Business Start-up Ideas and Resources:
Take advantage of free training and counseling services available at a location near you.
SBA The SBA is dedicated to helping you and your small business succeed. There are a variety of online trainings which cover many business topics for you to learn. Visit the
SBA training pages 
for more information.
WBDC Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) provides workshops and seminars, business coaching and financial assistance to women businesses owners.
Click here for more information .
Veterans Business Outreach Centers
The Veterans Business Outreach Program (VBOP) is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business.
Learn more here .
SCORE The "Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association comprised of volunteer business counselors that offer free and confidential business advice online and face-to-face mentoring.
Find a SCORE office near you today .
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small BusinessesThis program at the City Colleges of Chicago is a practical business management education program that helps small business owners develop the skills they need to grow their companies.
Click here for more information .
Find resources and information on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws.
LocationOne
Use the LocationOne Information System to conducting searches for available commercial and industrial sites and building locations throughout Illinois. Click here to conduct a statewide or multi-regional
search for Sites or Buildings in Illinois .
Part of starting your own business involves figuring out your financials. Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started.
SBA has developed a number of financial programs for small businesses, all of which will be explained in this section.
Illinois Finance Authority
The Illinois Finance Authority provides expert, hands-on support to help businesses get the capital they need for growth.
Click here for financing .
Check out the
Tax Credits page for more resources and incentives.
There are several databases which can direct businesses to available funding opportunities.
Finding a Grant
Industry Specific Grants Federal Business Opportunities The legal name of your business is required on all government forms and applications, including your application for employer tax IDs, licenses and permits.
Register your business name with your state government .
For more tips, watch the
How to Establish a New Business: Licensing & Registration Basics Webinar in the video playlist below.
Learn which tax identification number you'll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.
Your
Employer Identification Number EIN# is used to identify a business entity. Employers with employees, business partnerships, corporations and other types of organizations must obtain an EIN from the IRS. The EIN is also known as an Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4.The resources below will help you get more information about getting an EIN for your new business:
- Guide to the Employer Identification Number
- Apply for an EIN Online
Tax Incentive & Assistance Programs