SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Small Business Centers, Programs and Resources

Illinois APEX Accelerator

Government Contracting Assistance: Illinois APEX Accelerator, through its local center provides one-on-one advising, technical information, marketing assistance and training to existing businesses that are interested in selling their products and/or services to local, state, or federal government agencies. Click here to find an Illinois APEX Accelerator near you.

Whether you employ two people or 102, your business needs a strong network behind you to succeed. And that’s where Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) come in. Illinois SBDC Centers partner with well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions to assist you in maximizing your potential to grow and attract investors. Let SBDCs connect you to the experts, tools and opportunities that translate into endless possibilities.

Click below for Small Business Centers near you and information on programs and resources for starting your new business:

Find Illinois SBDC Centers in your area

Business Information Center

Starting Your Business in Illinois Handbook (PDF English / Spanish)
Small Business / Startup Resources
Publications and Business Guides
Search the Business Information Center's online inventory of regulatory requirements and resources for your small business