Resources

The following online resources offer information on a range of topics of interest to small business owners. If you have questions that are not answered on these sites, contact us for more information.

Local Resources

Better Business Bureau that serves Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce serves as the “unified business voice of greater Chicago,” aggressively representing business interests at the city, county, regional and state levels.

City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development provides information on financial assistance programs administered by the Department of Community Development.

City of Chicago Business Section provides information on doing business with the City.

State Resources

Illinois Retail Merchants Association is a statewide professional organization that can help protect business interests in state government, save money, and keeps business owners informed.

Illinois Business Services is a state government site designed to help businesses succeed in Illinois.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs enhances Illinois' economic competitiveness by providing technical and financial assistance to businesses.

Federal Resources

U.S. Chamber of Commerce fights for business and free enterprise before Congress, the White House, regulatory agencies, the courts, the court of public opinion, and governments around the world.

U.S. Copyright Office promotes progress of the arts and protection for the works of authors. Includes a searchable database.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office secures exclusive right to inventors’ discoveries for a limited time. Includes a searchable database.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission protects investors, maintains fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitates capital formation.

U.S. Small Business Administration is designed to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns.

Business.gov is the business gateway to the U.S. government.

Other Resources

American Marketing Association supplies marketing professionals and AMA members with the information, products, and services for success.

National Federation of Independent Business is the nation's leading small business association.