Start your business

Starting a business requires planning. Prepare for success in your new business journey and learn more about what you will need to get started.

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Bring your business to life online

Get your business started online and in front of more customers with help from Google.

Learn more about how to purchase a domain, build a website, market your business online, create a professional email and more with Google.

Business plan resources

As you begin the process of developing your business, an important next step is to create a business plan. This will allow you to establish your priorities and organize your game plan.

Do I really need a business plan? Is it worth the investment of time and resources? Here are Five Reasons Why a Business Plan Is Important from the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Before writing your business plan, it will be helpful to answer key questions about your business. Complete this business model canvas from Strategyzer to organize your ideas and begin to uncover the scope and strategy behind your business.
Download this business plan template from SCORE for guidance as you craft your business plan.

Business registration

All businesses should start the registration process by checking their local municipality website to identify local requirements for business registration. If you are a business located in unincorporated Cook County, you may be required to register your business with Cook County and, depending on your business structure, register with the state or federal government.

Are you ready to complete an application to register your business name and conduct business in Cook County? Take the steps to register or amend your business name with Cook County.
Once you have registered your business name, you may need to obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the federal government to start executing critical business activities, such as opening a bank account, hiring employees, and paying taxes. Determine if your business needs an EIN or directly apply for an EIN online.

Business structure

To open your business, determine the legal structure that best suits your business. The legal structure you choose will inform your registration requirements, taxes, and personal liability.

Choosing a business structure impacts everything from taxes to daily operations. Review common business structures from the U.S. Small Business Administration and determine which structure is right for your business.
Wondering what else you should be considering as you compare legal structures? Read this NerdWallet article to identify some critical business structure factors that might affect your decision.
Considering starting an LLC? Review this step by step guide on how to start your own LLC in Illinois: How to Start an LLC in Illinois: Step-by-Step Guide (simplifyllc.com)

Webinar recordings

Webinar Recording from Allies for Community Business:
- Legal Structure and Contract Negotiation (September 2021)

Licenses, permits, taxes and zoning

Many Cook County businesses will need a combination of licenses and permits to legally operate. Familiarize yourself with any zoning, tax laws or incentives that might impact your business. Start by checking your local municipality website to identify local requirements.

Licenses and Permits

Cook County General Business License
- Businesses operating in Unincorporated Cook County are required to obtain a Cook County General Business License. Learn more about General Business Licenses or log in to the Cook County Revenue Online License Center to apply for your general business license.
Solid Waste and Recycling Permitting
- Find out if your business needs solid waste and recycling permits here. You can reach out to wasteandrecycling@cookcountyil.gov for more information.
Equipment Registration Permitting
- Restaurants, Dry Cleaners, Gas Stations and more may be required to register certain equipment. Find out if your business needs an equipment registration permit. You can reach out to equipmentregistration@cookcountyil.gov with any questions.
Certificate of Operation
- If your business uses fuel burning equipment, storage tanks, process equipment, etc. you may require a permit. More information can be found here. You can reach out to certificateofoperations@cookcountyil.gov with any questions.

Taxes

It’s important to be aware of any tax rates that may influence key business decisions. Use the Illinois Tax Rate Finder to find the sales tax rate in your business location or learn more about sales and use tax rates in Illinois.

Zoning

Building and Zoning Business Occupancy
- Need a building permit or business certificate of occupancy in Cook County? Apply for a building permit or zoning approval or follow the steps to apply for a business certificate of occupancy.

Webinar recordings

Webinar Recording from Allies for Community Business:
- Understanding Business Licensing (October 2021)
Webinar Recording from the Illinois Restaurant Association:
- Accessing the Funding, Permits and Licensing You Need (July 2022)

Selecting a business location

Determine the right location for your business operations.

Ready to open your new business in the perfect location? Refer to this ZenBusiness guide to help select a site to start your business.

Additional resources

There are a number of free resources you can access to help start your business:

Access resources to help you start your business and go from concept to launch and beyond with Amazon Small Business Academy.