Quarterly Update: Program & Policy Updates from SBA, DCEO, IRS, SBAC
The Illinois SBDC/ITC responds to needs identified during meetings with small business representatives in Lake County. They have created quarterly information sessions with representatives from the SBA, DCEO, IRS and SBAC (Small Business Advocacy Council). These no-cost sessions are designed to provide you and others in your network with updates on programs, policies and legislation effecting small businesses. Flyer

Quarterly Update: Program & Policy Updates from SBA, DCEO, IRS, SBAC

More Resources

Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce
The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC), founded in 1969, is an association of nearly 900 member businesses representing more than 1,800 business people dedicated to the success and prosperity of the 11 regional communities it serves: Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Long Grove, North Barrington, Port Barrington, South Barrington and Tower Lakes. BACC promotes economic opportunities, advocates the interests of business, offers programs for professional development and leadership, and works to foster a robust regional economy. BACC produces important community resource publications; has a go-to website for business referrals at www.BarringtonChamber.com; and offers over 200 networking opportunities each year.

College of Lake County
The Workforce and Professional Development Institute offers consulting and training programs for individuals and businesses, as well as government and non-profit organizations who seek to improve their organizational effectiveness and professional skills.

ComEd Commercial Incentives
ComEd provides many incentives for commercial customers for items such as lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, restaurant equipment and more. Incentive opportunities include instant discounts on utility bills, payment rebates, and many others. Find full program details by visiting ComEd's website.

Digital.com
Digtal.com regularly publishes a number of resources for small businesses. They most recently launched a small business guide for veterans which includes helpful tools and financial resources. The Veteran Small Business Guide features opportunities for veteran business owners at any stage of business, whether its a startup or established company.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity ("DCEO") is responsible for improving Illinois' competitiveness in the global economy.  Guided by an innovative regional approach, DCEO administers a wide range of economic and workforce development programs. 

Illinois SBDC
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Harper College can help whether you're exploring a new business idea, hiring for open positions, or structuring the purchase or sale of a business; are all parts of the SBDC's free services.

Lake County Partners
Lake County Partners works to deliver a comprehensive, seamless menu of economic development products and services that address the needs of current Lake County companies and prospective businesses.

Next Level Northwest
Next Level Northwest (NLNW) is a free business accelerator program for businesses that have moved beyond the start-up phase but have not yet reached their full potential. Interested companies can pitch themselves to a panel of judges during one of the village's "pitch nights" throughout the year and then once accepted, be paired with professional business coaches and mentors. To qualify, businesses must have been in business for at least three years and reached certain financial milestones.

Nicor Gas Rebate Program 
Rebates for energy efficiency upgrades are available to all active commercial Nicor Gas customers. You may be eligible for a Nicor rebate if you have, or plan to complete, work that includes:

   Space & Water Heating 
   Steam Traps
   Efficiency Improvements
   Commercial Food Service Equipment
   Boiler Tune-Ups 

For more information on the rebate program, and to download the rebate applications, visit Nicor's Rebate Program website.

SCORE
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964.

State of Illinois DCEO
The State of Illinois' Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has a number of useful resources available to startups and small businesses. It also features a statewide resource for businesses called "First Stop".

U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA") helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States.