Welcome to WE Hub, your central place to find resources from experts and leaders throughout Illinois who can help you thrive.

We invite you to connect to WE Hub now by creating a free account so you can access all the valuable resources and log into your customized dashboard. There’s no catch—WE Hub is free now and always will be. Start by answering a few questions about yourself and let us customize an entrepreneur toolkit for you.

Your free account gets you:

  • Step-by-step guides 
  • Personalized recommendations based on your location and goals
  • Progress tracking 
  • Access to community forums with other women entrepreneurs

It’s never too early or too late to start building the life you want! No matter where you are in this process, we have resources that can help you take the next step or even just figure out what the next step could be. 

Registration is FREE! 

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Training Program
Four women gathered around a table, smiling and collaborating during a casual brainstorming session in a bright, creative workspace

Brand Refresh Program

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Free support for existing businesses to update their branding, including logo design, messaging, and marketing strategy to stay competitive.

Link
Three professionals engaged in a friendly business discussion in an office setting, with one woman smiling and actively listening across the table.

Business Plan Assistance

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Free business plan support and downloadable templates to help entrepreneurs define goals, understand their market, and prepare for funding.

Mentorship
Two women, one younger and one older standing in front of their business smiling with yellow aprons on.

Government Contracting Assistance

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

No-cost, one-on-one advising and training that helps small businesses register, find bid opportunities, and win federal, state, and local government contracts.

Link
Four professional women engaged in a collaborative discussion in front of data charts, sharing ideas and strategies in a modern office setting

Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification

Women's Business Development Center

Have you ever thought of becoming a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE)? Did you know that thousands of corporations and many federal and government agencies want to partner with WBEs?

Link
Woman with small child on her lap, sitting at her laptop.

Childcare Businesses

Women's Business Development Center

A healthy network of childcare providers is vital for our economy. Without quality, dependable, and affordable childcare, parents cannot work. Have you been thinking about starting a childcare business, but you’re not sure how to begin?

Download
Portrait of a young saleswoman using digital tablet at ceramics workshop

(Spanish) Startup Expenses Spreadsheet

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation

A downloadable startup guide for entrepreneurs, available in both English and Spanish.

Link
Shot of two colleagues shaking hands during a meeting at work

Business Registration

Illinois Department of Revenue

If you plan to operate a business in Illinois, you must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). This resource outlines how to register online or by mail, obtain a tax ID number, and secure required business licenses.

Application
Beautiful woman is sitting at a desk and signing papers.

Business License Application

City of Joliet

The City of Joliet licenses and regulates certain businesses that operate within the corporate limits under the regulations found in the City Code of Ordinances. Business Services is responsible for receiving, processing, and issuing applications licenses and license renewals.

Video
Woman wearing glasses and an orange blouse working on a laptop at a bright, modern desk. Papers and office supplies are on the table around her, and shelves are visible in the background.

Small Business Financing 101 Videos

Small Business Majority

Our educational video series, Small Business Financing 101 & Small Business Retirement 101, provides quick answers to several frequently asked questions about accessing capital and saving for retirement.

Mentorship
Two women smiling and talking in an office setting. One holds a tablet while the other stands with her hands in her pockets. They appear relaxed and happy, with colleagues blurred in the background.

Business Assessment Center

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Illinois Small Business Development Centers are located throughout the state and provide information, confidential business guidance, training and other resources to start-up and existing small businesses.

Application
Two women connecting in a professional setting, smiling and shaking hands during a meeting.

Start A Business

Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Do you have a plan for starting or growing your business? Does the thought of doing a business plan make your head spin? Our Write Your Business Plan in 14 Days series makes it easy to start and finish your business plan in just 2 weeks.

Link
Woman working on a laptop at a desk.

LLC Articles of Organization

Illinois District Office

The Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) website provides essential services and information for entrepreneurs looking to register and maintain a business in Illinois, including forming LLCs, filing annual reports, and accessing licensing and notary services.

Illinois Region Map