First Stop Business Information Center

The First Stop Business Information Center provides comprehensive information and technical support to businesses with questions and concerns about mitigations, government regulations and business assistance programs.  

Our business specialists can be reached at 1-800-252-2923 or ceo.firststop@illinois.gov. 

Para información en español por favor llamar al 1-800-252-2923 o envíe su mensaje por medio del correo electrónico a ceo.firststop@illinois.gov.  

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**Attention Small Businesses**

Expanded Technical Assistance and Resources Available to Assist During COVID-19

With new rounds of federal COVID-19 emergency funding programs opening for applications, the Illinois Department of Commerce (DCEO) has expanded direct support available to businesses to help them learn which programs they may qualify for, how to navigate application processes, and to obtain further assistance that can help recover and grow their business.  These resources are available to help with accessing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance, the Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) grant program, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and other programs set to launch in the coming weeks. Details from the Small Business Administration available here.

Businesses in need of information and assistance have several options available including the Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Community Navigators, DCEO's Office of Regional Economic Development (Team RED) and the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE). More information on the State's expanded small business assistance, including ongoing virtual events and technical assistance webinars, can be found below.

• Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs):  Illinois SBDCs provide one-on-one counseling, assistance with navigating best options for financial support programs, technical assistance with documentation requirements to prepare applications, and more.  Find your nearest SBDC here. 
  
  
• Community Navigators:  The State is working with 12 community navigators - grassroots organizations connected with other community services. Community navigators can help determine your eligibility for programs, assist with documents, and refer to other specialized services. A full list of community navigators can be found here. 
  
  
• DCEO Office of Regional Economic Development (Team RED) and the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE):  These DCEO teams provide targeted referrals and counseling for economic opportunities to businesses and communities based on geography (Team RED) and in support of minority enterprises including racial/ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veteran-owned businesses (OMEE). To connect with your area Team RED member, please click here.  To connect with OMEE, please click here.

First Stop also provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with: 

• A step-by-step guide to starting a business in Illinois, including a printable "How to Start a Business in Illinois" handbook (English / Español). 
• Access to the searchable knowledgebase system for license and regulatory information. 
• A list of additional small business and startup resources. 
  
• Helpful publications and guides about various business needs. 
• A comprehensive list of upcoming webinars for small businesses (below). Click on the webinar title for more information and to register.