Need help getting started? Entrepreneurs and small business owners turn to us for their business needs, and we’re happy to offer you resources in print, online, or in person.

Government Support for Small Businesses

• U.S. Small Business Administration- Coronavirus Relief Options (Funding Options) [Tutorial Available]
• IL Department of Commerce- Coronavirus 2019 Information for Small Business 
• IL Department of Commerce-Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance
• State of Illinois Economic Assistance- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Getting Started

• Small Business Resource Center- SBA homepage includes Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources. 
• Small Business Resource Guide- The Illinois edition funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Step by Step Guide: Information about starting a business in Illinois from the IL Department of Commerce. 
• Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook- from the IL Department of Commerce
• Starting a Business in Elgin 
• Gale Business: Entrepreneurship 
• Forms and guides for starting a business, getting financial help, writing grants, and more

Research the Market

• Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA): research your competition or the consumer demographics in your area [Tutorial Available]
• DemographicsNOW: access demographic information including income, housing, education, retail spending, consumer expenditures, businesses, and more [Tutorial Available]
• Business Insights: Global: research detailed company and industry profiles including SWOT reports and financial reports
• SBA State Profiles: gather data on small businesses in the state, including demographics, income, turnover, and gains and losses
• ValueLine: access investment research on companies, industries, markets and economies [Tutorial Available]
• LegalForms: access free business legal forms [Tutorial Available]

Write your Business Plan

• How to Write a Business Plan
• The Plan: A Step-by-Step Business Plan Workbook
• Business Plans and Financial Statement templates

How can we help?

We offer Business Library Cards!

Businesses located in the GBPL District are eligible for a library card. Each business may have up to three registered cardholders. Cardholders may use all electronic resources. Please contact the Registration Desk at 847-429-4597.

 

Your Office Away from Home

• Wi-Fi available at all locations during building hours
• Copy and printing services are $.20 per page
• Faxing is $1 per page

Other Local Resources available from:

• Elgin Area Chamber
• Elgin Development Group
• City of Elgin
• Illinois.gov
• IL Small Business Development Center ECC
• Women's Business Development Center
• Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Fox Valley SCORE

Questions?

Contact a librarian for one-on-one assistance:

gbplweb@gailborden.info

847-429-4680

Text a Message to 847-754-4599

Upcoming Programs

• QuickBooks Online Series

  In Person

• Thursday, March 4 - 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Main Library- Computer Training Room

• Resume Essentials

  Online via Zoom

• Monday, March 8 - 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Virtual- Info Serv - Zoom

• QuickBooks Online Series

  In Person

• Thursday, March 11 - 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Main Library- Computer Training Room
• Click here for more »