Resources & Tools
Illinois Network Entrepreneurship Info Center (Now the Department of Commerce and Economic Development DCEO) (800) 252-2923
By calling (800) 829-3676, you may request Small Business Tax Guide (Publication 334) or a CD “Small Business Resource Guide” containing instructions and forms. Tax reports may be required after three months in business, so request forms early.
State of Illinois Center Suite C-300 (217) 732-3336
Wholesale and retail businesses should have an Illinois retail sales tax number. The end user, or last buyer, must pay the tax to the company from which he purchased the product. Register at the link above.
Illinois Department of Employment Security (800) 247-4984
Unemployment Insurance (312) 793-5000
Business Plans
Business plans, an online tutorial, prepared by the SBA
Marketing and Sales
Site selection database and demographics of Chicago communities, for market analysis, reports and maps. Search in Chicago for commercial buildings, vacant land, assess tax incentives. prepared by Chicago Community Ventures
http://www.chicagoprospector.org/
U.S. Bureau of the Census, for market data (708) 562-1740
Darlene Causey, regional procurement (312) 353-8795
U.S. Small Business Administration (312) 353-7381
Office of Government Contracting
Libraries and Government Documents
Harold Washington Public Library (312) 747-4400
The main library, above, has the largest collection of business information in the city. Small Business Information; A Guide to Library Resources
Online Database search for Companies available through Chicago Public Library with a Library Card http://www.chipublib.org/cplbooksmovies/research/bus_directories.php
Schaumburg Township District Library (847) 985-4000
The suburban public library with the largest business collection.
Patents, Trademarks and Copyright
Finance
Illinois Small Business Resource Guide (312) 353-4528
Provides information on SBA financial assistance programs, SBA lenders, government contraction, minority business development programs. Booklet is available free at the SBA office, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1250, Chicago and all SCORE counseling locations or in pdf form below.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
FAQs
Some questions and answers

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Will the bank require a business plan if I am seeking financing?
In general, if you have a start-up business (less than 3 years old), you will be expected to furnish a business plan so that that bank can have a clear understanding of your business and its plan of operations. The Women’s Business Development Center can assist you with writing your business plan through our various entrepreneurial workshops and one-on-one counseling. You may contact one of our general business counselors for more information.
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With the current condition of the financial market, are banks still lending money to small businesses?
Although obtaining financing has become more of a challenge through more cautious reviews of loan packages, there are banks that are still lending to small businesses. You are encouraged to establish a relationship with that bank through opening personal and business deposit accounts or utilizing its cash management and wealth management products. Bank will value that relationship and will be more open to considering your request for financing. Contact a finance counselor for more information.
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Can the WBDC help me to find an accountant for my business?
Since inception, the Women’s Business Development Center has partnered with a number of professionals such as accountants, attorneys, insurance providers, lenders, marketing companies, contractors, etc. We are delighted to share those resources with your business. You may contact any of our staff for professional referrals.
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Are there other financing options besides bank financing ?
Absolutely. We can help you identify the appropriate financing for your business needs. In addition to bank financing this may include receivable financing, microloans, purchase order financing, angel investors, venture capitalists. We also sponsor a workshop from time-to-time on “Finding Ways to Raise Money from Family and Friends”. Our finance counselors are available to assist you in this venture.
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