Join Us
Events & Webinars
Power Hour: The Transformation Guide — Build Your Brand Smarter, Stronger, More Strategically
Join Southland Development Authority for Power Hour, a virtual learning series designed to equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical tools for sustainable business growth.
This session will feature Kelly Hernandez, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of K Collaborative and Co-Founder of Wine&, who will guide participants through the foundations of building a strong and strategic brand.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, refining your business identity, or preparing for growth, this session will help you better define your unique value, understand your target audience, and develop a marketing strategy that connects with customers in meaningful ways.
Attendees will learn how to create authentic messaging, strengthen brand positioning, and build customer experiences that support long-term success. The session is designed to provide practical insights that business owners can immediately apply to improve visibility, engagement, and growth.
Power Hour is free to attend and open to local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to strengthen their brand and marketing strategy.
Registration information coming soon.
Small Business Breakfast: Own the Business. Own the Building.
Join Southland Development Authority for a morning of networking, education, and inspiration at our upcoming Small Business Breakfast.
Centered on the theme “Own the Business. Own the Building.”, this event will bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, community leaders, and resource partners to explore strategies for business growth, access to capital, and commercial property ownership as a pathway to long-term wealth creation.
As the event’s Keynote Partner, SomerCor will lead a featured fireside chat highlighting financing opportunities available to small businesses, including the SBA 504 Loan Program and Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP). Attendees will gain practical insights into accessing capital, expanding operations, and transitioning from leasing to owning commercial property.
The event will also recognize graduates of SDA business cohorts and celebrate their commitment to financial education, strategic planning, and sustainable business growth.
Whether you’re looking to grow your business, purchase commercial property, or connect with fellow entrepreneurs, this event offers valuable resources and meaningful connections to help move your business forward.
Registration information coming soon.
Power Hour: The SEO Roadmap for Small Biz Leaders — Stop Guessing, Start Growing
This is a virtual event which will be held over Zoom.
Join Southland Development Authority for the next installment of Power Hour, a virtual learning series designed to provide practical tools and strategies for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
This session will feature Lauren Plug, Founder and Ethical SEO Strategist at Chaotically Mindful, who will break down the fundamentals of search engine optimization and provide a practical roadmap for improving online visibility.
Many business owners know they need SEO but aren’t sure where to begin. This session will help participants understand what actions to prioritize, what should be maintained regularly, and how to build a sustainable online presence that attracts and engages the right audience.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights they can implement immediately to strengthen their digital presence and support long-term business growth.
Registration information coming soon.
Coffee Connections: Summer Edition: Networking, Conversation & Community for Local Entrepreneurs
coffee connections for business owners
POWER HOUR: Conquering BurnoutStress Management for Business Owners & How to Protect Your Peace
power hour for business owners
3rd Annual Beyond the Call: Veteran Business Support Symposium
power hour for business owners
How to Become a Business Enterprise Program Vendor (Virtual)
How to Become a Business Enterprise Program Vendor
Illinois Government Contracting Summit
Government Contracting Summit hosted by The Illinois APEX Accelerator
Power Hour- Swipe Right on Strategy: Fall in Love with the Right Marketing Tactics
SDA upcoming power hour event feb 2026
New Year Networking: Join Us for an Evening of Connection & Celebration!
new year networking event
2026 Investment and Real Estate Outlook Webinar Virtual
Kick off the new year with Southland Development Authority’s free webinar: 2026 Investment and Real Estate Outlook Webinar
Power Hour: Through Your Customer’s Eyes: A Website Wake-Up Call
SDA upcoming power hour event Dec 2025
HIRE SOUTHLAND – Career Discovery & Workforce Development Day
Hire Southland 2025 event.
ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam
The Southland Development Authority, in collaboration with the Illinois Restaurant Association, is once again offering the ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam this year. This one-day, in-person training is designed to help food business owners and managers meet state food safety requirements and strengthen operations.
SDA Training Seminar: Anatomy of an RDA – Part 1
Redevelopment Agreements (RDAs) are the backbone of economic development deals, helping municipalities, developers, and investors protect their interests while driving growth.
ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam
The Southland Development Authority, in collaboration with the Illinois Restaurant Association, is once again offering the ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam this year. This one-day, in-person training is designed to help food business owners and managers meet state food safety requirements and strengthen operations.