ALREADY IN BUSINESS

  • Resources & Tools
  • FAQs

Resources & Tools

 
 
Illinois Network Entrepreneurship Info Center (Now the Department of Commerce and Economic Development DCEO) (800) 252-2923

The link below is to business profiles for about 100 businesses, listing regulations, taxes and license requirements for each, as well as additional resources.
http://spinotew1.commerce.state.il.us/dfsim.nsf/Business+Profiles?OpenView


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.

Small Business Tax Guide (Publication 334) Download
 
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

Business plans, free samples for numerous types of businesses http://www.sba.gov/tools/resourcelibrary/publications/serv_pub_mplan.html

 

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
 
SBA sales and marketing materials, for example, Radio advertising, Signs for your business, Pricing checklist for small retailers, Improving personal selling in small retail stores, Choosing a retail location, and Selling products on consignment http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/marketandprice/index.html
 

Industry information, from Valuation Resources

U.S. General Services Administration (To sell to the government)


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

Question Would I be able to apply for a SBA financing because I don’t think that I would qualify for bank financing?
 
Question Can the Women’s Business Development Center provide me with a loan?
 
Question Will the bank require a business plan if I am seeking financing?
 
Question I’m seeking a bank that understands the banking needs of my small business. Can the Women’s Business Development Center help me to identify a bank that is suitable for me?
 
Question Can the Women’s Business Development Center help me to determine if I can Qualify for a Loan?
 
Question With the current condition of the financial market, are banks still lending money to small businesses?
 
Question Can the WBDC help me to find an accountant for my business?
 
Question Can the WBDC help me to prepare financial projections for my business plan?
 
Question Are there other financing options besides bank financing ?
 
Question What information would I need to apply for bank financing?