Pursuing your dreams to start your own business is a brave decision. Luckily, if you open a small company in Chicago there are many resources to help you get off the ground.
You won’t have to do it alone!
Gaining local support for your entrepreneurial spirit is important and the value of expert advice cannot be overstated. Here are links to a few of our favorite small business resources in the area:
BIZ CONNECTION is the site that will give you information about how to open or purchase a business in the City of Chicago. It covers many issues facing start-ups such as registering with the State of Illinois, hiring employees, and locating potential funding sources.
SCORE provides free counseling and low-cost workshops taught by working and retired executives and business owners. This national non-profit was founded in 1964 and has fourteen branch locations in the Chicago area. In addition, they offer FREE BUSINESS TEMPLATES.
A VIRTUAL OFFICE from The Suites Collection will provide you with a prestigious business address, a receptionist to answer your calls and receive your packages and 24 hour access to private voice mail. The Virtual Office package is a great way to enhance your company’s image from the very beginning. Conference rooms are also available.
COMPUTER TRAINING source offers computer classes in downtown Chicago, Schaumberg and Naperville. It is highly likely that increasing your knowledge in Microsoft Office, Web Design, Graphics or Accounting software will save you time and money once your business gets busy. These hands on classes typically run for one or two days and the trainers are both knowledgeable and personable. A big bonus with CTS is that you receive thirty days of technical support with the purchase of a class.
COMPUTER CONSULTANTS can assist you in everything from making decisions about purchases to setting up equipment to eliminating technical problems down the line. PCS International has an excellent team with quick response and years of experience assisting small businesses.
Your local BUSINESS ASSOCIATION can take care of much of your preliminary research. Their websites and newsletters provide statistics on economic studies, maps, market surveys, ongoing redevelopment plans and other issues pertinent to new business development. Membership in these groups will give you access to their educational and social networking events, too. Well regarded business organizations in Chicago include the Chicago Loop Alliance, Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, River North Association, and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
LOANS offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity support a wide array of programs and services designed to help Illinois businesses thrive. They emphasize programs designed to provide small businesses — particularly minority and female entrepreneurs — with the resources they need to succeed and grow their business opportunities. The Small Business Association of America also provides numerous loan programs.
You may be eligible for CERTIFICATION as a Minority or Women-owned Business through the City of Chicago. This designation promotes contracting opportunities and carries out the mandates of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action requirements.
July 11, 2008 at 2:53 am |
That’s a GREAT list for someone wanting to start their business with minimal captial, and the best part about it, is they can work from home with use of the virtual office.