The Illinois Entrepreneurship Network has a wealth of information to help businesses meet regulations and grow. Browse this section for helpful materials or click here to email us. 

Startup Resources

• Step by Step Guide to Starting a Business in Illinois
• Starting Your Business In Illinois Handbook (PDF)
• IEN Business Information Center

Sources of Financing

• Illinois Business Financing Matrix
• Small Business Loans
• Financing Options for Environmental Compliance

Licenses / Registrations

• Search Illinois business requirements

Census and Market Data / Community Profile

• ienconnect@mailnj.custhelp.com
• Illinois Census Data

Business Publications

• Business Planning Tools - PDF
• A Simple Guide to Your Company's Financial Statements - PDF
• The Small Business Owner's Guide To Financial Control - PDF
• Understanding Commercial Lending: The Question and Answer Guide - PDF
• E-Commerce Business Profile - PDF
• Grocery/Convenience Store Start-up Profile - PDF
• Restaurant Start-Up Profile - PDF

Child Care Resources

Starting a Family Home Child Care Program Information - PDF

Starting a Center-based Child Care Program Introduction - PDF
Starting a Center-based Child Care Program Information - PDF

Starting a Community Child Care Program Information - PDF

Employer Options for Child Care Programs Information - PDF - 15 MB

• Winery Startup Profile - PDF
• Resource Directory for Minorities, Women, Veterans and Disabled Persons - PDF
• Franchises
  • Illinois Franchise Act and Rules (pdf)
  • Franchisor Registration Tips (pdf)
  • Before You Buy a Franchise (pdf)

Business Education and Training

• Events Listings

Proposal Writing Handbook

• Proposal Writing - The Basic Steps in Planning and Writing A Successful Grant Application - Nonprofit organizations only (pdf)

Small Business Environmental Assistance

For more information contact us at dceo.sbeap@illinois.gov or call us at 800-252-3998

• Free, quarterly newsletter, Clean Air Clips
• Training and Workshops 
• Environmental Consultants
• Permitting Information, Forms and Instructions

Do You Need a Permit?
Clean Air Act Permit Forms and Instructions
State Air Permit Forms and Instructions

• Environmental Regulations
• Order Form for Fact Sheets, Brochures, and Guides (PDF)
• Environmental Fact Sheets
• Environmental Links
• Financing Options for Environmental Compliance

Incentive Programs

• Tax Relief

Workforce Development

• Bureau of Workforce Development

Illinois Department of Revenue

• Click here to visit the Illinois Department of Revenue

Illinois Secretary of State - Business Services Department

• Click here to visit the Department of Business Services

Illinois Department Employment Security

• Click here to visit the Illinois Department Employment Security

Division of Professional Regulation

• Click here to visit the Division of Professional Regulation

City of Chicago

• Small Business Assistance Center

SBA

• United States Small Business Administration

SCORE - Counselors To America's Small Businesses

Illinois Small Business Development Center

DCEO Energy and Recycling Bureau

• Small Business Smart Energy(SB$E)
• Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Program (MEEP)
• Recycling Expansion and Modernization (REM) Program