Resources

We have a wealth of resources to help you start or grow your business. Browse this section for helpful materials or Submit A Question.  

First Stop Business Information Center's searchable inventory of business requirements and resources.

• First Stop Business Information Center

• Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook (PDFEnglish / Spanish)

• Step by Step Guide to Starting a Business in Illinois

• SBA Starting A Small Business

Small Business Resources

• USA.gov

• Illinois Small Business Development Center 

• SBA 

• SCORE - Counselors To America's Small Businesses

• Illinois SBDC eLearning Center
  

 Licenses / Registrations

•  Search Illinois Business Requirements 

 Tax Websites

• Illinois Department of Revenue

• Internal Revenue Service 

• Tax Information for Small Construction Businesses 

Census and Market Data / Community Profile

• Bureau of Labor Statistics

• US Census Bureau

• Data and Statistics about the U.S. 

• State Data Center Partners US Census Bureau 

• Data.Gov

• Bureau of Economic Analysis

Sources of Financing 

• Department of Commerce Small Business Financing Options  

• SBA Loan Programs 

• Illinois Finance Authority       

Workforce Development 

• IllinoisJobLink.com 

Incentive Programs 

• Incentives and Tax Relief

Government Links  

• Federal Government Portal 

• State and Local Government Websites 

• City of Chicago - Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) 

• Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP)

• Illinois Secretary of State Business Services 

• Illinois Department Employment Security – Employers

• Division of Professional Regulation