & Professional Applications,” is designed to help small business owners unlock the power of AI — without needing to be tech-savvy.   What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Copilot + Word – Writing & Cont......More

Our 6-week hybrid course, “Mastering Microsoft 365 Copilot for Personal & Professional Applications,” is designed to help small business owners unlock the power of AI — without needing to be tech-savvy.   What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Copilot + Word – Writing & Content Creation Week 2: Copilot + Microsoft Designer – Visuals & Graphics Week 3: Copilot + Excel – Data Entry & Analysis Week 4: Copilot + Excel & PowerPoint – Reports & Presentations Week 5: Copilot Studio – Creating Your First Agent Week 6: Copilot Studio – Building Smart Workflows for Repetitive Tasks   Course Format & Flexibility: Classes on Tuesdays from 4- 5:30pm starting Oct. 21 - Dec. 2 (no class Nov. 25) Hybrid: Attend in person at Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center | 1130, live via Zoom, or watch the weekly recordings

Bradley University, Business & Engineering Convergence Center, Room 1130, 1422 W Main Street, Peoria 61606 & Online