Illinois’ First Stop Business Information Center is a statewide resource for individuals and businesses to obtain comprehensive regulatory and permitting information. Staff provides professional guidance to entrepreneurs by connecting them with state and local resources.
Services include:
- Toll free helpline 800.252.2923 or Submit a Question
- Para información en español por favor llamar al: 800.252.2923 o envíe su mensaje por medio del Correo electrónico Sonia.Gerson@illinois.gov
- Business startup kit & business specialists
Regulatory Flexibility Program
If you are a small business owner concerned about regulatory proposals that might affect your business, the Regulatory Flexibility Program works with business organizations and groups to determine ways to make rules more flexible, cost effective or less restrictive. In some instances, small businesses may be exempted from compliance altogether.
The Program is housed in the Business Information Center and serves as an ombudsman for small businesses. Staff reviews every rule that state agencies propose and distributes information about these rules to the small business community. Feedback from the community is then sent for consideration to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), a bi-partisan legislative oversight committee that is authorized to conduct systematic reviews of administrative rules promulgated by state agencies.
Our office works with state agencies to determine the impact of their rules on small entities and to consider alternatives to minimize that impact. Illinois gives small business owners the opportunity to make their voices heard about rules that affect their interests. Our Regulatory and Information Alert highlights proposed rules that may affect small businesses.
If you have questions about the Regulatory Flexibility Program, please contact Katy Khayyat, Illinois Department of Commerce, at 217.558.0190 or Katy.Khayyat@Illinois.gov.
Register Your Complaint
Illinois is currently plagued with an overly burdensome regulatory environment. We have regulations for the sake of regulations and they are hindering our economic growth. We need to cut the red tape in Illinois!
On 10/17/2016, Governor Rauner issued Executive Order 16-13 which instructs all State agencies to undertake a comprehensive review of existing regulations and policies to determine which regulations are outdated, repetitive, confusing or hindering a growing economy. The Executive Order also establishes a committee to oversee this process and ensure State agencies keep on track with this important review.
Public participation is vital to this process. We depend on citizens’ input to help State agencies determine which regulations or policies are preventing Illinois from keeping and creating jobs. I invite all members of the public to use our online portal to share their ideas for simplifying or reducing regulations. Let’s work together to "cut the red tape" in Illinois.
Click here to submit feedback and help “cut the red tape”.
Small Business Connection Newsletter
Our monthly newsletter provides important information on changes in rulemakings for business and industry groups, chambers of commerce, trade associations or anyone interested in small business issues. The newsletter also provides information on upcoming conferences, seminars, workshops, trainings, permitting and licensing, tax information and recent legislation. To subscribe to the newsletter, text ILSMALLBIZ to 22828 or visit http://firststop.custhelp.com/ci/documents/detail/5/5/12/0364af5d0b33420eaedbf19cd07417819701fdd6 to sign up.