Starting a Business? The Development Partnership will assist entrepreneurs with startup and expansion, but we do not provide legal or investment advice. Please read this section and explore the websites below before contacting us to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in obtaining a free Business Startup Kit, please call or send an e-mail to EconDev@LincolnLogan.com. (Logan County residents only.)
A business plan is necessary to start and grow a successful business. This means doing some homework. A business plan helps to identify and prepare for the critical issues that will impact your business. A business plan is a requirement for obtaining a loan or a grant.
There are no shortcuts to completing a business plan, but there is plenty of help available. SCORE is a good resource, and it's FREE! A great deal of information is also available online. The websites below are among the best for business startup, management, and expansion. Each site is unique, so check them all out to see which one best serves your needs.
If you can't find what you need, e-mail us or call 217-732-8739.
Good luck with your new venture!
Start your research here at these must-see sites
State of Illinois - Business Portal
Small Business Administration
Illinois Entrepreneurship Network (IEN)
Internal Revenue Service - Starting a Business - Register for your FEIN here.
Small Business Development Center Information Clearinghouse
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - Free help is available from retired business professionals.
Illinois Attorney General's Guide to Franchises - Read before buying a franchise.
Financing your business
Illinois Business Financing Matrix - Guide to Federal, State and Regional Loan Incentive and grant programs for Business and Economic Development. This chart shows side-by-side comparisons of the various programs and eligibility requirements. Start with this report, but also check out the sites below.
Illinois Finance Authority loan and grant programs
Grants.gov - Find and apply for Federal Grants
USDA Rural Development Funding Notices
SBA - Financial Assistance direct link
SCORE - Financial Assistance direct link
State of Illinois - Grant Programs
State of Illinois - Loan Programs
Commercial websites (Great information, some advertising)
Startup Nation
Business Know-How
Entrepreneur.com
Business Owner's Toolkit
My Own Business
Biz Move
Wall Street Journal for Entrepreneurs
Small Business.com
MyCorporation.com
Local incentives
Enterprise Zone Overview
Elkhart TIF District
Mt. Pulaski TIF District
1555 Fifth Street
Lincoln, Illinois 62656-2210
EconDev@LincolnLogan.com
www.LincolnLogan.com
Joel A. Smiley, MPA
Executive Director
217-732-8739