Helpful Links and Sites
There are a multitude of programs and services available to small businesses. This list is by no means exhaustive, and Somercor 504, Inc does not endorse any outside agencies. We provide this list as a courtesy. If you are seeking resources or financial support for your small business, please contact delegate agencies directly.
The following programs and organizations may offer incentives, rebates, or support for renewable energy or energy efficient projects:
The Cook County Energy Efficiency Program:
www.delta-institute.org/cookefficiency
Flyer
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency:
The ComEd Smart Ideas website:
http://www.comed.com/pages/promo_smartideas.aspx
IFF- Energy Efficiency Support for NonProfits:
http://www.iff.org/sustainable-solutions
Peoples Gas
http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com
The following organizations can offer resources to early stage and existing small businesses:
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at UIC assists pre-venture, start-ups, and established businesses with management, marketing, and financial counseling. They also provide assistance with business and marketing plan preparation, securing capital, improving business skills, accessing international trade opportunities and other business management needs.
The City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection offers assistance at their Small Business Solution Station. Aspiring and current entrepreneurs can obtain valuable business planning, legal, and financial advice free of charge. Assistance is offered three days a week and is available on a drop-in basis.
The Hull House Small Business Development Center offers various workshops, individual counseling, an entrepreneurial training program, networking events, financial literacy training in English and
Spanish, and an entrepreneurship program for formerly incarcerated individuals.
The Women’s Small Business Development Center offers various workshops, seminars, business coaching, and financial assistance for female-owned businesses.
The Jewish Vocational Service Duman Entrepreneurship Center offers entrepreneurial training, business assistance, mentoring, and access to capital.
The Chicago Urban League Entrepreneurship Center offers business classes, information exchange forums, corporate mentoring, financial assistance, and an alumni network for African-American owned businesses.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce provides members with a member directory, networking opportunities, events, initiatives, and additional opportunities.
The Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago provides support with business planning, debt and equity financing, industrial retention, expansion and relocation, placement and training and business and financial management. ICNC also assists companies in accessing grants and incentive programs.
The John Marshall Law School Business Transactions Externship Program provides pro-bono legal consulting for businesses:
Contact Michael Scheslinger at (312) 386-2829 or 9schlesinger@jmls.edu.
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection offers tips for choosing a contractor.
While the tips are written for home repair, they are applicable for businesses as well:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/home_repair_tipsforconsumers.html
Choosing a Contractor (PDF)
The City of Chicago provides a list of Economic Development Agencies:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/delegate_agencieseconomicdevelopment.html
The City also lists when a building permit is needed:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/learn_when_a_permitisneeded.html
Cook County lists the Prevailing Wage rate (for Not-For-Profit SBIF Applicants):
http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/rates/ODDMO/COOK9999.htm
We are always happy to connect small businesses with relevant resources. If you know of any other programs or support available, email jlewis@somercor.com.
