WHAT: Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator, will host “THRIVE SOLO,” a practical workshop designed to help solo entrepreneurs, freelancers and business operators establish and grow successful businesses. The event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 18

WHERE: Innovate Springfield, 15 S. Old State Capitol, Springfield

DETAILS: The workshop will be led by Harry Elston, Ph.D., founder of Midwest Chemical Safety. With more than 28 years of experience working with major clients such as Argonne National Laboratory and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Elston will share strategies based on real-world business operations.

As a Fellow of the American Chemical Society and a successful business consultant, he will provide participants with insights on optimizing business structures, managing finances, identifying resources, evaluating strategies, negotiating contracts, managing risk and handling accounting and tax considerations.

Registration for the workshop is free and can be completed online.