Business Resources
The Library offers a variety of resources to assist business owners including research resources, online learning, a blog, mentoring by SCORE, workshops, technology training and links to helpful websites.
Open for Business Blog
Staff led blog featuring topics such as area events, learning opportunities, tips, and helpful resources at the Library.
Library Resources
Additional business related resources, technology, and services available to patrons and small business owners.
SCORE Fox Valley
2nd and 4th Mondays at 7 PM the Fox Valley Chapter of SCORE offers free business mentoring (appointment required).
Tech Training
Free hands-on technology classes for adults including Microsoft Office 2016, social media, computer skills, and more.
Additional Business Resources
Starting or improving a business can be a daunting task. And the Library is here to help! The Plainfield Public Library is strategically situated to deliver no cost, focused attention and resources to help you with your small business.
The following resources can provide more information to help you on your way. You can also download our Small Business Information Guide here.
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.
Organizations are available to help you get your business started and contribute to your economic success:
- The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development has options for financing, grants and additional resources.
- Plainfield Chamber of Commerce
- SCORE Fox Valley Chapter - foxvalley.score.org or by phone at (630) 692-1162
- Village of Plainfield Business Evolution Center - www.plainfield-il.org or by phone at (815) 436-7093
- Will County Workforce Network
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:
- Grants.gov
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: Small Business Assistance
- Amber Grant for Women
- Fundera: Small Business Grants: 105 Ways to Get Free Money for Your Business
- NerdWallet: Small-Business Grants for Minorities: 9 Opportunities
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.
Bootstrapping: Small business people often finance their business with their own monies, credit cards, home equity loans or money borrowed from family and friends.
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.plainfield-il.org/pages/economicdevelopment
Will County Center for Economic Development: www.willcountyced.com
Women’s Business Development Center: www.wbdc.org
It’s time to hire. Now what? What are the required steps you need to take when hiring?
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.
Before registering as a business, you need to decide on legal ownership structure, and you will need to file with the state.
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.)
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.
A not-for-profit is a way to start a business and give back to the community, too.
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.
Find out more about taxes and insurance in the State of Illinois.
Taxes:
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- MyTax Illinois
- NOLO - Illinois State Business Income Tax
- State of Illinois - File Business 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.
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
Books available at the library can help guide you. Check out our catalog here.
The Library has access to several online databases that will be helpful for business research, including:
- Business Source Premier
- Credo Reference
- Gale Virtual Reference Library
- Legal Information Center
- Lynda.com
- MasterFILE Premier
- Morningstar Investment Research Center
- ProQuest Chicago Tribune
- Record Information Services
- RefUSA
- Valueline