Planning a Business

Find out how to start a business in C-U.

Resources online

Best databases

  • Business Plans Handbook , Gale Virtual Reference Center. For access: Type in all 14 digits of your Champaign library card number. (No card? Use this at the library.)

Best local links

Best Web links

Resources at the library

Check the catalog
Search the catalog under a Subject Keyword search such as entrepreneurship.

Browse the shelves at these Dewey (shelf) numbers

346s – private law
658s – general management

Books to check out

  • How to Start a Business in Illinois (Nonfiction/346.773/Con)
  • The Business Start-Up Kit (Nonfiction/658.11/Str)
  • How to Write a Business Plan (Nonfiction/658.1522/McK)
  • Legal Forms for Starting and Running a Small Business (Nonfiction/346.7306/Leg)
  • The Legal Guide for Starting and Running a Small Business (Nonfiction/346.7306/Leg)
  • The Small Business Start-Up Kit (Nonfiction/346.7306/Pak)
  • What Business Should I Start? (Nonfiction/658.11/Abr)

Books to use only at the library

  • Illinois Business Review (Reference/R/330.973/Ill) provides a summary of business activity and conditions currently effecting Illinois.
  • Illinois Manufacturers Directory (Reference/R/670/Ill) provides profiles of 21,951 companies based in Illinois.
  • Illinois Services Directory (Reference/R/670/Ill) provides profiles of most non-manufacturing companies based in Illinois.
  • Tax Guide for Small Business (Reference/R/336.24/Uni) is an IRS resource that provides in-depth instructions and advice for filing small business taxes.

Magazines & periodicals

  • Business Week provides the latest technology, management and financial trends, which can help determine the particulars of a new business.
  • Entrepreneur is designed for those planning to start a new business and small business owners and provices the latest marketing, management, technology trends and strategies.

Fast facts from our info pros

Non-profit Business

(http://champaign.org/planning_a_business/nonprofit_business.html)

Find sources of information on how to start a nonprofit organization that can receive donations and not pay income taxes.

New Illinois Business

(http://champaign.org/planning_a_business/illinois_business.html)

Thinking of starting a business? Learn the process, legal and regulatory requirements for starting a business in your state. Also get tips on where you can get help as you jump start your small business.

Startup Basics

(http://champaign.org/planning_a_business/startup_basics.html)

You may feel like you have a million things to do when starting a business, but there are really only 7 main areas that deserve your undivided attention during startup.

Small Business Assistance

(http://champaign.org/planning_a_business/business_assistance.html)

Some possible sources of assistance for small business owners/entrepreneurs include: SCORE, United States Office of Small Business Development Centers, and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation.

New Urbana Business

(http://champaign.org/planning_a_business/urbana_business.html)

Find out appropriate agencies to contact and steps to take when opening a new business in Urbana.

Free workshops @ the library

Learn from business experts at free workshops at the library. Many of them focus on starting a new business.

Need friendly advice?

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce provides support for local business. Experienced business professionals offer free counseling through SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. The Small Business Development Center is part of U. of I. Extension.