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! 

Filter By

What's my region?
Training Program

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

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

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

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

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

(Spanish) Startup Expenses Spreadsheet

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation

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

Link

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

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

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

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

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

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