Startup Resources

• Step by Step Guide to Starting a Business in Illinois
• Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook - Part 1, Part 2 (pdf)

Sources of Financing

• Illinois Business Financing Matrix
• Small Business Loans

Licenses / Registrations

• List of business profiles and requirements

Census and Market Data / Community Profile

• Support@ienconnect.com
• Illinois Census Data

Business Publications

• Business Planning Tools - PDF
• A Simple Guide to Your Company's Financial Statements - PDF
• The Small Business Owner's Guide To Financial Control - PDF
• Understanding Commercial Lending: The Question and Answer Guide - PDF
• E-Commerce Business Profile - PDF
• Grocery/Convenience Store Start-up Profile - PDF
• Restaurant Start-Up Profile - PDF

  Child Care Resources

  Starting a Family Home Child Care Program Information - PDF

  Starting a Center-based Child Care Program Introduction - PDF
  Starting a Center-based Child Care Program Information - PDF

  Starting a Community Child Care Program Information - PDF

  Employer Options for Child Care Programs Information - PDF - 15 MB

• Winery Startup Profile - PDF
• Resource Directory for Minorities, Women, Veterans and Disabled Persons - PDF
• Franchises
  • Illinois Franchise Act and Rules (pdf)
  • Franchisor Registration Tips (pdf)
  • Before You Buy a Franchise (pdf)

Business Education and Training

• Events Listings

Proposal Writing Handbook

• Proposal Writing - The Basic Steps in Planning and Writing A Successful Grant Application - Nonprofit organizations only (pdf)

Small Business Environmental Assistance Resources

• Free, quarterly newsletter, Clean Air Clips
• Environmental Resources in Illinois
• Environmental Consultants
• Permitting Information, Forms and Instructions

  Do You Need a Permit?
  Clean Air Act Permit Forms and Instructions
  State Air Permit Forms and Instructions

• Order Form for Fact Sheets, Brochures, and Guides (PDF)
• Illinois Environmental Fact Sheets
• Related Environmental Links
• New and Expanded Environmental Program Fees

For more information contact us at sbeap@illinoisbiz.biz

Business Education and Training

• Events Listings

Incentive Programs

• Tax Relief

Workforce Development

• Bureau of Workforce Development

Illinois Department of Revenue

• Click here to visit the Illinois Department of Revenue

Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Department

• Cyber Drive Illinois

Illinois Department Employment Security

• Click here to visit the Illinois Department Employment Security

Division of Professional Regulation

• Click here to visit the Division of Professional Regulation

City of Chicago

• Small Business Assistance Center

SBA

• United States Small Business Administration

DCEO Energy and Recycling Bureau

• Small Business Smart Energy(SB$E)
• Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Program (MEEP)
• Recycling Expansion and Modernization (REM) Program