Are you starting a small business or looking for a job? Lake Forest Library can help.
- Immerse yourself in best practices and news while browsing print books and magazines.
- Access data and expand your skills with Candid, Investor’s Business Daily, LinkedIn Learning, Morningstar, Value Line, and other business, investing, and consumer databases.
- Leverage free mentoring and networking opportunities, webinars, business plan templates, resume review services, and much more provided by the organizations listed on this page.
Local
City of Lake Forest Business Resource Center
Learn about the various business districts within the City of Lake Forest.
Illinois Department of Commerce Business Resources
Find answers about doing business in Illinois including info on regulatory requirements, tax-based incentives, and low-interest loan programs.
Illinois Small Business Development Center
Access free business guidance, training, and other resources for start-ups and existing small businesses. The local branch of this statewide organization is located at the College of Lake County.
Lake County Chamber of Commerce: Starting a Business
Leverage help from LCCC to form and expand a business within Lake County, as well as access links to Lake County government information, such as permits and zoning requirements.
Lake County Tech Hub
Access mentoring and assistance for businesses of all sizes within Lake County. LCTH is a program of the Greater Waukegan Development Coalition, a nonprofit organization that fosters the development of business and real estate throughout Lake County.
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce
Join the nearly 400 members of the LFLB Chamber and bolster your professional contacts through networking events, help your business adapt best practices through workshops and seminars, and explore opportunities for business growth with events and promotions.
National
IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
Find information on small business tax credits along with tax forms for small businesses and people who are self-employed.
SCORE
Access free one-on-one mentoring to help you start or grow a small business, along with webinars, business plan and financial templates, and more from SCORE, a nonprofit organization and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
StayExempt
Learn how to apply for and maintain tax exempt status for your nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Get help from the SBA government agency with starting, growing, and building your business through online business guides and information about business loans.
For Job Seekers
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Access information on hundreds of occupations, including job outlook and employment data.
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Find information about unemployment benefits, file benefits claims, and search for a new job through IllinoisJobLink.
Illinois workNet
Access local and statewide training and job search resources, including resume writing resources and information about programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities. Illinois workNet is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce.
Job Center of Lake County
Access resources and workshops for job seekers, including those who may have a barrier to employment or a specialized situation, including veterans, youth, seniors, justice-involved individuals, and anyone with a disability.