
Small Business Resource Guide
This Resource Guide is designed to provide access to information needed to start or grow a business in Freeport and Stephenson County. It includes many links to documents and websites that will assist in answering questions for someone to open their business. The Starting a Business Resource Guide is designed to provide you with access to information and resources to make your entrepreneurial journey more successful!
Table of Contents to Guide
Introduction
- So You want to Start A Business
- About the Greater Freeport Partnership
- Contact information
- The Business Resource Guide
- The Business Start-Up Process (graphic)
Evaluate Your Idea
- Where Do I Start?
- 30 Questions
- Are you ready to start your own business?
Business Plan
- Components of a Business Plan
- Small Business Development Center
- SBA Business Plan
- SCORE Business Plan
Build Your Business
- Business Ownership
- Business Ownership Options
- Registering Your Business in Illinois
- State of Illinois Registration
- Illinois Department of Professional Regulations
- Stephenson County
- City of Freeport and other municipalities
- Federal Tax Identification Number
- State of Illinois Tax Number
- Sales Tax
- Developing a Startup Support Team
- Financing Your Business
- Your personal credit
- Possible Business Financing Resources
- Local Business Financing Resources
- Possible Site-Specific Financing Resources
- Business Insurance
- Lawyers
- Accountants
- Real Estate and Leasing
- Utility Contact Information
Grow Your Business
- Assembling Your Team
- Hiring Employees
- Writing a Job Description
- Writing an Employee Manual
- State of Illinois Unemployment
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Minimum Wage Laws
- Sales and Marketing
- Plan for Growth
Appendices and Attachments
Appendix A: Resources
Appendix B: Employment Posters
Appendix C: Feasibility Checklist
Key Industries
Calendar Feed
Blog Feed
Pretzel Fest celebrates Freeport’s moniker as the Pretzel City April 19, 2021 The inaugural Pretzel Fest is scheduled for April 24 in Downtown Freeport to celebrate the history and comradery of the Pretzel City. Activities, food, shopping and fun for all ages between 10 am to 4 pm on Chicago Avenue. The Pretzel Fest BBQ Competition will kick off in the early hours of the morning with aromas to entice all residents […]
Stephenson County Restaurant Week April 14, 2021 The Greater Freeport Partnership is excited to announce the first annual Stephenson County Restaurant Week April 23-May 1. During this nine-day event, patrons are encouraged to seek out dining options from area restaurants that are offering featured dishes. Freeport and Stephenson County are home to more than 95 restaurants, cafés, bars, lounges, and delis, each with a unique flavor or […]