These resources will help to plan, start, and market a small business.

Small Business Resource Center will help you learn how to start, finance or manage your small business. Includes sample business plans, how to guides, and articles. Library card required outside the library.

Starting a Business
Starting Your Business in Illinois handbook
Steps to starting a business
Business resources at Illinois WorkNet with links for starting and funding a business
Starting a small business - 45-minute video provides basic tips on how to start a small business
How Do I Start My Own Small Business?

Creating a Business Plan
Writing a Business Plan
Business Plan workbook, marketing plans, and other business startup guides

Library Resources
Universal Class. Learn a new skill or improve existing skills. Classes include business startup, software training, and more. (library card required)
Selected business books at Paris Public Library
Research your ideas in magazine and journal articles (library card required when using outside the library)

Forms
Employer Identification Number online application
Federal tax information
Illinois tax information
Forms for Illinois businesses

Professional Licensing in Illinois
Licenses regulated by Dept of Professional Regulation and Dept of Labor

Local and Area Business Resources
Paris Area Chamber of Commerce
Southeastern Illinois SCORE chapter (Charleston, IL)
Small Business Development Center
Business Solutions Center at Eastern Illinois University. A Business Solutions Center counselor has office hours at city hall on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Contact the center to set up an appointment.

More Business Resources
Illinois Business Portal
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Illinois Secretary of State Business Services
SCORE
Small Business Administration
OSHA for small business

Wall Street Journal Small Business Center
Entrepreneur magazine