Resources for Small Businesses
Small businesses play a vital role in the community and face many special challenges. This list of resources is for small businesses and entrepreneurs considering taking the leap in to business ownership. With questions about accessing these or any of the resources available from the library, or to schedule a reference appointment with the Business Librarian, contact the Research Desk.
Library Resources
Gale Courses – Gale Courses offers programming with over 350 six week courses in personal and professional development.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) – Learn software, creative, and business skills to achieve your personal and professional goals. Join today to get access to thousands of courses.
Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA) – Business directory, residential listings, demographics and health care listings. Records can be downloaded for mailing/contact lists.
Entrepreneurship booklist – Available to checkout from the library, titles to inspire and offer practical information.
Federal and State Resources
Small Business Administration – The SBA offers a large variety of online training programs for small business management.
Census Business Builder – Online tool from the U.S. Census Bureau allows users to customize census data in order to inform business planning.
Library of Congress Small Business Hub – Research guide for small businesses, from the Library of Congress.
Illinois Entrepreneurship Network – Resources from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, including COVID-19 assistance programs.
Illinois Small Business Development Center at Harper College – Counselors are available by appointment to discuss individual situations and offer suggestions based on particular business problems and needs.
State of Illinois Business Portal – Useful links for starting, running, changing, and selling a business in Illinois.
Web Resources
FindLaw for Business – Legal information for businesses from Thomson Reuters.
Thomas Register of American Manufacturers – Online directory of suppliers and buyers.
SAM.gov – Contract opportunities with the federal government.
Local Organizations
SCORE (Chicago) – One-on-one mentoring from experienced business owners and other learning opportunities.
National Association for the Self-Employed
National Association of Women Business Owners (Chicago Chapter)
Women’s Business Development Center – Business advising, mentoring, and more services for emerging and established businesses, including support for veteran-owned businesses.