Step By Step Guide
This guide will inform you of various legal requirements and direct you to additional resources. If you have any questions contact the IEN Business Information Center at 800-252-2923 or TDD: 800-785-6055 and a staff member will assist you.
1. Where Do I Start?
2. What ownership structure choices do I have?
3. Where do I register a business?
4. What are my responsibilities as an employer?
5. How do I protect my invention, product or idea?
6. Where can I go for help?
6. Where can I go for help?
The Illinois Entrepreneurship Network (IEN) is made up of Entrepreneurship Centers, Small Business Development Centers, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, International Trade / NAFTA Centers, Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, Small Business Incubators, the Office of Minority Business Development and the Office of Women's Business Development. Training courses and free one-on-one counseling are offered through IEN .
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA offers educational, financial and training programs, advisory services, and publications free or at a nominal fee. The agency also offers specialized programs for women business owners, minorities, veterans, international trade and rural development. For more information contact the SBA at:
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE and the SBA conduct seminars throughout Illinois on starting and running a business, as well as provide individual counseling.
Business and Industry Data Centers (BIDC)
BIDC affiliates use census information and other economic and demographic data to help small business owners plan, manage and expand their businesses. Demographic information that is available includes the population, including age, race, and sex, income and the labor force in a given area. Accessible economic information includes the number and kinds of businesses, employment, payroll and sales information.
Illinois Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
The Illinois Small Business Environmental Assistance Program provides companies with assistance in determining permit requirements under the Illinois Environmental Protection and Clean Air Acts. This service is non-regulatory and confidential.
Small Business Tax Workshops
The Small Business Tax Workshops are conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Illinois Department of Revenue, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Social Security Administration and the Small Business Administration. These workshops provide federal and state tax information for new and existing small business owners. For more information contact the local Small Business Coordinator at:
- Internal Revenue Service
Small Business Coordinator
230 South Dearborn St.
Chicago, Illinois 60604
312-886-7802
TDD: 1-800-829-4059
- Illinois Small Business Assistance
800-252-2923
TDD: 800-785-6055
firststop@ildceo.net
For any questions or concerns regarding your business or the contents of this web page, please contact the IEN Business Information Center at 1-800-252-2923
TDD: 800-785-6055
All of these publications are also available free by calling the IEN Business Information center 1-800-252-2923.