Business Basics: Your Guide from Idea to Launch
Starting a business takes more than an idea—it takes a plan, the right paperwork, and the right support. The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce has pulled together trusted resources to help you navigate permits, certifications, funding, and more.
Browse our top free tools and get started today.
From Idea to Launch
Starting a business is exciting, but it also requires thoughtful planning and compliance with state and local regulations. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide with trusted local resources to support you at every stage.
Economic Alliance of Kankakee County: ​The Economic Alliance of Kankakee County is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering economic growth in Kankakee County, Illinois. Its mission is to create jobs and expand the economic base by improving the business climate through retention and expansion of established employers, recruitment of new employers, and business development. ​
Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): The Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer no-cost, confidential support to entrepreneurs and small business owners across Illinois. They help with everything from starting a business to expanding or managing an existing one, offering guidance on business planning, marketing, financing, and more.
Small Business Administration (SBA): The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that provides support to small businesses through loans, grants, counseling, and contracting opportunities. Its main goal is to help entrepreneurs succeed and promote economic growth.
Your Quick-Click Resource Hub:
Business Plan guide
Marketing Resources
- Marketing research and competitive analysis
- 10 Steps to start your business
- Publications & Business Guide
Financial Resources
1.Research & Planning
Before making financial commitments, conduct research to ensure your business idea is viable.
Key Steps:
- Conduct market research to identify your target customers, competition, and industry trends.
- Create a business plan outlining goals, marketing strategies, financial projections, and funding needs.
Local Resources:
- Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Kankakee Community College – Offers free business planning assistance and market research support.
- Website:Â www.kcc.edu| Phone: (815) 802-8222
- Kankakee Public Library – Provides access to market research databases and business reference materials.
- Website:Â www.kankakeepubliclibrary.org| Phone: (815) 939-4564
2. Choose your Structure
Your legal structure affects taxes, liability, and operations. Options include:
- Sole Proprietorship – Easy to set up, but you are personally liable for business debts.
- LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Protects personal assets while offering flexibility.
- Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp) – Best for larger businesses seeking investment.
Local Resources:
- Illinois Secretary of State – Business Services – Register your LLC or Corporation.
- Website:Â www.ilsos.gov| Phone: (217) 782-6961
- SBDC at KCC – Provides guidance on choosing the right structure for your business.
3. Register Your Business
Key Steps:
- Choose and register a business name with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes and hiring employees.
- Register with the State of Illinois if forming an LLC or corporation.
Local Resources:
- Illinois Secretary of State – Business Registration
- Website:Â www.ilsos.gov
- IRS – Apply for EIN
- Website:Â www.irs.gov
5. Set Up Finances & Taxes
Key Steps:
- Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances.
- Set up accounting software or hire an accountant.
- Register for state taxes if selling goods or services.
Local Resources:
- Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) – Handles state sales tax and employer taxes.
- Website:Â www2.illinois.gov/rev
- Local Banks & Credit Unions – Offer business banking services.
- Local Small Business Accountants – The Chamber can connect you with CPAs.
6. Secure Funding
Starting a business often requires capital. Consider:
- Small business loans from banks and credit unions.
- Grants and incentives from local and state programs.
- Alternative funding such as investors or crowdfunding.
Local Resources:
- Kankakee County SBDC – Helps businesses apply for loans and grants.
- Kankakee County Economic Alliance – Provides financial resources for small businesses.
- Website:Â www.kankakeecountyed.org
7. Set Up Operations & Marketing
Key Steps:
- Find a business location and check zoning laws.
- Obtain business insurance to protect against liability.
- Develop a marketing plan and establish an online presence.
Local Resources:
- Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce – Offers networking, business promotion, and marketing support.
- Website:Â www.kankakeecountychamber.com
- Kankakee Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Offers marketing strategy assistance.
- Google My Business – Free online business listing.
- Website:Â www.google.com/business
8. Hire & Train Employees (If Needed)
Key Steps:
- Comply with federal and state labor laws.
- Obtain workers’ compensation insurance if hiring employees.
- Develop employee policies and training programs.
Local Resources:
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) – Provides employer guidelines.
- Website:Â www.ides.illinois.gov
- Kankakee Workforce Services – Helps with recruitment and employee training.
- Website:Â www.kcc.edu/workforce
9. Launch & Grow Your Business
Once everything is in place, it’s time to open your doors!
- Plan a grand opening event.
- Engage with the Chamber of Commerce and other local business networks.
- Monitor financial performance and adjust as needed.
Local Resources:
- Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce – Offers ribbon-cutting ceremonies, networking opportunities, and marketing support.
- Kankakee County Economic Alliance – Provides business growth resources.
Program Description Section 8a(1) of the Illinois Promotion Act (20 ILCS 665/1 et seq.) authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to award grants to counties, municipalities, units of local government, not-for-profit organizations, local promotion groups and for-profit businesses for the development or improvement of tourism attractions in Illinois. Tourism Attractions are defined as fishing and hunting areas, State parks, historical/cultural sites, areas of historic or scenic interest, museums, recreation areas, botanical gardens, theme/amusement parks, interpretive programs and other facilities or businesses that attract or serve visitors that are open to the public for a minimum of 100 days per year (if the tourism attraction is entirely event-driven, then it shall be open for a minimum of 200 hours per year), and are marketed and promoted to visitors from more than 50 miles away.
Tourism Private Sector Grant Program:
Section 5(b) of the Illinois Promotion Act (20 ILCS 665) authorizes the Department to make grants to Illinois not-for-profit organizations, for-profit entities, counties, municipalities and local promotion groups to match funds from sources in the private sector for the purpose of attracting and hosting tourism events in Illinois and developing new events and festivals in Illinois or enhancing existing Illinois festivals. Tourism Event is defined as an event, such as a major convention, trade show, sporting activity or festival, with potential to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius and to produce significantly increased economic impact for the State of Illinois through overnight stays. Tourism Festival is defined as an organized series of public activities for a specific duration that may include, but are not limited to, cultural performances, exhibitions, fairs, or carnivals that may include music and the service of food and beverages.
Marketing Partnership Program:
Program Description Section5 (a) f the Illinois Promotion Act [20 ILCS 665/5-8] authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to award grants to counties, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and local promotion groups for the promotion of tourism attractions, destinations and tourism events in Illinois. This particular opportunity is for projects outside Cook County. The complementary program for projects within Cook County is NOFO #: 2097-3163.
Direct link to the general DCEO posting site for application documents:Â Apply for Funding - Grant Opportunities
$5 Million – Illinois Overflow and Sewer Grant
Purpose:Â Supports local governments in addressing combined sewer overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and stormwater management to improve water quality.
Eligible Applicants:Â Â Government Organizations.
·         No match required for:
o   Rural communities (population < 10,000)
o   Financially distressed communities (population <30,000 with median household income <70% of the state average.
Deadline: January 1, 2027, or until all funds have been expended.
Apply via:Â Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.
$788,000 – Gulf Hypoxia Program
Purpose:Â Reduce nitrate pollution in Illinois surface waters by funding nonpoint source edge-of-field control projects as part of the Gulf Hypoxia Program.
               Eligible Practices:
1.       Denitrifying Bioreactors – Remove nitrates from water
2.       Saturated Buffers – Filter water before it reaches streams
3.       Constructed Wetlands – Treat and clean water
Eligible Applicants:Â Individuals, Small Businesses, Others, Government Organizations, Education Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, For-Profit Organizations.
·         Projects must be in priority watersheds where water drains into the Gulf of Mexico and use at least one of the above best management practices.
Deadline: January 1, 2027, or until all funds have been expended.
Apply via:Â Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.
DCEO has announced $31.5 million in funding as part of the Regional Site Readiness Program.
Eligible applicants include:
- Â Local governments
- Economic development organizations
- • Nonprofit organizations
- Â For-profit organizations
- Private landowner
Eligible projects include (but not limited to):
- • Land acquisition and related expenses
- Appraisal, surveying, real estate, and legal fees
- Title transfer taxes
- Land preparation, if done as part of a larger grant funded, bondable project
- Clearing, grading, drainage
- Infrastructure expenses
- Utility construction
- Roadway construction
- Water and sewer construction
- Rail access
- Environmental remediation, if done as part of a larger grant funded, bondable project
More info for this program can be found here:Â https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/3429-3152.html\
llinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrade Program (Round 2)
Program Details:Â This program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades.
Eligible Applicants:Â Existing independently owned, for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores.
Application Deadline:Â December 15, 2025
Equitable Energy Future Grant Program
Program Details:Â This program is intended to address barriers to project, community, and business development in justice-impacted communities caused by a lack of available capital.
Eligible Applicants: Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC) that can provide an Illinois Power Agency EEC certification. An EEC per the definition in the Illinois Power Agency Act, is defined as: a business that is majority-owned by equity eligible persons; a nonprofit or cooperative that is majority governed by equity eligible persons; a natural person that is an equity eligible person offering personal services as an independent contractor. Applicants must submit their Illinois Power Agency Certification. Become an Equity Eligible Contractor.
Application Deadline:Â December 31, 2025
Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program
Program Details:Â This program will deliver clean jobs training in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to individuals within 36 months of their release to prepare them to work in clean energy and related sector jobs upon release. The program provides classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities, utilizing a standard Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework, connecting program graduates with potential employers in the clean energy industry, and addressing participant needs.
Eligible Applicants:Â Community-based organizations providing employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community; include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments; and, have a history of serving committed persons or justice involved persons.
Application Deadline:Â Rolling
Spectrum Insurance Group- 2025 Creative Benefit Consultants Program Overview
United Health Care - 2025 Community Chamber Program
From Then to Now – See What Our Community’s Been Up To!
Need More Help?
The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce is here to support you! Contact us for personalized guidance, networking opportunities, and access to local business resources.
Website:Â www.kankakeecountychamber.com
Phone: (815) 351-9068
Let’s build a thriving business community together!
