Small Business Development Center

Other Helpful Links

Federal

• Internal Revenue Service
  • Useful for information on small business taxes, business entity types, and obtaining a federal employer identification number (FEIN).
• IRS Publication- Starting a Business and Keeping Records.
  • This publication provides the basic federal tax information for people looking to start a new business as well as information on record keeping.
• U.S. Government Printing Office
  • Useful for obtaining the official and authentic government publications of Congress and Federal agencies.
• Patents and Trademarks
  • Useful for understanding the process of acquiring a patent or trademark and any applicable laws or regulations.
• Copyrights
  • Useful for basic copyright information including fees, laws, and policies.
• U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Offers basic information on starting a business, writing a business plan, and different federal loan and grant programs.
• Federal Contracting Opportunities
  • Federal agencies use this site to communicate contracting opportunities and their buying requirements to potential suppliers.

State

• Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
  • Offers information on obtaining licenses for businesses where it is important to promote health and safety.
• Illinois Department of Employment Security
  • Provides information on unemployment insurance, employment services and guidance to workers, job seekers, and employers.
• Illinois Independent Accountant Association
  • Useful for information on the latest accounting news plus contact information of many professional accountants.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
  • Offers basic information on starting a business and different Illinois loan and grant programs.
• Illinois Department of Labor
  • Useful for information on licenses, permits, and state labor laws.
• Illinois Department of Revenue
  • Register your business online and gain valuable tax information.
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
  • Useful for information on certain state licenses or permits you may need for your business regarding environmental safety. 
• Secretary of State
  • Useful for checking if there is already a business registered in Illinois with the same name that you wish to use for your business.
• Industry Associations: The Internet Public Library Associations on the Net
  • A helpful research tool to use when starting a business and writing a business plan.
• SCORE
  • Nonprofit organization dedicated to entrepreneurship education.  Provides free business counseling to anyone with a small business, or thinking about starting one.
• Selling to the State of Illinois
  • Provides information on how your business can contract with the state of Illinois to sell your products.
• Starting a Business in Illinois Handbook
  • This all-encompassing handbook was written exclusively for the Illinois Entrepreneur.  Key features include a feasibility and business plan outline, information for setting up a business, financial considerations, and plenty other useful tips.
• The Illinois CPA Society
  • Helps you find a Certified Public Accountant for your personal and business financial needs.
• Workers Compensation
  • Provides a basic explanation of the workers' compensation program, benefits, and procedures.

Local

• Madison County Government
  • Obtain information on Madison County departments, officials, election information, local events, and demographics on this official county website.
• St. Clair County Government
  • Obtain information on St. Clair County departments, officials, election information, local events, and demographics on this official county website.  Also learn about county resources available to business owners.
• Madison County Employment and Training
  • Useful for labor market information. Provides other customized services such as employment recruitment and career transition.
• Missouri Venture Forum
  • Nonprofit organization that provides a platform for growth through networking, education and information exchange.

For Local Business Registration Information, please visit Get a Business License or Permit.

Marketing

• Industry Analysis and Marketing Plan Research
  • Offers a variety of discussion papers, glossaries and reports to help you understand trends in your industry.
• Market Research Reports and Industry Analysis
  • Provides companies with the business intelligence and market research you need to make informed decisions.
• The Marketing Resource Center
  • Offers many different services that can help you market your company more effectively. 
• Sales and Marketing Solutions
  • Helps you develop customer leads that can be used to market your target customer effectively.