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Below is a list of technical assistance providers, city business assistance programs, and business lending sources. More materials are available at the Chamber’s Business Resource Center in our office at 5356 N. Clark St., 2nd Fl. in Chicago. Technical Assistance Providers | The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Hull House (SBDC) is a funded partner of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and a member of the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network. They operate in communities of need on the South and North sides of Chicago to assist in revitalizing local neighborhood economies and improving the overall quality of life. They work with new and expanding businesses to access the resources needed to operate a successful venture. - Individual counseling
- Small Business Training
- Small Business Workshops
- Networking events
- Special projects with Latino and Refugee entrepreneurs
LEED Council offers Entrepreneurship Development to start-up and small businesses with classes, workshops, coaching, and referrals to resources and financing.
SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business - is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business in the US. SCORE Chicago provides free business counseling, management consulting, and low cost workshops. They advise on how to get a business loan and offer other resources like templates for a business plan. SCORE counselors can help the entrepreneur start a business or a small business owner grow and prosper. The organization has more than 25 locations in the Chicago area. They also counsel by email nationwide.
Now in their third decade, the WBDC serves diverse entrepreneurs at all stages of development through the following programs and services:
- Targeted entrepreneurial training in workshops and seminars
- Industry-specific programs
- Multicultural Outreach Programs
- Professional business counseling
- Financial assistance
- Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certification
- Procurement and business opportunity assistance
- Advocacy on women’s business ownership and economic development
- Regional and national events and conferences
- Access to information and resources covering all aspects of business ownership.
Its programs and services are open to both women and men.
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[back to top] Government Business ResourcesClick here for a PDF document listing business incentives and programs for all levels of government. | City of Chicago | Don’t know where to start? Biz Connection is a web-based tool designed to help businesses succeed in the City of Chicago. By answering questions relating to your business, it can provide answers for common business questions, such as “What types of permit and licenses do I need?,” as well as valuable resources. Customized resource listings are provided online after users complete short questionnaires regarding their business goals and immediate needs. (312) 74-GOBIZ / 744-6249
Have questions about starting or running a business in the City of Chicago? Talk with a BACP business consultant. In an effort to better serve Chicago’s business community, appointments can be made in advance (call the number above) to address your business needs and reduce potential wait times. They have business consultants who can assist you with most of your business needs in several languages. BACP’s Business Assistance Center is located at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street – Room 800 and is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
BACP’s business consultants can assist you with: - Business Start-Up Information
- Business Licensing
- Resolving violations and citations issued to your business
- City Permits
- City Service, Programs and Resources
Small Business Solution StationDon’t do it alone, let an expert help you in solving common business problems at no cost to you. Visit the Small Business Solution station every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and get free business counseling, legal assistance and financial and loan assistance from our trusted non-profit partner agencies. Stop by the Solution Station between the hours of 9:30 am and 3:00 pm, located at BACP City Hall, Room 805 or make an appointment by calling 312-744-5506. Please note: Different types of assistance are offered each day. Click here for the current schedule: http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_EDITORIAL/solutionstationflyer120909_1.pdf
Façade Rebate Program33 N. LaSalle, Suite 1600 (312) 744-3200
The city of Chicago’s Façade Rebate Program allows businesses to renovate their storefronts and have the city pay up to $5,000 of the cost. Eligible costs include signage, awnings, windows, security systems, tuckpointing, lighting, and more. Call for questions about eligibility and to receive an application. Applications are also available at the Chamber office.
Important NumbersMany city services can be accessed at www.cityofchicago.org.
Chicago Department of Buildings- (312) 743-3600
Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection- (312) 744-4006
Chicago Department of the Environment- (312) 744-7606
Chicago Department of Public Health, Food Protection Division- (312) 747-FOOD [3663]
Chicago Department of Procurement Services- (312) 744-4900747-4747
Chicago Department of Revenue- (312) 747-4747
Chicago Department of Zoning- (312) 744-5777
Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities- (312) 744-7050 | | | Cook County
| | | | State of Illinois | A comprehensive resource of business information from across state government. Easily access start-up guides, forms, and other resources for starting, running, or changing a business in Illinois. Business Hotline: (217) 524-4772 (312) 814-2206
100 W. Randolph, Ste. 7-801
| | | Federal | The SBA is a federal government agency that offers technical, regulatory, and financial support for the nation’s small businesses. The SBA has a plethora of government-guaranteed loan programs for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. The agency also links small businesses with technical assistance and questions dealing with taxes and federal regulatory issues. Their Chicago branch office is located in the Citicorp Center and has a large selection of business resources.
By calling (800) 829-3676, you may request Small Business Tax Guide (Publication 334) or a CD “Small Business Resource Guide” containing instructions and forms. Tax reports may be required after three months in business, so request forms early.
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[back to top] Business Lending Sources | Below is a list of community and SBA-certified commercial lending institutions. Always start your search for financing with the bank that knows you the best- your own. | Banks | *indicates Andersonville Chamber of Commerce membership For the complete list of SBA-certified commercial lenders, go to www.sba.gov.
| Non-Bank Lending Institutions | ACCION Chicago- (312) 275-3000 www.accionchicago.org
| [back to top] Links for Businesses | The following are links to sites that provide small businesses with valuable information and services.
| www.artsbiz-chicago.org - ABC of Chicago links the strengths of arts and business, promoting community growth and vitality through the arts.
www.lumity.org - The web site of Lumity, which provides low-cost information technology training to non-profits in Chicago.
www.newstips.org - Community Media Workshop helps non-profits use the media more effectively through workshops and regular trainings.
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