Business Resources

Opening A Business?

Are you thinking of opening a business? Consider the Barrington area – there’s lots of prime commercial space available and you’ll be operating in one of the most affluent zip codes in the country – 60010. As an added plus, there’s a vibrant and active chamber in the region – BACC!

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce supports local business owners by providing aggressive marketing, professional resources and networking that can lead to business connections. If you’re looking into our area to get your start, feel free to reach out to us to help you pull together some demographics and business statistics. We can also refer local commercial realtors.

The local Village Halls are another resource. Each Village will have their own requirements for opening a business. Many require an approved Certificate of Occupancy before you can open your doors.

If you’re starting from scratch, do your homework, develop a plan and learn about the community. Free consulting is often available through the Small Business Development Center at Harper College, and there are a many effective websites. Check out our Business Resources below for some ideas. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship, helping business owners for nearly fifty years. The Barrington Area Library is also a dynamic source for information, lists and databases!

If you need some help or information on our region, call the Chamber office – we’d be happy to assist! And, when you’re ready to open, BACC will host an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony inviting local dignitaries, BACC Directors and members for official grand opening photos that we send to local media on your behalf. These photos are often picked up giving you great exposure.

BACC membership should be part of every business marketing plan. We bring valuable resources, exposure and dedication to helping you succeed.

Helpful Resources for Starting a Business

Government

  • Illinois Small Business Development Center at College of Lake County www.clcillinois.edu/sbdc-itc
  • lllinois Small Business Development Center
    Shah Center
    www.shahcenter.mchenry.edu/sbdc.asp
    For start-up or existing McHenry County businesses that employ up to 500 people.
  • Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs
    www.commerce.state.il.us
    Information on services for small businesses and community development programs.
  • Internal Revenue Service
    www.irs.gov
    Offers IRS tax forms, tax preparation information and educational documents that can be downloaded.
  • National Federation of Independent Business
    www.nfib.com
    News, advice, and resources for small businesses.
  • U.S. Business Advisor
    www.usa.gov/business
    One-stop access to government information, services and transactions.
  • U.S. Census Bureau
    www.census.gov
    Government statisctics and resources.
  • U.S. Copyright Office
    www.loc.gov/copyright
    Copyright information and a searchable database.
  • U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
    www.uspto.gov
    Patent and trademark information with searchable databases.
  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
    www.sec.gov.ph.htm
    Public company information, filings, and research tools.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration Online
    www.sbaonline.sba.gov
    America’s small business resource
  • Social Security Resource Center
    www.BarringtonILSocialSecurityOffices.com
    Resource for workers, retired, elderly and disabled people

Business Publications

Computing and Technology

  • C|NET
    www.cnet.com
    Computing and technology resources, news, and reports.
  • ZD Net
    www.zdnet.com
    Computing and technology resources, news, and reports. Associations and Organizations
  • American Marketing Association
    www.marketingpower.com
    Marketing resources.
  • Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
    www.ima-net.org
    News and business information for Illinois manufacturers.
  • Illinois Retail Merchants Association
    www.irma.org
    News and business information for Illinois merchants.

Legal

  • LawGuru.com
    www.lawguru.com
    Legal questions, answers, and research.
  • Small Business Law Center
    biz.courttv.findlaw.com
    A comprehensive guide to the legal issues involved in the launch or management of a business.

General Resources

Education

  • MBA Programs and the Shifting Economic Landscape
    www.onlinembaprograms.org
    Resource with relevant educational material for those interested in pursuing an MBA