Build it • Grow it

Each year NWILED offers the Build It Grow It program, an entrepreneurial boot camp designed to empower aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Jo Daviess and Carroll counties and beyond. Now in its third year, the annual program offers a series of concentrated and accelerated seminars that help equip entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills to kick start their businesses, while also offering something new and substantial to more established business owners. The program is open to small business owners, managers, entrepreneurs and even high school and college aged students.

The upcoming 2026 program features participants the opportunity to attend four evening sessions starting Wednesday, January 14 and concluding Thursday, February 12 with a graduation and “Shark Tank” competition. Each session encourages active participation, networking and the development of practical real-world skills among the attendees.

Register for 2026:

Registration for Build It Grow It 2026 is now open. There is a $50 cost for the entire program. Email David Schmit, dschmit@nwiled.org your name, telephone number, address, and if applicable your business name.

Session One: Entrepreneurialism with Aaron Apt of Abt Enterprises and Succession Planning with Patrick Powaser of Gradient Coaching and Consulting at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa (ballroom) in the Galena Territory on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Session Two: Financial Literacy for Small Business with Citizen State Bank, Schoenhaar Accounting, and the Small Business Development Center at The DeSoto House Hotel (ballroom) in Galena on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Session Three: Small Business Marketing and Branding with WINPRO Pet/Whole Heart Creative, Visit Galena, and Visit NW Illinois at Timber Lake Playhouse in rural Mount Carroll on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Session Four: Artificial Intelligence for Small Business with University of Illinois, SoundSafe.ai, and Dry Creek Beekeeping at the Davis Community Center in Mount Carroll on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Session Five: Program Graduation and Shark Tank at Apple Canyon Lake Clubhouse in rural Apple River on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

2026 Program Materials:
Brochure
Flyer
Location List

Contact David Schmit at dschmit@nwiled.org for more information.