For Entrepreneurs - Small Business Research

Business Links

Local Resources At the Library

Starting a business is a daunting task, despite many free resources available to the entrepreneur. In 2008, the Galesburg Public Library was selected as a participant in the program “Building Rural Libraries and Communities.” Through this program, run collaboratively by Western Illinois University, the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at WIU, the Alliance Library System and the Western Illinois Entrepreneurship Center, a computer workstation dedicated to business development activities was donated to the library and is available in the adult services area (near the Reference desk).

In addition to the print materials at the library, various websites and databases may help with business research and writing a business plan.

The following websites may be useful for entrepreneurs in Galesburg:

Business Plans

Research your business

Research your market

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Local Resources- Get expert assistance from the following agencies:
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
    For new and existing small businesses

    Service: One-on-one counseling; assistance with management, business plans and marketing; financial services; training

    Contact: Carol Stombaugh
    309-836-2640
    309-837-4688 (fax)
    sb-center@wiu.edu

     

  • GREDA (Galesburg Regional Economic Development Region)
    For existing and prospective businesses

    Service: Local market data & demographics, available property information, business incubation, relocation services, financial assistance & incentives, coordination of incentives & workforce training through state & local offices

    Contact: Linda Utsinger % GREDA
    185 S. Kellogg
    P.O. Box 749
    Galesburg, Illinois 61401
    Phone: 309-343-1194
    Fax: 309-343-1195
    http://www.greda.org

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  • City of Galesburg (Economic Development)
    For current and prospective business owners within Galesburg

    Service: TIF districts, loan programs, other financial incentives for businesses located or planning to locate in Galesburg.

    Contact: Cesar Suarez, Economic Development Director
    Phone: 309-345-3628
    Fax: 309-345-5703
    csuarez@ci.galesburg.il.us

  • City of Galesburg (Other Departments)
    Current and prospective business owners within Galesburg

    Service: Municipal permits, licenses, registrations services, zoning as well as the city government. Many forms on website http://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/

    Contact:
    City of Galesburg
    55 W. Tompkins Street
    P.O. Box 1387
    Galesburg, IL 61402-1387
    309-343-4181

  • Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce
    Existing businesses in the Galesburg area.

    Service: Networking and inclusion in Chamber events. The Chamber also supports the Downtown Business Association, which has several financial programs.


    Contact : Chamber of Commerce
    Galesburg Commerce Center
    311 E. Water Street
    Galesburg, Illinois 61401
    Phone: 309-343-1194
    Fax: 309-343-1195
    chamber@galesburg.org

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    Magazines, Journals, and Newspapers

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