How do I obtain a Federal Employer Identification Numbers (EIN)?
The EIN number is the "social security" number for your business. EIN's are used by employers, sole proprietors, partnerships, nonprofit associations, trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, certain individuals and other businesses. To obtain an EIN, complete Form SS4 found on the IRS website and submit the form to the IRS.
How do I become certified as a Small, Disadvantaged Business (SDB) or Women Business Enterprise and Why - Federal, State and Local?
If you have been in business for over two years and want to do business with a government office (Federal, State or Local), a Fortune 1000 company or subcontract with a larger company, certification is typically required. If you operate a business whose customers are not one of the above, there is no need to apply for certification; you are a minority and/or woman-owned business.
Federal - Small Business Administration (SBA) Certification
In order to be qualified as a small disadvantaged business, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially, economically-disadvantaged individual or individuals. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans and Native Americans are presumed to qualify. Other individuals can qualify if they show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that they are disadvantaged. All individuals must have a net worth of less than $750,000, excluding the equity of the business and primary residence. Successful applicants must also meet applicable size standards for small businesses in their industry.
To learn how to apply for SBA certification, go to the SBA website. The SBA must certify small businesses wanting to take advantage of the SDB Program. You can apply to the SDB Program by contacting the Illinois District Office.
State (Illinois) - Central Management Service, Business Enterprise Program
The Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act is designed to encourage state agencies to purchase needed goods and services from businesses owned and controlled by members of minority groups, women, and/or persons with disabilities. For information and assistance, please contact:
Central Management Service
James R. Thompson Center
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 4-400
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 814-4190 (Voice and TDD)
Phone: (800) 356-9206 (BEP Toll Free Line)
Phone: (800) 526-0844 (Illinois Relay Line for the Hearing Impaired)
Email: BEP@cms.state.il.us
Local - Chicago Minority Business Development Council, Inc. (CMBDC)
The Chicago Minority Business Development Council, Inc. (CMBDC) is a premier organization for increasing business opportunities between major buying organizations and minority-owned businesses. Their certification verifies the ownership, operation and control of minority businesses for Fortune 500 corporations, State of Illinois departments, Cook County departments, etc. There are annual membership dues. For information and assistance, please contact:
Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
To qualify as a "Woman Business Enterprise," commonly referred to as a WBE, you often need an outside organization to evaluate your business to determine that you meet the eligibility requirements.
The WBDC provides you with a nationally-recognized certification through our partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Hundreds of corporations accept our certification, as well as several local government agencies. For information and assistance, please contact:
How do I bid for procurement contracts?
Local (Lake County) - Lake County, Purchasing Division
The Lake County Purchasing Division assists all county departments and agencies in purchasing required goods and services in conformance with Illinois state law, state regulation, Lake County Purchasing Ordinance, related resolutions of the County Board and administrative policies. For information and assistance, please contact:
Local (Lake County) - College of Lake County, Business Services Department
The College of Lake County utilizes many local businesses to operate their school. Contact the Business Services Department for further information at:
Federal - Central Contractor Registration (CCR)
CCR is an on-line, interactive, electronic gateway of procurement information — for and about small businesses — under the Central Contractor Registration website. There is an on-line registration form with no cost to register. This is a transfer from PRO-net. Find it under the Dynamic Small Business Search area of the website.
Federal - Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Business and Industry Services (PTAC)
The PTAC office assists existing businesses in doing business with federal, state and local governments. The center provides general procurement counseling, access bid specifications, assistance in identifying government markets, help in reviewing bid packages and provides information about contract administration and other contracting services. For information and assistance, please contact:
How do I get a small business grant?
At this time, Congress has not set aside any monies for grants to start and/or expand a small business. There are numerous opportunities for small business loans. See our loan section for information on different possibilities. If you are interested in forming a not-for-profit business, there may be grants available through foundations.
How do I write a business plan?
Writing a business plan should be your first step before opening your doors to clients and customers. You will map out your operational plan, figure out earnings and expenses and identify your target audience. The following websites can assist you in writing your business plan.
How do I obtain your credit score and credit report?
Your credit scores are the key to eligibility for a loan. Credit scores range from 300 to 850, sort of like SAT scores. All these websites offer tips on how to improve your score as well as your chances of getting reasonably priced credit.
There are three major credit-reporting agencies. All three agencies can provide you with your credit report and credit score for a nominal charge. They are:
If you need assistance in repairing your credit, contact Myvesta which is a non-profit credit counseling service.
To report errors on your credit report, the US Government pamphlet How to Dispute Credit Report Errors can assist.
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