Business Development

On this page, you'll find links to sites that provide information on starting a business (how to write a business plan, creating a marketing plan, franchising), developing a business (incorporating, knowing your customers, advertising, employees), business financials (budgeting, taxes), business advising and other general business topics. This information comes from federal, state, non-profit, and private websites.

The U.S. Business Advisor is maintained and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It provides business with one-stop access to federal government information, services, and transactions with the goal of making the relationship between business and government more productive. Topics on this website include: Business Development, Financial Assistance, Taxes, Laws and Regulations, International Trade, Workplace Issues, and Buying and Selling.

The Mission of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters. Topics covered include: Startup Basics, Business Planning, Marketing, Employees, Taxes, Legal Aspects, and Special Interests.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity contains information on business development, business incentives, grants/loans, etc. that pertains to commerce in the State of Illinois.

Business.Gov This site will provide information on grants & loans as well as other important topics for business owners.


This guide will inform you of various legal requirements and direct you to additional resources

Thinking about starting a business of your own? Consult the handbook first! Get plenty of tips, checklists, and code and regulation information with this handy business handbook, written exclusively for the Illinois entrepreneur.

Yahoo! Small Business. The one place for your business needs

Yahoo! Small Business Resource Center

Incorporating a Small Business Online

Franchising and information

Business Nation provides numerous resourceful links to all aspects of business. Information on Business Development, Businesses for Sales announcements, and Franchise Opportunities are available in this website.

Quicken Home. Topics comprise of Starting a Business, Running a Business, and Growing a Business. Includes information on Managing Your Finances, Knowing your Customers, Benefiting Your Employees, etc.

Corporate/LLC Name Availability Search. By searching the Corporate/LLC Database, you can now receive a preliminary check of corporate/LLC name availability

Business Town. Start and run a small business without losing your shirt, your sleep, or your sanity. Business Topics, such as: Consulting, Managing People, Business Letters & Forms, Accounting and Budgeting, Advertising, Sales, Presentation, Office, Hiring/Firing, Business Planning, and many more.

Business Owner's Toolkit. The "Total know how for small business" contains advise on: Starting, Planning, and Getting Financing for Your Business. Also included are: Marketing Your Product, Winning Government Contracts, Your Office and Equipment, Controlling Your Taxes, Protecting Your Assets, and Getting Out of Your Business

Entrepreneur's "Small-Biz Essentials" is a helpful resource covering topics such as: Staring out, Home-based Business, Franchise Zone, Technology, Tools & Services, e-Business, Sales & Marketing, Money & Finance, Management, Opportunities, and Resource Centers.

About.com's Entrepreneurs Library provides links to information on educational and networking opportunities, case studies, and publications for entrepreneurs.

Entreworld is a web-based clearinghouse site for and about entrepreneurs.

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Entrepreneur Research Center is part of the Kauffman Center which collaborates with leading researchers. The goals of the research are to strengthen the environment in which leading researchers. The goals of the research are to strengthen the environment in which entrepreneurs flourish and to increase understanding about the factors that determine the success of new entrepreneurial initiatives. A sample of the entrepreneurship research available from www.emkf.org follows. All reports are viewable and downloadable with Acrobat PDF. Additional resources are available through other media such as CD-ROM and videotape.

Small Business Notes Provides information and resources useful to entrepreneurs, including information about education and training.

The Small Business Development Center National Information Clearinghouse (SBDCNET) meets the information needs of the SBDC community in the United States and its territories. SBDCNET provides timely, relevant research, web-based information, and training to SBDC counselors and their small business clients.

Inc.com guides contain resources on specific business-management issues including strategies for starting, growing, and running your business more effectively and successfully.

SmallBizManager reviews, screens and recommends "best of breed" business services and products for business needs.

Budgeting. Articles on budget could be found under "Financial Management". (19) What is Cash Flow and How Should We Manage It? (21) How Do We Prepare A Budget?

About.com's Small Business Information site provides an assortment of resources from Internet sources for small business owners with all the resources needed to succeed in today's business market. These resources include weekly feature articles, an in-depth subject library with annotated links, chat room and a free newsletter.

Start-Up Basics: Starting Your Business. From the University of Georgia Business Outreach Services Small Business Development Center.