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Business Resources

The Library offers a variety of resources to assist business owners including research resources, online learning, a blog, workshops, technology training and links to helpful websites.

Business Resources - Research

Research

Online resources for business, financial, market research, and more.

Business Resources - Online Learning

Online Learning

Interactive online courses covering a variety of topics and technologies.

Business Resources - Online Learning

Upcoming Programs

Check out our online calendar for a listing of upcoming business and technology-related classes

Additional Business Resources

Angel and Venture Capitalists

Wealthy private investors are sometimes interested in funding a new business venture that has the potential for significant profit and tend to work through a formal network of investors.

www.angelinvestmentnetwork.us/illinois-angel-investors

Business Resource Partners

Organizations are available to help you get your business started and contribute to your economic success:

Financing

Free Funding/Grants:  You have to admit “free” funds sound great. The chances of getting “free” money are slim at best when looking to the government.  Possible funding may be available from:

Banks:  Local banks may be willing to work with you for a commercial loan but you need to be able to show a solid business plan and prove you can pay back the money from the bank.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development has options for financing, grants and additional resources. www.illinois.gov/DCEO/Pages/default.aspx

Small Business Administration does not give loans but they do give support to your bank loan request. There are also free online courses that can help get your business off the ground. Take a look at www.sba.gov for useful information.

Village of Plainfield Economic Development: www.plainfieldil.gov/business/economic-development

Will County Center for Economic Development: willcountyced.com

Hiring Employees

It’s time to hire. Now what? What are the required steps you need to take when hiring?

Intellectual Property

Don’t allow anyone to steal your intellectual property. Be sure to register them with federal agencies.

Information about patents and trademarks can be found at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Copyright protection information can be found at the US Copyright Office.

Legal Ownership Structure

Before registering as a business, you need to decide on legal ownership structure. You will also need to file with the state.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - Small Business Assistance - Step by Step Guide

Check here for naming your business: Illinois Secretary of State - Corporate Name Availability Inquiry Form

  • Sole Proprietorship and General Partnership
  • Limited Partnership
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Partnership
  • "C" Corporation
  • "S" Corporation

See also:
SIU Small Business Development Center - Choosing a Business Structure

Here, you can find out about the various structures, what your responsibilities as an owner are and what you will need to do next, including where to register your business, how to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number), and where you can go for help. (Note: you need to know your business structure before applying for an EIN.)

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online

Licenses

You can find out about business licenses here. You will need to see what licenses you are required to have. Zoning and building, environmental concerns, health and safety concerns will need to be addressed.

Not for Profit

A not-for-profit is a way to start a business and give back to the community, too.

Register Your Business

You will need to register your business name.  Be sure to check to make sure your name is available – or if it is already actively in use.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - Small Business Assistance - Step by Step Guide

Taxes and Insurance

Find out more about taxes and insurance in the State of Illinois.

Taxes:

Insurance

You might want to get property damage, liability and business interruption insurance coverage.  Is there specialty insurance your business may need?  Be sure you are protected.

Write a Business Plan

Your business plan is the foundation and framework for your business: a blueprint for success. Lenders, possible investors and others will be interested in seeing your plan. A clear business plan can make a difference in the success of your business.

A business plan is often about 20 pages long and has your Executive Summary, Business Description, Management, Market Analysis and Strategy, Customers and Competition, Operations and Financial Analysis.

Here is a useful guide:

Business Planning & Financial Statements Template Gallery

Additional Useful Resources

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