General
State of Illinois Business Portal
The Illinois Business Portal has assembled business information from state resources. Find information related to starting, running, or changing a business. Links to forms, news, and agency information are also provided.
Illinois Small Business Advisor
Addresses rules and regulations, changes in requirements, and other such government issues that have an impact on small businesses.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The DCEO provides excellent government resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Illinois. In particular, their Business Development and Entrepreneurship & Small Business links offer both information and services for developing businesses.
Small Business Development Center
An excellent gateway to information on the Internet related to various business topics such as demographics, finance, human resources, business plans, marketing, accounting, small business trends, and more. An SBDC office is located at the College of DuPage where training, counseling, and consulting services are offered at little, or no cost. Click here to be directed to COD’s SBDC site.
Small Business Administration
Provides basic information about starting, financing, and managing your small business. Also addresses topics related to business opportunities and disaster recovery.
Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Official site of the Illinois Chamber.
Business.gov
Offers a guide for accessing government information and services that assist with starting, running, and growing a business. You can select from a menu of topics such as: business laws, finances, government contracting, taxes, training, and more.
Start-Up
BPlans.com & BusinessPlans.org
Offer advice on how to write a business plan as well as manage your business. Contain large collections of sample business plans for points of reference. (Make note that these are two separate links and that you may visit each respective website).
Starting a Business
Made available through the Illinois Small Business Portal. Assembles information that will aid in a newly developing small business. Provides information on registration & incorporation, licensing & taxes, grants & loans, and more.
Business Tool Kit
Step-by-step web guide addressing the numerous aspects and phases of running a small business.
Finance & Tax
GovLoans.gov
Serves as a gateway to government loan information. Supported by federal government agencies who direct businesses towards information that best suits their needs.
DCEO Loan Programs
Provides a list of loan programs available in Illinois.
IRS’ Small Business & Self-Employed One-Stop Resource
Offers information with respect to business structure, operations, deductions & credits, and bookkeeping. Click here for additional resources on starting, operating, or closing a business.
Management
HR-Guide.com
A web guide dedicated to providing information related to human resources. Addresses issues related to staffing, compensation, benefits, training, and more.
HR Exec Library
A feature of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Provides articles and headlines related to human resource management.
ELInfonet.com
Provides examples of personnel policies, forms, and contracts.
Riley Salary Guide
Gateway to salary and compensation information.
Networks & Advocates
Business and Professional Institute (BPI)
Supported by the College of DuPage, the BPI provides assistance through customized contract training programs and business assistance programs.
Illinois Entrepreneurship Network
Supports Small Business Development Centers that can assist you with various tasks related to developing your business. One-on-one business counseling and management assistance is available at local offices.
Edward Lowe Foundation
Encourages entrepreneurial peer-networking among business owners. Provides expertise for business owners in order to assist them through the second stage process. Specifically targets not-for-profit organizations, however, the website’s Entrepreneur’s Resource Center offers helpful business resources.
National Small Business Advocates & Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy
Organizations that advocate for state and federal policies that benefit small businesses. NSBA provides numerous resources that are accessible free of charge. (Make note that these are two separate links and that you may visit each respective organization’s website).
SCORE Foundation’s Counselors to America’s Small Business
Nonprofit organization supported by volunteers that offers small business advice and training. Provides free and confidential business assistance. Counseling is conducted via email, however face-to-face counseling is possible at nationwide, chapter offices. Low-cost workshops are also available.
Statistics & Demographics
Economic Data
Gateway to government and/or commercial sites that provide regional economic data. Arranged by subject and provider. Also offers links to What’s New, Ten Best Sites, Data Collections, and Quick Links.
Economic Census
Compiled by the United States Census Bureau, the Economic Census profiles American businesses every five years from local to national levels.
Small Business Administration’s Office of Economic Research
Current research and statistical information related to small businesses.
Miscellaneous
Office of Women’s Business Ownership
Offered through the Small Business Administration. Aims to help women begin and/or maintain businesses.
MagPortal.com
Serves as a gateway to magazine articles related to business issues. Pools information from a variety of online sources.
Entrepreneur.com
A useful resource for researching business topics.
Trademark Electronic Application System
Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) allows individuals to file a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office over the Internet.
All About Forms
Provides various forms on a variety of topics. Among those listed, a section is devoted specifically to business forms.
Dictionary of Small Business
Provides definitions for an extensive number of commonly used small business terms.