top of page
chicago-skyline-cityscape-skyscrapers-dawn-sunset-city-4480x2520-1533.jpg

Here to Ignite Your Ideas and Fuel Your Success.

Center for Entrepreneurship Diversity and Education

The Center for Entrepreneurship Diversity and Education (CEDE) is your one-stop shop for small business success, offering everything entrepreneurs need in one place.

Whether you're a minority-owned business, woman-owned business, or a first-time founder, CEDE connects you to essential tools, funding options, educational workshops, and upcoming events to help you grow with confidence.

From practical resources to community support, this platform guides entrepreneurs through every stage of launching and scaling their venture. CEDE is intentionally designed to support a wide range of businesses, ensuring no entrepreneur is left behind.

The website features a clear top navigation bar that allows users to quickly select the type of business they represent, making it easy to access tailored resources that meet their specific needs.

Brought to you by the Brennan School of Business at Dominican University.

Upcoming Events

  • Business Bookkeeping Basics
    Business Bookkeeping Basics
    Tue, Feb 24
    Virtual Event
    Feb 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    What is small business bookkeeping and why is it important to keep records for your business? Join A4CB Senior Business Coach Sabina Loving on our next free coaching webinar to learn about types of records small business owners are required to keep, how long to keep your records, and how to format.
  • Smart Capital, Strong Business: How Equipment Financing Fuels Growth
    Smart Capital, Strong Business: How Equipment Financing Fuels Growth
    Feb 26, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    Terri McNally, President & CEO of Global Capital Ltd., leads this session on how small businesses can access capital through equipment financing to grow without draining cash. Learn how lenders evaluate risk, common mistakes business owners make, and how the right financing structure can preserve.
  • Social Media Strategy
    Social Media Strategy
    Tue, Mar 10
    Virtual Event
    Mar 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    Social media platforms can be used to build your company’s brand and sell your products. In order to achieve your business objectives, social media content and interaction must be well planned. A4CB Senior Community Lender Amanda Askew will review strategies for reaching the right audience.
  • Chicago Small Biz Expo
    Chicago Small Biz Expo
    Multiple Dates
    Thu, Mar 12
    Harry S Truman College
    Mar 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Harry S Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
    The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Chicago Small Biz Expo Series. The series of expos occur at different city.
  • Chicago Biggest Business Tech & Entrepreneur Professional Networking Soriee
    Chicago Biggest Business Tech & Entrepreneur Professional Networking Soriee
    Mar 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Chicago, 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
    Join & raise a glass - make connections with co-founders, partners, coaches or core team members for your start-up- meet fellow professionals and mingle with makers of great and big ideas - take home treats from growing community and some business cards.
  • Chicago Biggest Business Tech & Entrepreneur Professional Networking Soriee
    Chicago Biggest Business Tech & Entrepreneur Professional Networking Soriee
    Mar 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Chicago, 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
    Chicago Biggest Business Tech & Entrepreneur Professional Networking Soriee
  • Tax Talk Thursday with Jody Finch
    Tax Talk Thursday with Jody Finch
    Thu, Mar 19
    Mar 19, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    Virtual Event
    We invite you to Tax Talk Thursday, a timely conversation on the importance of properly filing your business taxes. Join us for Tax Talk Thursday: Part 2, a virtual session on March 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, where Mr. Finch will discuss and provide practical insights to help businesses
  • Chicago Small Business Expo 2026
    Chicago Small Business Expo 2026
    Jun 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Chicago, 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
    Save the date! Join us on June 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST. This year’s Chicago Small Business Conference & Expo will be at the Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum at UIC. You’ll experience an unparalleled opportunity to network, learn, and propel your business forward as part of the most influen
window.jpg

Typical Small Business Needs

BUSINESS PLAN

59% of small business owners do not have a business plan.

STRATEGIC PLAN

67% of small business owners do not have a strategic plan.

MARKETING PLAN

45% of small business owners do not have a marketing plan.

FINANCIAL PLAN

40% of small business owners do not have a financial plan.

*Based on data from the 2024 Small Business Community Survey*

Our Community Partners

Screen Shot 2023-02-10 at 1.17.21 PM.png

Get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.

Contact & Location

(708) 366-2490

dominicancede.com

7900 Division St.

River Forest, IL

G9r7s7Gs_400x400-removebg-preview.png
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Copyright 2025 Dominican University

bottom of page