The Fox Valley Chapter of SCORE offers a resources on their website that can help you start your business. Information about legal considerations, business plans, accounting, marketing and more are available to your for free. Click here to access these resources.
Will County Economic Update 1st Quarter 2013
The Workforce Investment Board of Will County has summarized a variety of economic statistics to provide an overview of the county’s business climate during the last quarter. This includes information on employment by industry and by occupation, unemployment rates by industry and by geographic area, average wages and more. Data for prior years is included as well so that comparisons can be made over time.
Click here to view the complete Will County Economic Update for January – March (1st Quarter) 2013.
Legal Forms for Small Business Owners
The Library provides access to an online resource called Gale LegalForms that has free legal forms for both personal and business use, many of which are specific for use in Illinois. Gale LegalForms provides convenient, authoritative means for understanding common legal procedures through access to “attorney forms”. Whether for business, personal or litigation purposes, each form is conveniently accessible and downloadable in either Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat, as well as other formats. As with all legal matters, please consult with an attorney to make sure the forms are appropriate for your situation.
Plainfield Public Library cardholders may use this resource from home or in the library. Cardholders from other libraries may visit the library in person to access this resource on one of the public computers.
Upcoming Workshops for Business Owners Provided by SCORE
The Fox Valley Chapter of SCORE offers free and low cost workshops for business owners. Topics include business planning, using social media, advertising, and more. Details and links to register are available here: http://www.scorefoxvalley.org/workshops.php.
Free Small Business Mentoring at the Plainfield Library (IL)
The Fox Valley Chapter of SCORE will offer free mentoring sessions to small business owners and start-ups at the Library on the second Monday of the month beginning May 13, 2013, 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Space is very limited, and registrations is required. Go to www.ScoreFoxValley.org, click on Free Mentoring and follow the steps to register at the Plainfield Public Library. Click here for step-by-step instructions. SCORE is a nationwide, non-profit organization dedicated to helping the owners of existing and start-up businesses assure that their businesses grow and prosper.
SBA’s Guide to Going Green
St. Patrick’s Day, spring-like weather and the recent celebration of Earth Day may have turned your thoughts toward things green–and that can be a good thing for your business! ”Going green” can help you attract eco-conscious customers and employees alike. Using energy-efficient technology can help your business save money (also known as cabbage, lettuce, kale or, of course, greenbacks). And adding a green spin to your marketing efforts can differentiate and enhance your brand.
The U. S. Small Business Administration recently updated its Green Business Guide for 2013. It offers valuable information on green marketing, business practices, case studies, certification/ecolabeling, green commuting and environmental grants/loans. Take a look at this recent SBA blog post, which provides links to the guide as well as to energy efficiency tips, additional resources offered by SCORE, and an online training course on taking advantage of eco-trends.
Reminder: May 2, 2013: Marketing with Facebook Updates presentation at the Plainfield Public Library (IL)
Strictly Business Lunch & Learn Series
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Noon to 1:00 PM
Topic: Marketing with Facebook Updates: Laura Donovan from The Word Pro demonstrates how to use the newly updated search feature in Facebook to enhance product/company awareness and increase sales.
This is a free program and all are welcome. Click here to register online or call 815-327-2515.
The Strictly Business Lunch & Learn Series is in partnership with the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Please bring your lunch, drinks and dessert will be provided.
