Links to Key City resources
Small Business CenterCity of Chicago Local Resource Site Site Selector41st Ward Office(773) 631-2241
City of Chicago Calendar of Events Neighborhood Business Development Center ServicesChicago 16th District Jefferson Park
5151 North Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60630
CAPS016District@chicagopolice.orgPhone: 312-742-4480
Fax: 312-742-4421
TTY: 312-742-4423
Click for information about the CAPS Program and monthly Beat MeetingsCity of Chicago Job linkWomen’s Business development Center – helps women business owners successfully achieve economic independence through entrepreneurship
SCORE – For the Life of your business Workshops, Mentoring, Consulting, Bruce Montgomery 312-725-8601
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
Cook County Assessor’s OfficeCook County Clerk’s OfficeState of Illinois
Many state departments and programs can be found at
www.state.il.usState 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 moreIllinois Secretary of State Business ServicesIllinois Business Gateway (to register your business online)
Illinois Department of Registration and Education and Department of Professional RegulationIllinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois Department of RevenueBusiness Hotline: (217) 524-4772
Illinois Liquor Control Commission(312) 814-2206
100 W. Randolph, Ste. 7-801
Federal
U.S. Small Business AdministrationThe 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 moreInternal Revenue ServiceBy 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) Small Business Federal Tax ResponsibilitiesBusiness 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 – For the complete list of SBA-certified commercial lenders, go to
www.sba.govLinks 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.orgThe web site of Lumity, which provides low-cost information technology training to non-profits in Chicago.
www.lumity.orgCommunity Media Workshop helps non-profits use the media more effectively through workshops and regular trainings.
www.newstips.orgLEGAL ASSISTANCE –
www.thelawproject.orgLooking for free legal assistance for your small business? Attend one of these Free Legal Clinics offered by The Law Project* and the City of Chicago’s Neighborhood Business Development Centers.
* The Law Project of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights provides free legal assistance, education and training to community based nonprofit organizations, low/moderate income entrepreneurs and low-income first time homebuyers. To learn more about The Law Project or apply for legal assistance visit www.thelawproject.org or contact us at tlp@thelawproject.org or 312-939-3638.