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Introduction
Skokie's convenient location is ideal for direct access to suppliers and
markets and an experienced and well-trained labor pool. The area's business
economy includes a highly diversified manufacturing base and strong retail,
service, professional and financial sectors. Some of the country's finest
educational institutions and cultural and entertainment attractions are
located in and near to the village. The Village of Skokie boasts high
quality housing in a variety of styles and price ranges. The businesses
and residents also enjoy an abundant and reliable supply of water, electricity,
natural gas and telecommunications services.
Skokie's industrial base is comprised of over 400 prosperous, well-managed
companies; all defined as clean, light industry. Careful city planning
and good enforcement of zoning regulations have made it possible for industrial
expansion to continue simultaneously with adjacent areas where blocks
of beautiful homes have been constructed with no conflicts between the
two.
The village is proud to have among its industrial and manufacturing family:
*Rauland Borg, *CFM Harris Systems, *Quartet Manufacturing, *Welch Vacuum,
Thomas Industries, *Kafko International, *Wm. W. Meyer & Sons, Inc, *Lambent
Technologies Corp. and *Georgia Nut Company to name a few.
* = This business
is a member of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce.
Licenses & Permits
State
Illinois Department of Professional Regulations
Assists in determining if a specific business requires State licensing
(i.e. professional licenses are given).
(312) 814-4500 Chicago
(217) 785-0800 Springfield
Illinois Secretary of State Business Service Department
Provides materials necessary to incorporate a business ("Articles of Incorporation)
(312) 793-3380
County
Cook County Clerk's Office
Provides materials necessary to register for sole proprietorships and
partnerships ("Assumed Name"-if a company name is different from the person's
own full name, it must be registered)
(312) 603-7528
Local
Village of Skokie License and Permit Department Provides applications
for building permits, certificates of occupancy, license fee schedules,
and request forms for final inspections.
(847) 673-0500, Larry Anderson
Taxes
Federal
Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
This federal taxpayer number is required by the government at the point
when one becomes an employer. Partnerships, corporations and non-profit
organizations also need an FEIN number. Sole proprietorships without employees
may also obtain and use an FEIN number instead of their Social Security
numbers on all business forms that ask for a "taxpayer identification
number." File IRS Form SS-4
(800) 829-3676, Form Distribution Center (to request form)
(800) 829-1040, Internal Revenue Service Tax Inquiry
State
Illinois Department of Revenue
All start-up businesses must register with this department. Information
on income tax, sales taxes, sales tax exemptions, real estate taxes, and
withholding taxes.
A Resale Certificate Number (allows a business to sell a product without
collecting sales tax) must be obtained if the business manufactures a
product and sells it wholesale or if the business sells a product purchased
elsewhere.
A Retailer's Occupation Tax Number must be obtained. This number allows
the business to purchase materials without paying the sales tax and sell
retail, collecting the taxes and remitting them to the department.
(800) 732-8866, Taxpayers Information, Springfield
(847) 294-4200, Taxpayers Assistance, Des Plaines
(312) 814-5258, or 814-2620, Sales Tax Division, Chicago
(312) 814-5232, Refund Assistance, Chicago
(217) 782-3336, Taxpayers Assistance, Springfield
(217) 524-4772, Business Hotline
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
A business may be required to make state unemployment contributions. A
business is generally liable for such contributions if it has 1) employed
one or more workers in each of 20 or more calendar weeks; or 2) paid at
least $1500 in total wages during the calendar quarter.
(312) 793-4880, Employers Assistance
(217) 782-2790, Springfield
(800) 247-4984, Toll free number
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Through its Taxpayers Education Division, the IRS offers entrepreneurs
monthly workshops to provide new or prospective business owners with current
tax information and instructions regarding business-filing requirements.
(312) 566-3338
(800) 829-3676, Tax Form Ordering (Tax forms are also available at the
Skokie Public Library & Skokie Post Office)
Click here for a detailed tax diagram.
(You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this information.)
You may contact the Village of Skokie at 847-673-0500 for more information
regarding taxes in Skokie.
Insurance
Every business (including businesses operated out of a home) should contact
an insurance agent to discuss business protection against fire, robbery,
vandalism and other disasters. Personal and product liability and business
interruption should also be checked.
Illinois Industrial Commission
Under the Workers' Compensation and Workers' Occupational Diseases Acts,
an employer is required to provide insurance for accidental deaths or
injuries or occupational diseases of employees arising in the course of
employment.
(312) 814-6500
Illinois Insurance Hotline
A toll-free service from Illinois insurance companies operated Monday
through Friday.
(800) 444-3338
National Council on Compensation Insurance
Information and rates regarding workers' compensation.
(800) 622-4123
Patents, Trademarks And Copyrights…
In some instances, protection is needed for a product, service or idea.
A patent document must be prepared by a patent attorney and the inventor,
and then filed and reviewed by the Patent Office.
A trademark is defined as any word, name, symbol or device, or any combination
thereof adopted and used by a manufacturer or merchant to identify his
goods and distinguish them from those manufactured or sold by others.
Applications for trademark registration is made to the Commissioner of
Patents and Trademarks, Washington, D.C., 20231, by the trademark owner
or their attorney. State of Illinois registration can be filed with the
Office of the Secretary of State, Index Division.
A copyright is a form of protection to the author(s) of original works,
including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, sound recordings and
certain other intellectual works. Application forms may be obtained by
writing the Copyright Office, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., 20540.
(217) 782-7596, Illinois State Library, Reference Desk
(312) 747-4300, Chicago Public Library Information Desk
(217) 782-7017, Secretary of State, Index Division
(800) 846-3228, Patent Information
(800) 786-9199, Trademark Information
(202) 707-3000, Copyright Office, Library of Congress
Technical & Financial Assistance…
A wide range of resources from both public and private sector agencies
are available to Skokie businesses. Over a dozen financial institutions
within the Village limits provide a full line of banking services to business
clients.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois Department of
Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA), and Cook County Office of
Planning and Development, to name just a few, can assist businesses
by providing loans or investments, or loan guarantees. These and other
organizations or agencies may also provide export financing and assistance,
technology assistance, and management assistance to help businesses start,
grow, and thrive.
(312) 353-4528, SBA
(217) 782-7500, Illinois DCCA
(312) 603-1000, Cook County Office of Planning and Development
*Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - offers general business
assistance; technical or training resources; financing opportunities;
business education and workshops; productivity assessment; access to management
resources; marketing information; assistance with financial analysis;
licensing information. The nearest SBDC is in Evanston.
(847) 866-1817.
First Stop Business Information Center - offers a detailed handbook,
"Starting a Business in Illinois," that includes a feasibility checklist
and business plan outline, as well as general business regulations and
issues facing new business ventures.
(800) 252-2923
International Trade Centers/NAFTA Opportunity Centers - international
market research data to evaluate key overseas opportunities; identification
of potential foreign buyers, agents and/or distributors through trade
leads; information and training programs on export procedures, distribution,
methods of payment and foreign business practices; an extensive collection
of international trade reference materials; access to the IL DCCA International
Business Division.
(309) 677-3075
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) - matching of the
firm's product, manufacturing or service capabilities with major military
and civilian buying agencies; providing assistance for the completion
of bidder application forms; identifying defense and civilian agency contracting
opportunities and providing automated bid matches to Illinois firms; providing
specifications, standards, bar coding, packaging and other information
needed to bid on government contracts; electronic commerce/electronic
data interchange training.
(773) 594-9562
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program - a toll-free Small
Business Environmental helpline to answer companies' questions regarding
environmental compliance issues; a free clearinghouse of over 300 easy
to understand environmental publications which are sent to those businesses
making requests; speakers on environmental issues for any organization
making a request.
(800) 252-3998
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) - A resource partner
of the Small Business Administration (SBA). An independent federal agency,
SBA offers assistance on starting a small business, SBA services and facts
about small business and business data. SCORE volunteers refer businesses
to proper sources for information and offer financial assistance, advice
and counseling.
(312) 353-7724, SCORE
(800) 827-5722, Answer Desk
The Skokie Chamber of Commerce hosts SCORE counseling every two weeks
in the office by appointment only. Please call 847-673-0240 for an appointment.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Has a small business ombudsman that helps firms comply with EPA regulations,
and acts as a clearinghouse of information to assist an individual or
business.
(800) 368-5888
Illinois Development Finance Authority (IDFA)
Offers a variety of funding mechanisms to businesses and units of local
government within Illinois.
(312) 627-1434 Chicago
(217) 524-1567 Springfield
Illinois Small Business Growth Corporation (ISBGC)
A statewide, not-for-profit development company certified by the Small
Business Administration (SBA) to provide below-market, long-term, fixed-rate
financing for fixed assets to new and expanding businesses.
(217) 522-2772
U.S. Department of Commerce (USDC), Economic Development Administration
(EDA)
Provides financial aid and advice to businesses that meet the twin criteria
of being economically viable and being located within targeted economically
distressed areas.
(312) 353-7706
National Association of Women Business Owners
Sessions on growth strategies for small & medium sized businesses, including
international business opportunities and mergers and acquisitions.
(309) 692-2225
Women's Business Development Center
A non-profit women's business resource center and assistance program offering
free counseling service to women in business or those starting a business.
(312) 853-3477
Illinois State Chamber of Commerce (ISCC)
Conducts major statewide legislative action programs for small businesses
and provides referral services to small businesses seeking to fully utilize
state and federal resources for training, financing, management and investment.
Gives new businesses advice and answers questions on compliance with state
and federal rules and regulations. Assists with questions on wages, labor
laws, unemployment insurance and equal opportunity.
(312) 983-7100
(800) 322-4722, Helpline
Illinois Retail Merchant Association (IRMA)
Technical assistance and lobbying at the state level particularly on retail
store operations, sales tax and unemployment insurance issues. "Small
Store Survival Guide" available to independent owners and managers.
(312) 726-4600
(800) 572-5044
Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA)
Technical assistance and lobbying.
(630) 368-5300
(800) 482-0462
*Skokie Public Library
This library has one of the largest collections of business information
resources in the north suburban area. Information professionals are ready
to assist businesses, by phone, e-mail or in person, in finding the information
they need to grow and prosper. The library's broad range of services include
a collection of business directories, access to thousands of business
journals, state-of-the-art computer database searching, info-FAX service,
telephone reference 9:00am to 12:00am, library cards for Skokie businesses,
business videos and cassettes, financial data and background information
on millions of companies, career and employment information, investment
reports and newsletters, industry surveys and market analysis reports,
trademark and product information, and model business letters, forms and
contracts, etc.
(847) 673-7774
Also contact the Skokie Chamber of Commerce at (847) 673-0240 for a
current list of financial institutions that offer a variety of loans to
small businesses for start-up and expansion.
* = This business is a member of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce.
International Trade Assistance…
U.S. Export Assistance Center - U.S. Department of Commerce & International
Trade Administration
(312) 353-8040
(202) 377-3808, Washington D.C.
(800) 343-4300, Export Counseling Center, Washington D.C.
U.S. Small Business Administration
(312) 353-4528
(800) 827-5722
International Trade Center & NAFTA Opportunity Center-North Business
and Industrial Council (NORBIC)
(773) 594-9292
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
(212) 838-8688
Consulate General of Poland
(312) 642-4102
Job Training Assistance And Employment…
State
Illinois Department of Human Services (Public Aid)
A government welfare-to-work program offering off-site contracted training,
education and placement programs.
(800) 843-6154
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Provides a number of services including: unemployment, job service, dislocated
workers, labor management, veterans services, Job Training Partnership
Act services
(312) 793-5700
Local
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
An accredited, non-sectarian, for-profit social service agency, which
provides comprehensive job placement, vocational counseling, rehabilitation,
and skills training services. JVS operates production shops providing
necessary labor intensive secondary operations to business and industry
and bids contracts in areas such as packaging, assembling, labeling and
mailing.
*NTSW
A not-for-profit agency, NTSW fills the needs for retired elderly to remain
productive by doing piecework for local employers. Handicapped young adults
between the ages of 18-40 are helped to adjust to competitive employment.
NTSW's rehabilitation program makes both missions possible.
(847) 679-5610
*Oakton Community College-The Business Institute
Offers programs on technical, operational and leadership skills; marketing
and sales consultation and development; organizational or process development;
international trade options for defining and meeting current opportunities;
training services in basic skills, reading, math, English as a second
language, business competencies, leadership/supervision skills, team development,
customer service, marketing, sales, problem solving, quality/technical,
ISO 9000, statistical process control, hydraulics, pneumatics & controls,
blueprint reading, geometric dimensioning & tolerancing, programmable
controllers, computer skills, etc.
(847) 635-1932
Northeastern Illinois University College of Business & Management
Offers a number of services to businesses and other organizations. NEIU
faculty can be made available to design and deliver in-house courses ontopics
related to their academic and practical experience. Similarly, faculty
can conduct small scale applied research projects on a contractual basis
(marketing research, morale surveys, manufacturing methods, etc.). The
college operates a student internship program which allows students to
gain insights into employment opportunities in several business sectors
while, at the same time, allowing businesses to obtain a "no obligation"
look at potential future employees.
(773) 442-6100
*Orchard Village
A vocational training program, including a Transitional and a Supportive
Employment Program, serving employers and developmentally disabled adults
in Skokie, Niles and surrounding areas. Clients may be trained to perform
a specific job for a participating employer. Clients may be paid according
to their productivity. Arrangements can be made for the employer to receive
Targeted Job Tax Credits for hiring a disabled worker.
(847) 967-1800
*The Workforce Development Council
A non-profit organization responsible for developing training and employment
programs to help enhance the quality of the local labor force in the north
and northwest suburbs of Cook County. For business, the council provides
referrals of trained workers; reimbursement for worker training; assistance
with placement of workers being laid off due to plant closing or mass
layoff; tax credits and customized training programs.
(847) 699-9040
Senior Action Service
Welfare-to-work services.
(847) 864-7174
*Shore Training Center
Provides vocational adjustment programs for disabled citizens. Some of
the services performed by the center include custom packing, sales kit
assembly and packaging, hand-bindery, hand-collating, machine and hand-folding,
stapling, mailing service, soldering and much more.
(847) 581-0200
Other Incentives…
International Executive Service Corps (IESC)
Offers volunteer counselors for business and government in developing
countries.
(203) 967-6000
National Executive Service Corps (NRSC) & Senior Career Planning & Placement
Service (SCPP)
NESC finds retirees in specialties such as planning, marketing, and fund-raising
for non-profit organizations. SCPP finds retired executives for salaried
posts.
(212) 529-6660
Skokie Industrial Development Bond Program
If you are a Skokie industrial company, or a prospective industry considering
a Skokie location, this program can provide low cost financing for those
seeking to expand or renovate existing facilities, construct a new building,
or finance the purchase of industrial real estate.
(847) 673-0500, Thomas Thompson, Village Economic Development Coordinator
Property Tax Incentives, Cook County Assessors Office
These incentives are designed to encourage industrial and commercial development
countywide, to stimulate the revitalization of communities suffering from
economic stagnations, and overall to maintain and increase job opportunities
(Class 6b, Class 6c, Class 7a/7b, Class 8, Class L).
(312) 603-7528
* = This business is a member of the Skokie Chamber of Commerce.
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