The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity is pleased to provide this Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook to help you create, operate, or expand your business.

Attempting to start your own business can be daunting. There’s a seeming never-ending laundry list of tasks to complete and you don’t know what to do first. This is where we come in!

Prepare and Plan (do market research and create an outline of your business) Secure Financing (if necessary) Choose an Entity Type (e.g., LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, GP, or Sole Proprietorship) and …

Fundamentals of Starting and Running a Business This guide will help you lead a session on starting and running a business through the YALI Network Online Course, “Fun.

A Guide to Starting a Small Business This Small Business Guide is intended to provide quick references about Federal tax considerations when opening and running a small business.

File using a paper form. The downloadable form (pages 23 and 24) is available. Remember to attach the business’ resolution adopting the dba name to the filing. Your business may also need to collect …

Our list of Tips for Starting A Business can help you get started, and our Business Bankers are always available at branches near you to provide further direction and support every step of the way.