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.

 

Getting Started

• Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook - from the IL Department of Commerce
• Step by Step Guide – from the IL Department of Commerce
• Small Business Resource Center
• Small Business Resource Guide

Research the Market

• 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]
• Gale 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 throughout the building
• Printers, also available remotely
• Fax machine, scanner, and copy machines
• Study Rooms available on a first come, first serve basis for up to six people
• Meeting rooms available for seven to 230 people

 

Other Local Resources available from:

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

 

Questions?

Contact a librarian for one-on-one assistance:

gbplweb@gailborden.info

847-429-4680

Upcoming Programs