What do you want to do?
See Everything Local
Links to local resources on the Tools
Make sure YOU are found locally
Buy locally!
Start a Business
Home based and micro-biz
Evaluate your business idea
Business location / Incentives
Location
Other incentives
Forms and info to start your business
Have a business plan/Get free help
Business plan
Free or low-cost one-on-one help
Innovation and technology
Help if you have a storefront
Additional resources
Grow my Business
Create a plan/Get free help
Business plan
Free or low-cost one-on-one help
Innovation and technology
Help if you have a storefront
Market and promote my business
Improve selling skills
Sell on the Internet
Business and social networking
Sell to government
Free and low-cost help
Small and minority certification
Sell to the federal government
Sell to state and local governments
Sell globally
Training resources
Business assistance
Financial resources
Regulatory information
Incentives programs
Sell locally
Improve operations and quality
Evaluate where you stand
Use technology to improve your business
Improve quality
Hire/Manage Employees
Find the right person
Employment taxes / Required forms
More compliance help
Human resource tools
Employee training
Safety tools
Get Business Training
One-on-one, free business counseling and training
Management and supervisory training
Online business classes
Go Green
Create a green business
Save water
Reduce hazardous materials
Reduce waste
Protect people's health
Conserve energy
Find Financing / Manage Money
Get prepared to get a loan
Sources of business capital
Funding programs
Required collateral
Equity investors
Tools for tough times
Fixing your business
Employee downsizing
Protect my Business
Privacy
Protect my property
Retire, sell or close my business
Disaster planning
Disaster recovery
Comply with Government Requirements
Local only
Start-up
All about taxes
Paying yourself
Quarterly requirements
Annual requirements
Employer requirements
Other government requirements
Specialty Topics
Agriculture
Business plan
Funding
Management
Farm safety
Taxes and regulations
Marketing
Exporting
Government inspections
Green practices
Disaster
Other
Biotechnology
Training and business assistance
Safety resources
Construction Industry
Bonding for job completion
Safety training and information
Environmental compliance and green business
Management and training
Data Centers
Managing energy costs
Safety training and information
Disaster recovery plans for data centers
Food Industry
Food products and food technology
Marketing
Business loans to local producers
Environmental safety
Green Technology
Business resources and training
Funding and tax credits
Logistics
Resources for the logistics industry
Safety training and information
Using forklifts
Transporting hazardous materials
Manufacturing
Business assistance
Lean manufacturing and best practices
Green business practices
Safety
Regulations
Global business
Specialized training and online classes
Oil and Gas Industry
Information and data
Training and best practices
Safety
Environment
Other resources
Plastics Industry
Safety information
Green business practices
Restaurants/Hospitality
Government requirements
Focus on restaurants
Focus on hotels
Resources for all
Promotion and marketing
Safety
Employee training
Greening your business
Retail
Funding and finances
Marketing
Retail management
Free and low-cost classes for retailers
Veteran Resources
Business assistance
Funding
Training
Sell to government
Franchise opportunities
Women and Minority
Disadvantaged businesses
Business assistance
Government contracting
Financing
Private businesses
Youth in Business
Exploring entrepreneurship
Simulation games
Networking
Teaching entrepreneurship
Search
Tools Home
Click on the topic to see the sub-topics
Tools for Tough Economic Times
Checklist for Recession Survival
Common sense strategies for surviving an economic downturn
Downsizing or having major layoffs? Rapid Response Service
How to pay business debts that you can't afford
Steps to Business Turnaround
The 27 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Negotiating Business Debts
Business Planning and Assistance
3 essential levels: Strategic plan; business plan; operational plan
Benchmark your plan with SizeUP
BizStats: Free business statistics and financial ratios for industries
Business Blueprints: Is your Business Idea Feasible
Business plan and financial templates from SCORE
Business plan software from the SBA
Cash flow calculator
Champaign County EDC Small Business Services
Create a Strategic Plan from SCORE
Downtown Urbana Market Study
Find SCORE contact information for the chapter nearest you
Five things to find out about your industry before going into business
Idea Evaluation Matrix
Illinois Business Consulting - student team consulting from University of Illinois College of Business
Illinois Innovation Network
Illinois Launch
Industry information and analysis from ValuationResources
Industry information from Reference for Business
Industry information from SBDCNet
Online classes for business from YouGotClass
Researching Companies Online: A step-by-step tutorial
SBA Recommended Business Plans and Length
SWOT template
Sample business plans from Palo Alto Software
Sample business plans from Referenceforbusiness.com
Small Business Administration's website
Software company less than 3 years old? Microsoft's BizSpark program
TechLink: Helps commercialize innovations for the defense industry
Technical assistance and more from Argonne National Labs
Technologies available for licensing from the University of Illinois
Ten Fatal Business Plan assumptions to avoid
US Census American Community Survey
University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Technology Management
Funding Programs
15-minute presentation template to angel investors
Agricultural loan programs from Illinois Finance Authority
Angel Investors of Chicago
Angel investors and venture capital
....
Angel Capital Network
....
Band Angels
....
National Venture Capital Association
Business loans from Champaign Co. Regional Planning
Buying a Franchise?
Can't qualify for a loan anywhere? Find an Opportunity Finance lender
Central IL Angels
Creating or retaining jobs? Illinois Small Business Participation Loan Program
Current or former military? SBA Patriot Express Loans
Estimating Breakeven Sales for your Small Business
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
Find the Right Accounting Software
....
Business accounting software
....
Quickbooks free Simple Start software
Finding angel investors: videos from the Wisconsin Angel Network
Free (and almost free) online invoicing and credit card processing tools
Heartland Angels
Hyde Park Angels
Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund
Illinois Ventures - invests in early stage companies in the Midwest
Invest Illinois Venture Fund
Learn Quickbooks - Free Tutorials
Loan Documentation - an Introduction for Small Businesses
Managing your Cash Flow - a guide to financial control
Model Venture Capital Financing Documents
Native American? BIA 80% Loan Guaranty Program
Native American? Business loans from Native American Bank
New Venture Template - information on obtaining venture funding from Venture Capital.org
Participate in Trade Reporting
....
D&B Trade Reporting
....
Sign up for D&B Trade Reporting
Raising Equity Learning Center
SBA Small Business Innovation Research
SBA business loans
SBA cap program: short-term working capital
SBA's 504 loan program for industrial or commercial buildings
Seasonal or variable working capital needs? Revolving Line of Credit Program
Small business loans from Accion Opportunity Fund
The Entrepreneur's Path: Handbook for High-Growth Companies
USDA OneRD Loan Guarantee Program
USDA Value-Added Producer & Renewable Energy Grants
Understanding Financial Statements
Urbana-Champaign Angel Network
Your Funding Toolkit
....
Get your business D&B number
....
Get your credit score
i2a: early stage venture capital fund investing in Illinois
Directory of Capital
Equipment Finance 101 from the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association
Who gets what percentage? Use this simulation tool
Business Incentives
Art gallery? Urbana Gallery District Incentive Program
Available buildings and sites in the city of Urbana
Available commercial and industrial properties in Rantoul
Available commercial and industrial sites in Champaign County
Basics about choosing a business location
Consider leasing space in Champaign County's Research Parks
Development incentives for East University Avenue
Enterprise zone for the city of Champaign
Enterprise zones
Illinois EDGE tax credit
Immigrant investing in the US? EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
....
Immigrants that create more than 10 jobs and invest $1.8 million ($900,000 for high unemployment areas) can receive EB-5 visas
....
List of EB-5 centers that can confirm that your investment will meet the EB-5 requirements
Information about commercial leases
....
10 Tips for Negotiating a Comemrcial Real Estate Lease - information from the Los Angeles SBDC
....
Understanding commercial leases - explains different types of leases and lease terms
....
What is negotiable in a lease - information from SCORE.
....
What should be in a lease - information from the SBA
Investing in a low-income community? New Markets Tax Credit
Philo Road Tenant Incentive Program in Urbana
Selling to govt? Locate in a HUB Zone for preference buying
....
Application information for HUB zones
....
Find HUB zone near you
Urbana Enterprise Zone
Urbana New Business Incentive Program
What to consider in selecting a business location
Business Formation
BizFilings offers a free Formation Assistant
Cashing in on Business Opportunities
Consumer Guide to Buying a Franchise
Go It Alone webinar
How to Build a Bulletproof Startup - for businesses that are serious about growing
How to select a business name
Information on franchising (private company)
Online course: My Own Business
What can you do to become more entrepreneurial
Business Start-Up Kit for Sole Proprietors
Business Registration
Filing your Assumed Business Name
Liquor Licenses and other Permits
....
Illinois liquor license^Illinois alcohol license
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
....
Business method patent
....
Copyright forms
....
Copyright information
....
Design patent
....
Register a trademark
....
US Patent and Trademark website
Small Business: Tips & Tools
SS-4 Application for Federal and Employer ID number
Utility Patent information
Business Start-Up Kit for Corporations
A Guide for Organizing Domestic Corporations in Illinois
Articles of Incorporation
Business Registration
Election of S Corporation Status
IRS 2553 instructions
Liquor Licenses and other Permits
....
Illinois liquor license^Illinois alcohol license
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
....
Business method patent
....
Copyright forms
....
Copyright information
....
Design patent
....
Register a trademark
....
US Patent and Trademark website
Professional Corporations
S Corp Election by a Small Business - IRS 2553
Securities Regulations
....
Information about selling securities in Illinois
....
Securities filing requirements in Illinois
Selecting your Corporate Name
....
Illinois corporate name reservation form
....
Search for Illinois corporations
Selecting your LLC's Name
Small Business: Tips & Tools
SS-4 Application for Federal and Employer ID number
Utility Patent information
Business Start-Up Kit for Limited Liability Companies
Articles of Organization
Business Registration
Illinois Secretary of State
Liquor Licenses and other Permits
....
Illinois liquor license^Illinois alcohol license
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
....
Business method patent
....
Copyright forms
....
Copyright information
....
Design patent
....
Register a trademark
....
US Patent and Trademark website
Selecting your LLC's Name
....
Illinois Secretary of State Business Services
....
Illinois Secretary of State Business Services
....
Illinois application to reserve an LLC name
....
Search for Illinois LLCs
Small Business: Tips & Tools
SS-4 Application for Federal and Employer ID number
Utility Patent information
Business Start-Up Kit for Partnerships
Business Registration
Liquor Licenses and other Permits
....
Illinois liquor license^Illinois alcohol license
Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights
....
Business method patent
....
Copyright forms
....
Copyright information
....
Design patent
....
Register a trademark
....
US Patent and Trademark website
Registration of Limited Partnership
Small Business: Tips & Tools
SS-4 Application for Federal and Employer ID number
Utility Patent information
Government Requirements
IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
IRS Taxpayer Advocate
....
Find the taxpayer advocate for your state
....
Helps taxpayers (including businesses) whose tax problems are causing financial difficulty.
IRS Video Portal
IRS tax workshops offered in Illinois
IRSVideos.com - information for small businesses
National Compliance Assistance Centers
Urbana Sidewalk Snow Removal Requirement
Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop for Small Business and the Self-Employed
W-9 Request for Taxpayer ID number
Paying Yourself: Sole Proprietors
Paying Yourself: Corporations
Paying Yourself: Limited Liability Companies
Paying Yourself: Partnerships
Quarterly Requirements for Sole Proprietors
Where to mail estimated tax payments 1040ES
1040 Schedule SE Self-employment Tax
Federal Income Tax Payments: 1040ES
Form ST-1 Sales Tax Return
IL-1040ES Quarterly Estimated Tax
Medicare add-on tax for income over $200,000
Schedule SE Social Security Self-Employment Tax
US Estimated Tax for Individuals 1040ES
Quarterly Requirements for Corporations
Where to mail estimated tax payments 1040ES
1040 Schedule SE Self-employment Tax
EFTPS - free service to pay federal taxes electronically
Federal Income Tax Payments: 1040ES
Form ST-1 Sales Tax Return
IL-1040ES Quarterly Estimated Tax
IL1120-ES Estimated Corporate Income Tax
IRS Estimated Tax for Corporations
Medicare add-on tax for income over $200,000
Schedule SE Social Security Self-Employment Tax
US Estimated Tax for Individuals 1040ES
Quarterly Requirements for Limited Liability Companies
Where to mail estimated tax payments 1040ES
1040 Schedule SE Self-employment Tax
Federal Income Tax Payments: 1040ES
Form ST-1 Sales Tax Return
IL-1040ES Quarterly Estimated Tax
Medicare add-on tax for income over $200,000
Schedule SE Social Security Self-Employment Tax
US Estimated Tax for Individuals 1040ES
Quarterly Requirements for Partnerships
Where to mail estimated tax payments 1040ES
1040 Schedule SE Self-employment Tax
Federal Income Tax Payments: 1040ES
Form ST-1 Sales Tax Return
IL-1040ES Quarterly Estimated Tax
Medicare add-on tax for income over $200,000
Schedule SE Social Security Self-Employment Tax
US Estimated Tax for Individuals 1040ES
Annual Requirements for Sole Proprietors
1099M Statement for Independent Contractors
Annual Business Return for Sole Proprietors 1040 Schedule C
Annual Tax Return: IRS 1040 Schedule C
IRS Transmittal of Information Forms 1096
Profit and Loss from Business IRS Schedule C
Annual Requirements for Corporations
1099Div Statement for Dividend Income
1099M Statement for Independent Contractors
Annual Federal Return for C Corporations
Annual Federal Return for S Corporations
Annual Report for Corporations
IRS Transmittal of Information Forms 1096
Illinois Annual Tax Return 1120 for C Corporations
Illinois Annual Tax Return IL-1120-ST for S Corporations
Schedule K-1 for S Corporation shareholders
US Corporation Income Tax Return for C Corporations (1120)
US Income Tax Return for S Corporations (1120S)
Where to mail IRS form 1120
Where to mail IRS form 1120S
Annual Requirements for Limited Liability Companies
1065 with Schedule K-1s
1099M Statement for Independent Contractors
Annual Business Return for Sole Proprietors 1040 Schedule C
Annual Report for Limited Liability Companies
Annual State Tax Returns for Limited Liability Companies
Annual State Tax Returns for Limited Liability Companies IL1065
Annual Tax Return: IRS 1040 Schedule C
IRS Transmittal of Information Forms 1096
Partners Share of Income - IRS 1065 Schedule K
Profit and Loss from Business IRS Schedule C
US Return of Partnership Income IRS 1065
Where to mail IRS form 1065
Annual Requirements for Partnerships
1065 with Schedule K-1s
1099M Statement for Independent Contractors
Annual State Tax Returns for Partnerships
IRS Transmittal of Information Forms 1096
Illinois Annual Tax Return for Partnerships IL1065
Instructions for Illinois Annual Tax Return for Partnerships IL1065
Partners Share of Income - IRS 1065 Schedule K
US Return of Partnership Income IRS 1065
Where to mail IRS form 1065
Filling in the Gaps: All businesses
ADA Update: A primer for Small Business
Do Not Solicit Registry
Get a UPC Barcode for your product
Get an ISBN number for your book
Important Numbers: D&B, NAICs and others
Non-disclosure agreement (sample)
Purchasing from the Internet? Use Tax
State laws related to Internet privacy
Surety Bonding for Job Completion
Employer Assistance
Are you working with unions? Employer rights and obligations
AskEarn.org: Resources to help employers hire people with disabilities
Biweekly - paid lunch
Biweekly with non-paid lunch
Biweekly with non-paid lunch and overtime
Biweekly with non-paid lunch and sick/vacation
Calculate the cost of employee injuries and illnesses
Calculator to determine your cost of employee turnover
Computer ergonomics
Drug-Free Workplace Employee Education
E-Verify: Check work status with Homeland Security
Employee management forms from the NFIB
Employee termination checklist
Employees live out-of-state? Reciprocal tax agreement
Employment application template
Ergonomic Ideas Bank
Ergonomic Recommendations for Computer Users
Ergonomic Stretch Breaks for Employees
Ergonomics and safety tools
....
Best practices in ergonomics for health care and manufacturing
....
Computer User Heaven: 8 Exercises That Spell Relief
....
Dynamic exercises - to prepare your body for physical motion
....
Employee safety - back injury prevention
....
Employee safety - desktop computer users
....
Employee safety - easy ergonomics
....
Employee safety - ergonomics in action for the food processing industry
....
Ergonomic guidance for health care and hospitality industries
....
Ergonomic tools for baggage handlers, deliverers, electricians, warehousing, and others
....
Ergonomics cost/benefits calculator from Washington State
....
Industry-specific ergonomic tools - find your industry here
....
Laboratory Workstation Evaluation Checklist
....
Lifting calculator, pushing & pulling calculator, and checklists
....
OR-OSHA's Introduction to Ergonomics in the Workplace
Federal Employee Bonding Program contacts
Finding the pay rate for your employees
Free job description tools
H1-B work visas for professional workers
H2-A work visas for agricultural workers
H2-B work visas for short-term, non-professional workers
Hiring Vets Toolkit
Hiring a risky job applicant? Free federal employee bond
Hiring a veteran, low-income person or disabled? Work Opportunity Tax Credit
How to do a criminal background check in Illinois
IRS Independent Contractor Misclassification: Settlement with the IRS
....
Forms to use to apply for the IRS Settlement Program
....
Information about the IRS' program that reduces fines for reclassification by 90%
IRS Withholding Charts - Biweekly - Married
IRS Withholding Charts - Biweekly - Single
IRS Withholding Charts - Irregular
....
Federal withholding for irregular payroll - married
....
Federal withholding for irregular payroll - single
Illinois State Withholding
Illinois Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Information about federal work visa programs
Lifting Guideline Tool
OSHA Safety and Health Training
OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs VPP
OSHA safety publications
Office of Disability: Searchable Online Accommodation Tool
Payroll tax calculator
Post your jobs on Illinois JobLink
Proper Worker Classification - IRS video
Push Pull Carry Calculator
Reduced health care cost for self-employed: Section 105
SHARP: Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program
Sample employee application
Sample performance evaluation form
Stay out of trouble: Avoid FLSA most common pitfalls
Stress Management Toolkit
Telephone Reference Check Form
Telework Toolkit - how to set up teleworking for your employees
Ten Top Reasons to Hire a Veteran - information from Americas Heroes at Work
Things to know before doing an employment background check
Types of workers: Independent contractors vs employees
Weekly timesheet - paid lunch
Weekly with non-paid lunch
Weekly with non-paid lunch and overtime options
Which employees are exempt from overtime pay? - state rules
Workflex for Small Businesses: Big ideas for any size
Wrongful termination laws
Becoming an Employer
Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9
I-9: Immigration & Naturalization
IL-W4 Employee State Withholding Certificate
Independent contractor misconceptions
Independent contractor versus employee: Information from the IRS
Minimum Wage
New Hire Reporting
No prior salary questions allowed when hiring
W-4 Employee Withholding Certificate
W-4 Federal Allowance Certificate
Workers Compensation
Hiring Others
Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9
I-9: Immigration & Naturalization
IL-W4 Employee State Withholding Certificate
Independent contractor misconceptions
Independent contractor versus employee: Information from the IRS
Minimum Wage
New Hire Reporting
No prior salary questions allowed when hiring
W-4 Employee Withholding Certificate
W-4 Federal Allowance Certificate
Workers Compensation
Filling in the Gaps
Family Leave & Medical Leave (50+ employees)
Illinois Contractor poster
Illinois Day Labor poster
Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Service Agencies?? Poster
Illinois OSHA Job Safety Poster
Illinois Pregnancy and Your Rights in the Workplace
Illinois Pregnancy poster
Illinois Required Choking Poster
Illinois Unemployment Insurance Rights Poster
Illinois Unemployment poster
Illinois choking poster
Illinois no-smoking poster
Information about the federal earned income credit
OSHA Requirements
Required Posters
Your Rights under Illinois Employment laws poster
Paying Others
Employee Tip Record IRS 4070
Reporting Tip Income
Withholding Deposit Form IL-501
Quarterly Requirements for Employers
Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
Quarterly Income Tax and Unemployment Tax Reports
Where to file IRS 941 forms
Annual Requirements for Employers
Annual FUTA Tax Return
Where to file IRS 940 forms
Business and Employee Training
Business classes at Parkland College
....
....
Customized corporate training from Parkland College
Illinois weTrain - community college network of trainers for business
Taking your Business to the Next Step
Are We Making Progress?: Baldrige National Quality Program
Are you a second stage business?
Audit Checklist from the SBA for a Growing Business
B Corporations - what they are and the benefits of becoming one
Benchmark your business using SizeUp
Best practices assessment in human resources
Best practices assessment in lean manufacturing
Competent Leaders - what effective leaders do well
Developing a quality management system: ISO 9000
Financial Scorecard
ILPEX: Illinois Performance Excellence
Improve your business operations: Six Sigma for Small Business
Leadership online training module
Leadership training activities
Leadership vs. Management
Need help to expand or realign your business? Champaign County Company Assistance Program
Performance management
....
Seek performance excellence: Baldrige National Quality Program
....
Self-analysis worksheet: Baldrige National Quality Program
Small Business Report Card
Take the B Impact Assessment
Team Dynamics Assessment
Teampedia - Tools for Teams
The Challenge of Being Excellent: Completing the Puzzle
Think Globally
Are you export-ready? A short self-assessment
Basic Guide to Exporting
....
A Basic Guide to Exporting: Book
....
A Basic Guide to Exporting: Online training version
CE Marking
Certificate of Origin form
Consulting, contracting & exporting opportunities with UN Development Business
Custom market research services from Export.Gov
Export Business Planner from the SBA
Export Centers of Excellence for industry
Export and international trade assistance
Export-Import Bank Environmental Exports Program
Export-Import Bank: Assistance for minority and women-owned businesses
Export-U.com
Exporting Help: US Commercial Service
....
International trade opportunities
....
US Commercial Service local offices
Find a bank IBAN number
Foreign Trade Zones
....
Foreign trade zone FAQs
....
Foreign trade zones in the US
Get a bank Swift Number
Global business webinars from the National Export Initiative
Gold Key Matching Service from the US Commercial Service
How to complete a NAFTA Certificate of Origin form
Illinois International Trade Center at College of DuPage
Industry newsletters and reports from the US Commercial Service
International Trade Center in Champaign
International trade logistics - an online course
Leads, Events, Research & More! www.Export.gov
SBA International Trade Loan Program 7a to improve competitiveness
SBA support for exporting
State Trade and Export Promotion Program
Trade Finance Guide: A Quick Reference for Exporters
TradePort; Free Import and Export Trade Tutorial
US Commercial Services trade specialists
Upcoming export seminars sponsored by Exports.Illinois.gov
Want to export to China? China Business Information Center
Want to import? Global Sourcing Essentials
Want to market to China? Access America Directory
Want to sell to Europe? Find out if you must identify your product with a CE mark
....
International regulatory training from the Center for International Regulatory Assistance
....
Mini-course in CE marks
What the Export-Import Bank does
Everything Local!
Made-in-Champaign County
Why Buy Locally? The 3-50 Project
Marketing and Selling
Applying Technology to Jumpstart your Sales - a video tutorial from SCORE
Bank of America Diversity Program
Build an Online Word-of-Mouth Marketing Plan
Building the Perfect Website for your Small Business - a video tutorial from SCORE
Business reply envelopes (or postcards)
Can-Spam Act for emailers
Citicorp Diversity Program
Comerica Diversity Program
Developing a Marketing Plan
Dun&Bradstreet company lookup
Email Validator Tool
HSBC Bank Diversity Program
Holiday Success Guide - How to plan to improve holiday sales
Largest employers in Champaign County
Map your competitors using SizeUp
Need to attract foot traffic? Effective Signage
Reference USA information
SCORE Marketing Cookbook
US Bank Diversity Program
USPS: Every Door Direct Mail - tool to calculate the cost of mailing to specific carrier routes in your town
Union Bank Diversity Program
Urbana Redevelopment Incentive Program for façade improvements
Use SmartPhones and QR codes to increase sales
Ways to close a deal
Wells Fargo Diversity Program
Your Guide to the Marketplace - a simple guide to creating a marketing plan
Using Technology in your Business
Business Technology Training from SCORE
How to set up a v-card in Microsoft Outlook
How to set up stationery for your email
Secrets to selling online
Share calendars using Microsoft Outlook
Vanity telephone number lookup tool
Selling to the Government
Bid opportunities with the village of Rantoul
Certified payroll form
Certified payroll instructions
Contract opportunities with the state of Illinois
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Bonding Assistance Program
Doing business with Champaign County: RFPs
Doing business with the city of Champaign: Bid opportunities
EEO-1 Survey
Federal opportunities for $25,000 and more
Find businesses that sell to the federal government
Illinois Business Enterprise Program for minority, women and persons with disabilities
Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Illinois Set-Aside Program for Small Businesses
Illinois Vendor Registration
Illinois solicitations by email
Indian Incentive Program when selling to the Department of Defense
Is your product environmentally friendly? Federal government's Bio-Preferred Program
List of federal agencies buying products
Minority or disadvantaged business? SBA 8(a) Program
Native American? American Indian Procurement Assistance Center
Required labor law posters for federal contractors
SAM (System for Award Management)- to sell the federal government
Sell 2 Illinois
Sell to the state of Illinois
Selling to the University of Illinois System
State bid opportunities
Sub-contracting opportunities for DOT projects
Subcontract opportunities on Sub-Net
These agencies want to do business with you
....
Information on selling to the Department of Defense
....
Information on selling to the US Army Corp
....
US Army Corp local contacts
....
US Army Corp subcontracting opportunities
....
US Defense Logistics local contacts for bid opportunities
University of Illinois Minority and Female (and disabilities) Supplier Diversity Program
Want to sell to DOT? Small Business Transportation Resource Center
Women-owned Small Business Federal Contract Program
Selling on the Internet
Conversion Rate Return on investment calculator
Email marketing return on investment calculator
Finding your Website: Keywords
Pay Per Click Return on investment calculator
Putting your Business on the Web
Tool to Grade your Website
Tools to Track your Web Traffic
Green Business Practices
15 Things you Should Never Buy Again
Act On Energy incentives from Ameren Illinois Utilities
Business recycling program in Urbana
Champaign County: Reduce Reuse Recycle
Developing a Voluntary Environmental Management System ISO 14001
Do you help public agencies improve energy efficiency? Become a Trade Ally
Energy Star Products and Programs
....
Apply for Energy Star certification
....
Energy star products
Free online environmental management tools from GEMI
Green Business Workshops at Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
Illinois Green Business Association
Industrial best practices for energy
Managing Your Hazardous Waste: A Guide for Small Businesses
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
....
MSDS safety cards
....
Material safety data sheets
....
Material safety data sheets from manufacturers
P2 Pollution Prevention
Pollution Prevention Plan Online Tool
Smart Energy Design Assistance for Businesses
Sustainable business standards for industries and services developed by Green Seal
USDA REAP Guarantee Loan for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects
Want specific energy recommendations for your industry? Commercial Energy Systems Library
WaterSmart Guidebook for Businesses
Protect Your Business and Yourself
10 Steps for preventing fraud in your business
10 Top Scam Warning Signs
After-hours emergency! Make sure the city has your contact information
An Owner's Guide to Business Succession
....
Do you want to sell your business? How much is it worth? Do your children want to run your business? Is it worth continuing?
....
Comparing retirement choices
Crime Prevention Ideas for Businesses
Do Not Call Registry
....
Information for businesses
....
Information for consumers
Fraud Prevention Check-up
How to create an employee code of ethics
IRS video - Easy, Low Cost Ways to Start your Small Business Retirement Plan
Internal Controls to Reduce the Risk of Fraud from Intuit
Preventing robbery, Preventing Shop Theft, and Preventing Fraud
Protect your Workplace from Cyber-Attack Campaign
Protect yourself from business identity theft
Protecting Personal Information: A guide for business
Protecting your business from cyber-attack - information for home and small businesses
Protecting your intellectual property rights outside the US
Robbery Prevention: Indoor and exterior opportunities and what to do if a robbery occurs
Disaster Planning and Recovery
Add your Business to Champaign Safe
After the Flood: Safety Tips for Business Owners
American Red Cross: Shelter View for iphones
Business Continuity Template
Business Interruption Insurance
Business Planning for Business: Information from FEMA
Did You or Your Employees Lose Pay Because of the Disaster
Earthquake and Hurricane apps from the American Red Cross
FEMA Disaster Kit App
Fire Safety at the Workplace
First Aid by American Red Cross
Get Copies of your Tax Returns- basic transcript
Get Copies of your Tax Returns- full return
Getting Back to Business, a Pamphlet from the Institute of Business and Home Safety
Hands-only CPR
IRS Business, Casualty, Disaster and Theft Loss Workbook
IRS Disaster and Emergency Relief - Online Videos
National Hurricane Center
National Weather Service
OSHA Evacuation Plans and Procedures e-Tool
OSHA Worker Safety for Recovery of Tornadoes, Floods, and Hurricanes
Open for Business: a Business Continuity Plan
Pocket First Aid & CPR
Protecting Building Environments from Bioterrorism
ReUnite App for iphones
Red Cross Ready Rating Assessment for businesses
SBA Declared Disasters and links to assistance
SBA Disaster loan application
SBA Prepare for Emergencies
Safety and Health Disaster: Who to Contact
Sample Worksheet to Calculate Loss for Business Interruption Insurance
State Farm program to help Central Illinois businesses
Using a Fire Extinguisher - Video
What to include in a Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit
Specialty Topics
Women and Minority Businesses
Minority owned? Get certified by the Midwest Minority Supplier Development Council
Native American Business Primer from the SBA
SBA size standards for small businesses
Woman-owned business? Loans from Accion USA
Women's Business Development Center
Veteran Resources
Disabled? Veteran Self-Employment Tract
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities
Funding your Veteran Business
National Veteran Owned Business Association
Need more help? SBA Veteran Business Development officers
SBA Veterans Guide: How to Win Federal Contracts free online course
SBA support for veteran-owned businesses
Training funds for service-disabled veterans interested in self-employment
US DOT Veteran and Service Disabled Owned Small Business Program
VetFran: Franchise Opportunities for Vets
Veteran Business Loan Program from AccionUSA
Veteran Business Resources on Facebook
Veteran Entrepreneur Portal
Vets Fast Launch Program from SCORE
Vwise - entrepreneurship training for women veterans
Business Networking
Add "Share" button
Add like box so people will visit your Facebook page
Add your business listing to Google Places
Add your business to Apple Maps
Beginner's Guide to Using Facebook for Business
Facebook
Get found on GPS devices by getting a DUNS number
Get your Business on Google
Help people find your blog on search engines
Meetup.com
Monitor your business and industry on the web! Google Alert
Register your business location with Navtek
Register your business location with Reference USA
Register your business location with TeleAtlas
Set up your business listing on BING
Setting up a Blog
Twitter Business Tips: Building Your Brand Online
Urbana Business Association
Want to be visible? Consider adopting a highway in Champaign
Tools for Agriculture
Ag in Uncertain Times
AgHelp Wanted: Guidelines for Managing Agricultural Labor
AgPlan - Business Plan: free software for rural businesses
AgTransitions: online tool to build a plan to transition to the next generation
AgrAbility: Cultivating Accessible Agriculture for people with disabilities
Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs
Agricultural Exporters: USDA Export Credit Guarantee Program
Agricultural Management Assistance for farms implementing conservation practices
Agricultural Waste Management
Agricultural marketing
Best Management Practices in agri-tourism
BioMass Crop Assistance Program
Buy Fresh, Buy Local Central Illinois
Direct Farm Marketing and Tourism Handbook from University of Arizona
Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants for Businesses or Agricultural Producers
Environmental Management System for agriculture
Export certificates for food
Farm Legal Series - information on legal documents used in agriculture
Farm first aid kit
FarmAid: Disaster assistance
Fieldprint Calculator: How your operation impacts environmental sustainability
Food Export Association of the Midwest market research and training
Food Export Helpline
Free online courses in risk management for agriculture
Funding for marketing your food exports
GAP: National GAP educational materials
GAP: Voluntary Audit Program
Getting Started with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
Getting on Track: Basic agricultural records
Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses
IRS Agricultural Tax Center
Illinois Agritourism - information from University of Illinois Extension
Interactive financial analysis for farmers
International trade shows and marketing events
Internet strategies to improve farm management: free e-learning course
Interpreting financial statements - online video training to improve your farm business
Labor Management in Agriculture: Cultivating Personnel Productivity
Learning Spanish: Farm vocabulary
Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing
Local Flavors of Illinois
Managing agricultural financial, production and price risks, including information on offsetting risks in the futures markets
Manure Share - exchange program between livestock owners and gardeners / farmers
Marketing to Independent Retailers
National Agricultural Center sponsored by the EPA
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
OSHA Safety and Health Topics for Agriculture
OSHA e-tool for Youth in Agriculture
Organic Transition Course for agriculture
Organic marketing resources
Organic or conventional? Crop conversion calculator
Post-Harvest Handling Decision Tool for vegetables
Register your business: USDA Local Food Directory Registration
Regulatory Information for the Agriculture Sector
RightRisk: Simulation software to evaluate agriculture and ranching risk
RiskNavigator: Strategic Risk Management for Agriculture
Safer Farm
Safety video clips for agriculture
Sample business plans and other resources for farms and ranches
Sell your products at Urbana's Market at the Square
Small Farm? Here's help from University of Illinois Extension
Small farm funding resources
Strategic Business Planning for Commercial Producers from Purdue University
Taxes for Agriculture
The Farmer's Guide to Agricultural Credit
The business of agritourism
US Fair Labor Standards for Agricultural Workers
USDA Loans for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
Understand agricultural regulations: EZ Regs from Illinois Cooperative Extension
Tourism and Hospitality
A Menu for Protecting the Health & Safety of Restaurant Workers
Brand guidelines for EnjoyIllinois.com
Business assistance to attract foreign customers from US ITA Office of Travel & Tourism Industries
Choking poster for restaurants
Develop a HACCP program for your food service operation
Eight-Step Approach to Controlling Food Cost: a training program for managers and employees
Employee handbook template and standard operating procedure for restaurants
Energy Star for the Hospitality Industry
Ergonomics for restaurants, hotel room attendants, landscapers
Ergonomics poster for small restaurants
Federal menu labeling requirements for chain restaurants (20+ locations)
Food safety courses from Champaign Urbana Public Health District
Food/beverage, hotel, and liquor tax forms for the city of Urbana
For your employees: Tested Techniques to Increase Tips
Forecast your hotel revenue: a tool from Cornell University
Free restaurant safety training program
HR Products from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Hotels: Top 10 Green Practices
How much is your business worth? Hospitality Valuation Software from Cornell University
How to Comply with the Americans with Disability Act: A Guide for Restaurants
How to Start a Restaurant guide from allfoodbusiness.com
How-to Series from the American Restaurant Association
IRS Restaurant Tax Center
Managing your wine cellar: a tool from Cornell University
Online courses from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute
Online tourism courses from eLearning U
Promote your business on EnjoyIllinois.com
Promote your business on visitchampaigncounty.org
Reducing Waste and Discharges
Restaurant Loss Prevention Program from Farmers Insurance
Restaurant Table-Mix Optimizer: a tool from Cornell University
Restaurant loss control toolkit from Farmers Insurance
Restaurant start-up profile
Restaurants: Top 10 Green Practices
Retail Food Protection: Employee Health & Personal Hygiene Handbook
Sample emergency action plan for retail food operations
Sample employee evaluation form for food service employees
Seafood Watch: Encouraging restaurants and retailers to sell sustainable fish
Setting hotel room pricing for Priceline: a tool from Cornell University
Spa and Hospitality Operations - online course
Staff turnover cost evaluator: a tool from Cornell University
Teen Worker Safety in Restaurants
Tourism Business Development Toolbox
Training for the Hospitality Industry to Recognize Human Trafficking
Workforce staffing optimizer tool from Cornell University
Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing Energy Resource Center
Best practices assessment in manufacturing systems
Export information for manufacturers
IMEC Manufacturing Improvement Specialists - Champaign County
Industrial energy savings software from the US Department of Energy
Introduction to Lean Six Sigma video series
Manufacturer negatively impacted by imports? Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
Online training in inventory and supply chain management from APICS
Preventing employee exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded machines
Regulatory Information for Manufacturers
Safety Begins with ME! Free industrial safety program (4 hour of videos)
Self-assessment workbook for small manufacturers: Best practices
ToolingU Online job-specific training for industry
US EPA Lean and Environment Toolkit for Manufacturers
Health Industry
Best management practices for oil and gas
E-tool: Identifying work hazards in well drilling and servicing servicing
GEMI LWT for Oil and Gas - online tool to help oil and gas companies evaluate and mitigate environmental risk
Hazard assessment when transporting waste liquids from exploration or production
Minimizing waste in the oil field
NEXT Training for the oil and gas industry: Course modules
OSHA Oil & Gas Safety Conference
OSHA regulations for oil and gas well drilling, servicing, and storage
Oil and gas training at Uintah Basin Applied Technology College in Utah
Online training from the American Petroleum Institute
Pollution Prevention for the oil and gas industry
Youth in Entrepreneurship
4-H curriculum for entrepreneurship
Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization
Get aHead for Business, high school curriculum
Industry Masters Entrepreneurial Business Simulation Games (fee)
NxLevel: Get the Buzz on Biz - curriculum for youth
Skills and Talents Required for Entrepreneurship
The Trading Game: international trade game from the IMF
Titan business simulation game
Youth Entrepreneurs
Retail Industry
40 Ways To Improve Retail Profit Margins from POWER Retailing, Inc
8 Ways to Improve Customer Loyalty
Accurate demand planning and forecasting
Attracting Tourists to Local Businesses
Attracting customers with effective merchandising
Formulas to calculate key retail ratios
Key financial benchmarks for retail segments
Low cost retail training
No Tobacco under 18: WeCard training
Retail Essentials: How to Open and Run a Successful Retail Store
Retail Lease Primer for Gift Shop Owners
Shoplifting information for retailers
Store benchmark ratios from members of the Retail Owners Institute
Typical commercial lease terms
Business of Art
Arts for Illinois
Call for Entry - a website sponsored by Western States Art Federation
Creative Capital: financial and advisory support to develop a sustainable career for artists
Emergency financial support and relief for artists from CERF+
Helping Artisans Reach Global Markets: free e-learning course
How to Access Health Care in Washington - a guide for artists
Illinois Arts Council - information for artists
Information about the business of Art from www.gyst-ink.com
On-demand webinars for artists from the Arts Council of New Orleans
Promote your work on 40north.org
Studio Protector: an artists guide to emergency
Tax and deduction information, checklists and worksheets for artists
Urbana artists: Display your work in the city building
Use your art to celebrate our community: ChambanaProud
Biotech Industry
BioDesign - the process of developing medical technologies - book and online information
BioSafety manual from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Biostatistics online training
Biotech Project Management Specialized Online Certificate Program
Entrepreneur's Guide to a Biotech Startup
General biosafety online training from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Guide to Biotechnology Finance
How to approach Life Science funding
Interactive e-learning tools for biotechnology
International patenting: Patent tutorials from Cambria (Australia)
Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) training toolkit
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Starting a Biotech Company: Stanford Entrepreneurship Lecture
Green Technology Industry
Angel investor funding for clean-tech companies
Commercialization Assistance Program from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Environmental Export Financing from Export-Import Bank
Help from federal laboratories: Test and research labs for renewable energy
Industry Growth Forum sponsored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Models and tools used by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Data Centers
Arc flash safety information
Calculate your power usage effectiveness with this tool
Contingency planning document for federal data centers
Data Center Efficiency Savings Calculator from 42U.com
Electrical Safety including Arc Flash training materials
Electrical safety hazards from overloaded cable trays
Free Data Center Profiler Software Tool Suite from US Department of Energy
IT Disaster recovery template from SearchDisasterRecovery.com
NFPA 70E: Electrical Safety in the Workplace 3-day Seminar
Plastics Industry
OSHA safety information for the plastics industry
Operation Clean Sweep - for Zero Pellet Loss
Tutorial on biodegradable: Green washing - sorting through facts, hypes, and misleading claims
Food Processing Industry
Compliance help and training for small food manufacturers and processors
Find a shared part-time commercial kitchen near you
Food Processing Environmental Assistance Center
Food processing publications
Food producer? Whole Foods Local Producer Loan Program
How do I know if my product is regulated by FDA?
Illinois' Cottage Food Law
Marketing Food Specialty Products Online
Online classes in food traceability and food safety
Pollution prevention tool for food processors
Small Scale Food Entrepreneurship: A Technical Guide for Food Ventures
Thinking about becoming a Food Entrepreneur? Here's help
Logistics Industry
Business registration requirements with the Department of Transportation
Ergonomics for Truck Drivers
HAZMAT Transportation - Overview of Regulations
Heavy Highway Vehicle Federal Use Tax
Hours of Service LogBook
IRS issues and red flags for the trucking industry
Logistics and Supply Chain Management - information from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MeasureUp: Compensation information on the logistics
OSHA loading and unloading requirements
OSHA safety information for the trucking industry
Online and distance learning courses in logistics from TIA/ILM
Pre-Employment Screening Program from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Sleep apnea and commercial drivers
Small entity compliance guide for brokers
Summary of Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations
Training for the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials
Trucking Injury Reduction Emphasis: TIRES
Using forklifts safely
Wide-load and weight restrictions for US states
Construction Industry
Construction Industry Environmental Compliance Assistance Center
Construction Job Safety evaluation for new employees
Hazard alerts for the Construction Industry
Online courses for the construction industry from AGC of America
Steel erection, fall protection, and the 4 hazards free training materials
Vehicle safety program for the construction industry
Member-to-Member News
Nov 27, 2013
2014 ATHENA Award® Nominations
Nov 07, 2013
2013 Small Business of the Year Winner
Oct 04, 2013
View All News
20 hours ago
View Post