ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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 North Clark Street, 2nd Fl. in Chicago.
Click on the links below to be taken to the resources.
Technical Assistance Providers
Government Business Resources
− City of Chicago
− Cook County
− State of Illinois
− Federal
Business Lending Sources
− Banks
− Non-bank Lending
Links for Businesses
Technical Assistance Providers
Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Council
LEED Council offers Entrepreneurship Development to start-up and small businesses with classes, workshops, coaching, and referrals to resources and financing.
click here to learn more
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE/SBA)
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.
click here to learn more
Women’s Business Development Center
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.
click here to learn more
Government Business Resources
Click here for a PDF document listing business incentives and programs for all levels of government.
City of Chicago
Small Business Center
Don’t know where to start? The Small Business Center is a website designed to help businesses succeed in the City of Chicago. Resources include: city licensing requirements, finding a location, financial assistance, tax registration, license renewal, building permits, contract opportunities and employee training.
click here to learn more
City of Chicago Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
(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
click here to learn more
Facade Rebate Program
33 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 Numbers
Many 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
Many state departments and programs can be found at www.state.il.us
State of Illinois Business Portal
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.
click here to learn more
Illinois Secretary of State Business Services
Illinois Business Gateway (to register your business online)
Illinois Department of Registration and Education and Department of Professional Regulation
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois Department of Revenue
Business Hotline: (217) 524-4772
Illinois Liquor Control Commission
(312) 814-2206
100 W. Randolph, Ste. 7-801
Federal
U.S. Small Business Administration
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.
click here to learn more
Internal Revenue Service
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.
Small Business Tax Guide (Publication 334) Download: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p334.pdf
Small Business Federal Tax Responsibilities: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4591.pdf
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
*Bridgeview Bank- 5117 N. Clark, (773) 878-2000 www.bridgeviewbank.com
Chase- 5134 N. Clark, (773) 878-0953 and 5531 N Clark, (773) 275-1536 www.chase.com
Fifth Third Bank- 5501 N. Ashland, (773) 878-5905 www.fifththird.com
Harris Bank- 5711 N. Clark, (773) 293-3700 www.harrisbank.com
National City Bank- 5247 N. Broadway, (773) 334-2022 www.nationalcity.com
*North Community Bank- 5301 N. Clark, (773) 687-7120 www.northcommunitybank.com
*North Side Federal Savings- 5157 N. Clark, (773) 561-7051 www.northsidefederal.com
US Bank- 5340 N. Clark, (773) 769-2100 www.usbank.com
*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
North Side Community Federal Credit Union- 1011 W. Lawrence, (773) 769-5800
northsidecommunityfcu.org
Links for Businesses
The following are links to sites that provide small businesses with valuable information and services.
ABC of Chicago links the strengths of arts and business, promoting community growth and vitality through the arts. www.artsbiz-chicago.org
The web site of Lumity, which provides low-cost information technology training to non-profits in Chicago. www.lumity.org
Community Media Workshop helps non-profits use the media more effectively through workshops and regular trainings. www.newstips.org
