Get Started

So you want to start your own business? Good for you! Over 98% of businesses in Illinois are small businesses and they employ almost 50% of the workforce. Nearly 90% of the exports from Illinois come from small businesses. See the latest Illinois Small Business Profile for more statistics about your fellow business owners—you’re in good company.

Bridge was developed with the needs of new and existing small businesses in mind. Accessing the Steps to Success directly is for those business owners who know which specific areas they want to explore. For everyone else, we recommend either signing up with the Small Business Development Center or using the Assessment Quiz to help you get started.