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

• IL Department of Commerce-Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance.
• State of Illinois Economic Assistance- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response.

Getting Started

• Candid Learning Discover new ways to build skills to be applied to a non-profit or a business.
• Small Business Resource Center- SBA homepage includes Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources. 
• National Resource Guide for Small Businessess- 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 
• Small Business Reference Center
• Legal Information Reference Center

Research the Market

• Reference Solutions: research your competition or the consumer demographics in your area [Tutorial Available]
• SBA State Profiles: gather data on small businesses in the state, including demographics, income, turnover, and gains and losses
• Size Up Elgin: a database hosted by The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin website. SizeUp is useful for small business owners to research competing businesses in the local area. Click on SizeUp Elgin to leave the library webpage, and access SizeUp for Elgin through the Downtown Neighborhood Association website.
• ValueLine: access investment research on companies, industries, markets and economies [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 hour
• Copy and printing services are $0.10 per black and white page and $0.25 per color page
• Faxing is $1.00 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

Foundation Directory Online

(Main library access only): This unique database is filled with information and data for non-profits looking for grants. Visit a computer at the main library for access.

Grants to Individuals

(Main library access only): This unique database provides scholarships, fellowships and grants to individuals.

Questions?

Contact a librarian for one-on-one assistance:

gbplweb@gailborden.info

Call: 847-429-4680

Text: 847-754-4599

Upcoming Programs

• Career Series

• Wednesday, March 29 - 3:00 PM-4:30 PM Main Library- Computer Training Room

• Teen Job Fair

• Wednesday, April 12 - 6:30 PM-8:00 PM Main Library

• Community Job Fair

• Tuesday, May 2 - 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Main Library- Meadows Community Rooms ABC
• Click here for more »