Starting Your Own Small Business

 Many people have a great idea for a new product or service, but just don't know where to begin? A little planning and research will get your new business venture up and running in no time. 

When you start planning your new business, ask yourself the following questions first: 

• Is my idea practical?
• What or who is my competition?
• What benefits does my business offer that my competition does not?
• Can I deliver on the promises I've made?
• What supplies and financing are needed to get started?
• What will I name my business?

Lincoln Park Guide to Good Design

Design matters. Retail streets that have character and are appealing to shoppers are typically more successful. The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce has developed this guide as a resource for current and aspiring business and property owners to ensure that good design is part of their retail storefront.

Directed by the Clark Street SSA #23 to ensure  responsible design amongst businesses in the entire neighborhood, the Lincoln Park Guide to Good Design is an important tool for businesses opening in the area.  Responsible design and keeping in the character of the community are two elements that can assist in the success of a local shop, restaurant or storefront.

City of Chicago Resources

Below is a list of key PDFs individuals will need to start their own business, obtain a liquor license or public way permits in the City of Chicago. 

Business License Information
Public Use Permits
Collection Bin Permit
Sidewalk Cafe Permit
Public Use Costs
Liquor License Guide
Liquor License Financial Statement
Liquor License Packaged Goods Distribution
Liquor License Late Hour Consent
Liquor License Late Hour Aldermanic Notification
Liquor License Late Hour Community Notification

For a complete list of all permits necessary to operate a business in Chicago, please call 3-1-1 or visit the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).

The Solution Station

Get the help you need today! Don’t do it alone, let an expert help you in solving common business problems at no cost to you. Visit the City of Chicago's Small Business Solution Station - launched in early 2010 - every Tuesday (business counseling), Wednesday (legal assistance) and Thursday (financial assistance/loans) and get free business counseling, legal assistance and financial and loan assistance from trusted non-profit partner agencies. Stop by the Solution Station between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., located at BACP City Hall, Room 805 or make an appointment by calling (312) 744-5506.

Parking Information

Easy access to parking and simple delivery of your product are two key aspects of a successful business.  Below is information on loading zones, parking meters, Residential Parking Permits and more to help you better serve your customers.  For more information, please contact your alderman or the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection or City Clerk.

Loading Zones

Loading Zones are designated areas in the parking lane for the loading and unloading of deliveries to businesses.  These zones are for commercial vehicles or vehicles that hold a valid non-commercial loading zone permit only and are not designated to reserve parking for business patrons.

Loading Zones are request by merchants or building owners through the alderman's office.  Several considerations are involved in requesting a loading zone.  These considerations include: availability of alleys in the area; location, length and hours of the loading zone; delivery frequency and delivery volume.

15-Minute Standing Zones

Standing zones are designated areas in the parking lane for temporary parking.  Vehicles parking in standing zones must have their hazards flashing while the driver is away from the vehicle.  The process for determining a standing zone and approval is similar to that of a loading zone.  Please note: Even though the standing zone is placed adjacent to your business, vehicles standing int he zone are not obligated to patronize your business.

Valet Zones

Valet Zones are special loading zone areas in the parking lane for the operation of a valet service.  The process for determining a valet zone and approval is also similar to that of a loading zone.  Active hours will be limited to the hours of operation of the valet service.  If your business establishment wishes to conduct valet services independently, you must obtain a valet parking service license from the Department of Consumer Services.

Application Process:  Applications are available at your alderman's office.  With your application, you'll be responsible for providing a letter on company letterhead requesting the signage and two photos of the proposed location.  The Alderman then introduces an ordinance to the City Council requesting that the zone be approved.  Upon approval, the Department of Transporation, Bureau of Signs and Markings will survey the location and the Department of Revenue will bill you for the sign. Typical charges include: $70 per sign and 25 feet of space, $7 per additional foot; $100 if meters are removed and an annual maintenance fee.

Pay and Display Boxes

Most of Lincoln Park's key commercial districts feature pay-and-display boxes for paid parking.  The LPCC supports parking meters to encourage turnover for your business and others in the neighborhood.  At this time, most parking meters in Lincoln Park cost $1.25/hour.  Meters closer to downtown cost as much as $4.25 an hour.  After the 75-year lease of the city's parking meters in December 2008, an outside firm will control the prices of parking meters moving forward.

Residential Permit Parking

Chicago residential parking permits limit parking on many city streets - most notably in North Side neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview - to residents and their guests during designated hours.  A few notes about residential permit parking:

• You must purchase a City of Chicago vehicle sticker to qualify for a residential parking permit;
• Residential parking zones offer differ block by block;
• Only vehicles parking on city streets within a residential parking permit zone are required to purchase these stickers.  Residents who park their vehicles in a garage every night are exempt;
• Cars parked in residential permit zones without the proper permit will be subject to fines

The current fee is $25.  Residential permits can be purchased online or in-person.  A receipt of purchase of your City of Chicago vehicle sticker and proof of residency is required.  In-person transactions can be completed at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle.  For more information, contact the City Clerk of Chicago at (312) 744-7848 or www.chicityclerk.com.

Other Valuable Resources

For entrepreneurs who currently run or plan to open a business in Lincoln Park, the LPCC has compiled a variety of tips, guides and resources to help you tackle tough issues.

• A listing of Selected Business Resources (pdf)
• "Guide to Starting a Business (pdf)" by Corporate Creations

Resources from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

As any small business owner will tell you, navigating the various requirements in place through local, state and federal governments can be exhausting.  With employment laws, tax information and more changing seemingly every year, the "business of doing business" can be daunting.  To help make the process a little easier, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has developed various resources for small business owners.

Small Business Resources
Checklist for Starting a Business
Checklist for Closing a Business
Small Business Virtual Workshop

Important Links

United States Department of Labor
Illinois Department of Business Services
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
United States Postal Service