Need help getting started? Entrepreneurs and small business owners turn to us for their business needs, and we’re happy to offer you resources in print, online, or in person.

Government Support for Small Businesses

• U.S. Small Business Administration- Coronavirus Relief Options (Funding Options) [Tutorial Available]
• IL Department of Commerce-Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance
• State of Illinois Economic Assistance- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Getting Started

• Candid Learning Discover new ways to build skills to be applied to a non-profit or a business.
• Forms and guides for starting a business, getting financial help, writing grants, and more
• Small Business Resource Center- SBA homepage includes Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources. 
• National Resource Guide for Small Businessess- The Illinois edition funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Step by Step Guide: Information about starting a business in Illinois from the IL Department of Commerce. 
• Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook- from the IL Department of Commerce
• Starting a Business in Elgin 
• Gale Business: Entrepreneurship 

Research the Market

• Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA): research your competition or the consumer demographics in your area [Tutorial Available]
• DemographicsNOW: access demographic information including income, housing, education, retail spending, consumer expenditures, businesses, and more [Tutorial Available]
• Business Insights: Global: research detailed company and industry profiles including SWOT reports and financial reports
• SBA State Profiles: gather data on small businesses in the state, including demographics, income, turnover, and gains and losses
• ValueLine: access investment research on companies, industries, markets and economies [Tutorial Available]
• LegalForms: access free business legal forms [Tutorial Available]

Write your Business Plan

• How to Write a Business Plan
• The Plan: A Step-by-Step Business Plan Workbook
• Business Plans and Financial Statement templates

How can we help?

We offer Business Library Cards!

Businesses located in the GBPL District are eligible for a library card. Each business may have up to three registered cardholders. Cardholders may use all electronic resources. Please contact the Registration Desk at 847-429-4597.

 

Your Office Away from Home

• Wi-Fi available at all locations during building hour
• Copy and printing services are $.10 per black and white page and $.25 per color page
• Faxing is $1 per page

 

Other Local Resources available from:

• Elgin Area Chamber
• Elgin Development Group
• City of Elgin
• Illinois.gov
• IL Small Business Development Center ECC
• Women's Business Development Center
• Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Fox Valley SCORE

Foundation Directory Online

(Main library access only): This unique database is filled with information and data for non-profits looking for grants. Visit a computer at the main library for access.

Foundation Directory Access at home

Grants to Individuals

 

(Main library access only): This unique database iprovides scholarships, fellowships and grants to individuals.

Questions?

Contact a librarian for one-on-one assistance:

gbplweb@gailborden.info

847-429-4680

Text a Message to 847-754-4599

Upcoming Programs

• Resume Assistance with Worknet Batavia

• Tuesday, July 5 - 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Main Library- Computer Training Room

• Resume Assistance with Worknet Batavia

• Tuesday, July 12 - 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Virtual- Info Serv - Zoom

• Resume Assistance with Worknet Batavia

• Tuesday, July 19 - 1:00 PM-4:00 PM Main Library- Computer Training Room
• Click here for more »