Small Business Resources

Business Planning External Link

Development

Creativity in Business External Link

New Business Enterprises External Link

Strategic Planning External Link

Success in Business External Link

Operations

Bookkeeping External Link

Employee Motivation External Link

Internet Marketing External Link

Leadership External Link

Management External Link

Marketing External Link

Organizational Change External Link

Hoopla Links

All Business External Link

Business Development External Link

Consulting Business External Link

E-Commerce Small Business External Link

Entrepreneurship External Link

Home-based Businesses External Link

Industries External Link

New Business Enterprises External Link

Nonprofits & Charities External Link

Ads & Promotion External Link

Advertising & Marketing

Consumer Behavior External Link

Digital Marketing External Link

Marketing External Link

Media & Communications External Link

Public Relations External Link

Business Operations

Customer Relations External Link

Distribution External Link

Franchises External Link

HR & Personnel External Link

Office Management External Link

Organizational Development External Link

Production & Operations External Link

Project Management External Link

Quality Control External Link

Finances

Bookkeeping External Link

Private Equity External Link

Purchasing & Buying External Link

Venture Capital External Link

Valuation External Link

Small Business Resources

Small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations explore these valuable, free resources at home or in the Library. Learn about writing a business plan, finding customers, marketing your business, finding grants and more.

Business Library Card

Businesses and nonprofits located in the city of Rolling Meadows are eligible for a free Rolling Meadows business Library card.

Your Business card gives you free access to books, newspapers, magazines, meeting rooms, and online resources.

How to get a Business CardExternal Link

Business Magazines

Find business magazines at the library in Adult Reference. Or search the online catalog External Link to browse and place holds on magazines.

Digital Library of IL Magazines

Digital Business Magazines External Link

Digital Magazines External Link

Business Start-Up Steps

If you're not sure where to start or need help with your next step, look through this comprehensive list of planning, launching, growing, and exiting your small business. Not every step will fit your unique business needs. It helps to define your business' mission, vision, and values to focus and guide your next steps.

Research & Development

Competition & Market Research
- 1. Census Business Builder (CBB) External Link - Demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format
  2. EDGAR Competition Research External Link - Research a company’s financial information and operations by reviewing registration statements, prospectuses and periodic reports filed on Forms 10-K and 10-Q
  3. Labor Statistics Industries at a Glance External Link - Pages for each industry display a current "snapshot" of national data obtained from different BLS surveys and programs
  4. Market Research & Competitive Analysis External Link - Improve business ideas by identifying opportunities and limitations for gaining customers
  5. Market Research Links External Link - Research a specific industry
  6. Market Research Questions External Link - Get feedback on product or service feasibility, understanding consumer needs and interests, and pricing concepts
  7. NAICS Business Statistics Search External Link - Compare the inputs and outputs, industrial performance, productivity, unit labor costs, and employment from companies in the US, Canada, & Mexico
  8. Reference SolutionLibrary Card Required - Gather competitive business info, and more to give your small business a boost
  9. Value LineLibrary Card Required - Full-page stock reports of company's past performance, current status, outlook, and industry reviews
Research & Analyze
- 1. Calculate Startup Costs External Link - Estimate expenses before you can request funding, attract investors, and estimate when you’ll turn a profit
  2. Cost Benefit Analysis External Link - Data-driven decision-making can enable you to be a more effective entrepreneur
  3. Feasibility ChecklistPDF File - Evaluate business ideas & screen out any ideas likely to fail before you invest time, money, and effort
  4. Small Business Data Center External Link - Facts, statistics and data visualizations about small businesses’ contributions to the economy and the unique challenges that Main Street businesses face
  5. Small Business Forecast External Link - Summary of the latest data and what it means for the health of America's small businesses
  6. Small Business Snapshot Reports External Link - Research reports on small business ideas, including data, trends, associations, related sources of information, and more
  7. SWOT Analysis Worksheet External Link - Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for your business
  8. Your Customers & Communities External Link - Data on age, race, income, labor force, commute time to work, home value, veteran status, and other important data about your customers
Develop & Organize
- 1. Business Model Canvas External Link - Describe, design, challenge, invent, and pivot your business model
  2. Choose a Business Name External Link - Pick a name that reflects your brand identity then make sure it is properly registered and protected for the long term
  3. Choose a Business Structure External Link - Choose a business structure that gives you the right balance of legal protections and benefits
  4. Develop Ideas External Link - Develop ideas and navigate tough choices during the earliest stages of founding a start-up
  5. Small Business Reference CenterLibrary Card Required - Small business start-up kit, business plans, business basics and more
  6. Questions to Ask Yourself External Link - Ask yourself these 5 questions before you decide to go “all-in”

Plan & Launch

Business Plan
- 1. Business Plan Samples & Templates External Link - Resources for writing a business plan & an alphabetized list of 800+ free sample business plans
  2. Business Planning Interactive Slideshow External Link - Build a Business Plan from start to finish following logical steps: readiness, creating the plan, & setting goals
  3. Sample Plans by Business External Link - Explore over 550 industry-specific business plan examples for inspiration
  4. Small Business Reference CenterLibrary Card Required - Resources on how to write, edit, and finalize your business plans
  5. Startup Business Plan Template External Link - Download this step-by-step business plan template to lay the groundwork for your new business
  6. Write your Business Plan External Link - Learn how to write a business plan quickly and efficiently with a business plan template
Business Registration & License
- 1. Business Tax Registration Form External Link - New businesses in Illinois need to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue or Illinois Department of Employment Security (Form REG-1)
  2. Cook County Business License External Link - Businesses operating in Unincorporated Cook County are required to obtain a Cook County General Business License
  3. Cook County Business Name Registration External Link - Certain types of businesses are required to register assumed names with the local county clerk's office
  4. Do You Need an EIN? External Link - Answer this list of questions to determine if you need an Employer Identification Number
  5. EIN Online Application External Link - Employer Identification Numbers are issued for the purpose of tax administration
  6. Federal and State Tax ID Numbers External Link - Your state tax ID and federal tax ID numbers work like a personal social security number, but for your business
  7. Register Your Business External Link - How and where you need to register your business to make it a distinct legal entity
  8. Register Your Business Name External Link - Once you settle on a business name there are four different ways to register it
  9. Understanding Business License External Video Link - Video review of business licenses that are available and how to apply for the license or permit you need
Fund Your Business
- 1. Advantage Illinois External Link - Helps eligible Illinois businesses get term loan financing at lower rates by purchasing a portion of the loan and lowering risk for lenders
  2. Allies for Community Business Loans External Link - Offers term loans and lines of credit between $500 and $100,000 to early, emerging, and established businesses in Illinois
  3. Are You Ready for a Loan? External Link - Prepare for the loan application with this four-step process
  4. Choose the Right Funding External Link - How you choose to fund your business could affect how you structure and run your business
  5. Establish Business Credit External Link - Apply for business credit and maintain good personal and business credit history
  6. Grants 101 External Link - A short summary of Federal Grants
  7. Lender Match External Link - Start or expand your business with loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration
  8. Search Federal Grants External Link - Search all US grant opportunities by keyword, eligibility, category, and more
  9. US Grants External Link - Small business grants for for-profit businesses, organizations, and public-sector entities in Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Intellectual Property
- 1. Copyright, Patent, & Trademark for Entrepreneurs External Link - US Patent and Trademark Office resource center
  2. Intellectual Property External Link - Your intellectual property is a valuable intangible asset that should be protected to enhance your competitive advantage in the marketplace
  3. IP Basics Toolkit External Link - Learn more about intellectual property and the basics of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
  4. Patents External Link - Info on types of patents, the cost, and process overview
  5. Trademark, Copyright, and Logos External Link - Help build your brand identity and establish protections from unauthorized use
Legal & Insurance
- 1. Ask a Lawyer Videos & More External Link - Illinois State Bar Association helps you understand how local, state, and federal laws affect all aspects of your business
  2. Elaws Advisors External Link - Set of interactive, online tools to help employers learn about their rights and responsibilities under numerous Federal employment laws
  3. Get Business Insurance External Link - Business insurance protects you from the unexpected costs of running a business, accidents, natural disasters, and lawsuits
  4. Get Legal Help (Illinois Legal Aid) External Link - Submit details of your small business legal problem for help finding information, legal forms, or lawyer referral
  5. Illinois Legal Aid Resources External Link - Legal resources for anyone who runs a non-profit or small business
  6. Legal Information Reference CenterLibrary Card Required - Navigate legal matters of all kinds with reliable “how-to” information and thousands of federal, multi-state and state-specific legal forms
  7. Legal Structure and Contract Negotiation External Video Link - Learn the meaning and purpose of many commonly used contract terms and how written terms affect legal rights and contract negotiations
  8. Stay Legally Compliant External Link - Keep your business compliant with state and federal business laws
Licenses, Permits & Zoning
- 1. Business Specific Licenses & Permits External Link - Check to see if any of your business activities need a federal license or permit, then apply with the right agency
  2. Cook County Building and Zoning E-Permits External Link - For the residents and businesses located in unincorporated Cook County
  3. IDFPR required Certifications/Verifications External Link - Access Acts & Rules, Licensure Applications, and Certifications/Verifications for industries organized alphabetically
  4. Rolling Meadows Business Forms External Link - All business applications, forms, and more for Rolling Meadows
  5. Rolling Meadows Business License External Link - Rolling Meadows based business licenses run on a calendar year and fees are based on square footage
  6. Rolling Meadows Planning & Zoning External Link - Land use and development in Rolling Meadows is regulated
  7. U.S. and Foreign Regulations External Link - Exporters mus comply with both U.S. regulations and foreign import requirements
Location
- 1. Choosing a Location External Link - Key considerations & resources for choosing a location including, site selection research, traffic counts & more
  2. Find Properties in Illinois External Link - Conduct searches on available commercial and industrial sites and building locations throughout Illinois
  3. Home Business External Link - Start a home business — one possible way to start on your path to independence and financial security
  4. Illinois Site Selection External Link - Flip through this guide of investment opportunities in Illinois to help your business thrive
  5. Research the Best Location External Link - Your business location determines the taxes, zoning laws, and regulations your business will be subject to

Manage Your Business

Banking, Finances, & Recordkeeping
- 1. Accounting & Tax External Link - Budget, track expenses, pay suppliers, categorize transactions, keep detailed and accurate books
  2. Finance and Financing Your Small Business External Link - Make educated decisions when you are just starting up, trying to turn a profit, want to buy an existing business or ready to retire
  3. Getting Started in QuickBooks External Video Link - Keep your profits and costs organized with this hands-on overview of QuickBooks
  4. Manage Your Finances External Link - Accounting for revenue and expenses can help keep your business running smoothly
  5. Open a Business Bank Account External Link - A business bank account helps you stay legally compliant and protected
  6. Recordkeeping External Link - Prepare your financial statements, identify sources of income, keep track of deductible expenses, prepare your tax returns, and much more
  7. Weiss Financial RatingsLibrary Card Required - Find the best banks, credit unions and insurance companies for your business ventures
Hiring & Leadership
- 1. Employee Benefits IRS External Link - Small business owners learn about workers’ compensation, fringe benefits, and health plans
  2. Employment Eligibility Verification External Link - All U.S. employers must properly complete Form I-9 for every individual they hire for employment in the United States
  3. Hire and Manage Employees External Link - Establish a basic payroll structure to help you hire employees and understanding of state and federal labor laws
  4. Hiring Employees IRS Records and Forms External Link - Learn what you need to prepare to before the hiring process
  5. Hiring Strategies External Link - Build a team with the skills and professional values to impress your customers and clients
  6. Human Resources for Small Business External Link - Find a range of guidance & topic-specific resources for managing your most important asset – people
  7. IRS Businesses with Employees External Link - Tax responsibilities include withholding, depositing, reporting and paying employment taxes
  8. Managing a Remote Team External Link - Tips shared by entrepreneurs to keep your team motivated and engaged when not working face-to-face
  9. Resources for Employers External Link - Find answers to common questions about workers and business from the US Department of Labor
  10. Small Business Employer Concerns External Link - Resources you need to learn and adhere to applicable pay, safety and health, and nondiscrimination requirements
Operations & Safety
- 1. Buy Assets and Equipment External Link - Figure out which assets you need, how to pay for them, and whether you should buy government surplus
  2. Cybersecurity Plans for Small Business External Link - Strategies and resources for developing and implementing cybersecurity plans, including frameworks, policies and related resources
  3. Disaster Preparedness External Link - Planning & preparing for disasters is critical for small businesses to recover from disasters
  4. Environmental Assistance Program External Link - Free, confidential information and services to help small businesses understand and comply with their environmental obligations
  5. Prepare for an Emergency External Link - Access your risk, create plans, get financial assistance, and more
  6. Products & Manufacturing Safety External Link - Figure out which Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements apply to your products
Taxes
- 1. Choose Your Tax Year External Link - A "tax year" is an annual accounting period for keeping records and reporting income and expenses
  2. Filing and Paying Your Business Taxes External Link - Find information on every kind of federal tax you will need to prepare and file for your business
  3. Illinois Business Taxes External Link - Business and tax information you need to file and pay your Illinois business taxes
  4. Incentives and Tax Credits External Link - Illinois offers tax-based incentives to help your business create jobs and invest in Illinois
  5. Online Tax Calendar External Link - View due dates and actions for each month, set calendar reminders, sync to your mobile device, and more
  6. Pay Your Business Taxes External Link - The form of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay them
  7. Small Business and Self-Employment Tax Center External Link - Resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040 or 1040-SR, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million
  8. Taxes for Sole ProprietorshipsExternal Link, PartnershipsExternal Link, CorporationsExternal Link, S CorporationsExternal Link, & Limited Liability Company (LLC)External Link - Find specific tax resources for each business structure

Grow Your Business

Customer Acquisition
- 1. Customer Acquisition External Link - To achieve growth and transition from a startup to a sustainable small business takes an understanding of customer relationship management, sales, marketing, and customer service
  2. How To Find Customers External Link - Best Practices & Strategies on Finding Customers for Your Small Business
  3. Illinois Public RecordsLibrary Card Required - Create customized marketing lists like new residents, research B2B audiences, and create mail-merge letters or mailing label
  4. Reference SolutionsLibrary Card Required - Identify new sales prospects, create customized marketing lists, identify key business contacts, and more to give your small business a boost
  5. Small Business and CRM Tools External Link - Small Business Benefits of Using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tool
eCommerce
- 1. eCommerce External Link - Implement digital strategies to focus your business on overseas and ecommerce goals
  2. Selling Online External Link - Focused on attracting customers, customer call to action, and customer experience and customer relationships
  3. SEO for Small Business External Link - Maximize web presence and online lead generation for small businesses with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  4. Start Selling Online External Link - How to start selling online from Business News Daily
  5. Website Design for Small Business External Link - An effective website tailors design and processes to meet the needs and preferences of a well-defined target audience
Expand
- 1. Expand To New Locations External Link - Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations in the new business locations, update the marketing plan, and confirm that your business is financially prepared
  2. Find Buyers External Link - Look to international markets for opportunities to grow your business
  3. Franchising External Link - Advantages and disadvantages of franchising your business
  4. Get Funding for Expansion External Link - Funding an existing business requires slightly different preparation
  5. Illinois Franchise Act and RulesPDF File - Understand the obligations and rights set out in the Illinois franchise laws
  6. Merge & Acquire Businesses External Link - Grow your business by buying or merging with a smaller business
Exporting, Importing, & Contracting
- 1. Become a Federal Contractor External Link - The federal government encourages small businesses to take on contracting opportunities
  2. Cook County Contract Opportunities External Link - Upcoming and current contract opportunities with the Cook County Government
  3. Export Assistance External Link - Begin or expand your export business with help
  4. Export License or Permit External Link - All exported items are subject to export control laws and regulations and some require a license or permit
  5. Exporting Finance and Insurance External Link - The U.S. government offers a variety of financing and insurance products to help you build working capital, sell abroad, and protect your business
  6. Fed Contract Opportunities External Link - A list of U. S. Government procurement invitations, contract awards, subcontracting leads, sales of surplus property, and foreign business opportunities
  7. Import License or Permit External Link - For some items, agencies may require a license, permit, or other certification to import goods into the US
  8. Is Government Contracting Right For You? External Link - Evaluate your small business to see if it has what it takes to win a government contract
Promotion & Marketing
- 1. Google Business Profile External Link - Make sure your profile is set up and verified on Google so customer can find you
  2. Marketing & Sales External Link - Make a marketing plan, spread the word, & choose how you’ll accept payments
  3. Marketing Plan Guide External Link - Use this guide to develop a 12-month marketing plan and integrate it into your company’s business plan
  4. Marketing Tips External Link - Marketing plans, branding, marketing tips, advertising law, and more
  5. Social Media Guide for Employers External Link - Learn ways to network in-person and online using your new social media presence
  6. Social Media Strategy External Video Link - Video review of the strategies for reaching the right audience, creating content, and maximizing ROI

Transition & Exit

Create a Plan
- 1. Create an Exit Plan External Link - Exit plans are necessary to secure a business owner’s financial future
  2. Exit Strategies to Consider External Link - Take a look at these eight exit strategies to see what they might look like and the pros and cons of each option
  3. Small Business Exit StrategyPDF File - How to get out, when it’s time to get out
Closing, Selling, & Succession
- 1. Before Selling Your Business External Link - Here are some key factors to consider when selling a business
  2. Close or Sell Your Business External Link - Create a thorough plan to transfer ownership, sell, or close your business
  3. Closing a Business (Federal) External Link - The IRS has resources that can help you navigate the difficult task of closing a business
  4. Closing a Business (Illinois) External Link - How to contact the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding your tax liabilities when you close a business
  5. Mistakes To Avoid When Selling External Link - Learn the steps you can take to prepare for a deal and how to avoid potential problems
  6. Succession Planning External Link - A succession plan is vital to ensuring the continued success of your business
Retirement Plans
- 1. Retirement Options for Small Business Owners External Link - Navigate the complexities involved in choosing a good retirement plan
  2. Retirement Plans External Link - Tax-advantaged retirement plans and Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
  3. Types of Retirement Plans External Link - Breakdown of every type of retirement plan

Small Business Assistance

Help for you small business or entreprenerial troubles are just a click away. Find upcoming small business events, coaching, services for underserved business owers, and more.

Small Business Events, & Webinars

Chicago Business Education Webinars External Link - Free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning
Chicago Business Expo External Link - Free business resources for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Small Business Expo Series
Grant Training Sessions External Link - Illinois Department of Commerce offers training options for current and potential grantees
In-person & Virtual Events External Link - Small Business resources from Cook County
IP Workshops & Walk-Throughs External Link - Topics include trademarks, patents, investing, intellectual property basics, and more
Local Workshops External Link - Low or no-cost, targeted training in both in-person and online formats on topics that matter to you and your small business
On Demand Seminar External Link - FREE, on-demand seminar called “Starting Your Business in Illinois” by Southern Illinois University
Recorded Business Webinars External Link - Search webinars by topics, business stage, industries, and more
SBA Events External Link - Find free small business resource partner events in Illinois
Small Business Tax Workshop External Link - Understand and meet your federal tax obligations with help from this virtual workshop
US Chamber Events External Link - Events and on demand videos on the most urgent topics impacting businesses today
Webinars for Small Businesses External Link - Upcoming tax webinars and IRS video portal

Coaching & Mentors

Business Coaching External Link - Allies for Community Business offers free coaching to early, emerging, and established businesses in Illinois
Business Information Center Submit a Question External Link - First Stop Business information center submit a question to their support team form
Cook County Small Business Source Business Advising Form External Link - No-cost one-on-one business advising services to small business owners to address your unique needs
SBA Local Assistance External Link - US Small Business Administration provides counseling and training for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs through a variety of partner organizations
SCORE Coaching External Link - SCORE can help you start, grow or successfully exit a business
Small Business Development Center Finder External Link - Search and find a location near you
Women’s Business Development Center External Link - Support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all diverse business owners

Nonprofit Assistance

Candid External Link - Search for grants, nonprofit training, data, and more
Charities and Nonprofits External Link - Tax information, tools, and resources for charities and other tax-exempt organizations
How Do I Start a Nonprofit External Link - Understand all of the steps involved in this process before moving forward
Nonprofit Bylaws External Link - Bylaws are your organization's operating manual necessary for 501(c)(3) status
Search For Grants External Link - Common website for federal agencies to post discretionary funding opportunities and for grantees to find and apply to them
Start & Maintain a Nonprofit in Illinois External Link - State-specific guide to help you incorporate your nonprofit, secure 501(c)(3) status and help you achieve long-term success
Starting a Nonprofit Organization External Link - Step-by-step guide to starting a nonprofit from Illinois Legal Aid

Underserved Entrepreneurs & Owners

Boots to Business External Link - Entrepreneurial education and training program for service members and military spouses
IL Office of Minority Economic Empowerment External Link - Provide minority-, women-, persons with disabilities and veteran-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs with equitable access to opportunities and resources
Illinois INVENT External Link - Investment program funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to improve access to capital for traditionally underserved entrepreneurs
Larger Contracts for WBE & MBE External Link - Helps minority- or women-owned businesses secure the certification they need to bid for large contracts
LGBTQ-Owned Business External Link - Network for LGBTQ+ businesses focused on economic empowerment in the LGBTQ+ business community
Minority-Owned Small Business External Link - Information center includes resources, information and links to assist minorities with starting or growing their small businesses
Native American-Owned Business External Link - The federal government provides opportunities in contracting, business development, and other programs for Native American small business owners
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned External Link - Improves prime and subcontracting opportunities for veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses
Veteran-Owned Business External Link - Support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership, look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities
Veteran-Owned Small Business External Link - Information center that includes resources, information and links to assist veterans with starting or growing their small business
Women-Owned Small Business External Link - Information center includes resources, information and links to assist women with starting or growing their small business

Helpful Websites

Better Business Bureau External Link - Help with running your business, marketing, sales, technology, and managing customer relationships
Elgin Community College Employer Resources External Link - Recruit employees and promote your career events to students, alumni, and community members
Harper College Small Business Development Center External Link - Find advisors to help you identify, understand and overcome the challenges of running a successful business
Kellogg (Northwestern University) Business Insights External Link - A roundup of the latest research and ideas about entrepreneurship
SIU Small Business Development Center External Link - Consulting and training designed to teach and assist new entrepreneurs the basics of starting and successfully operating a business
Start-up Software Tools External Link - Software platforms, websites, and services for entrepreneurs recommended to produce professional quality on a budget
T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined External Link - Executive-level training series designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses across the United States

Solid Foundation

Mission Statement External Link
One paragraph summary of your business’ purpose and focus.
Vision Statement External Link
Outline of your business’ long-term goals for your customers, employees, and the community.

Business Values External Link
Define the core principles that will guide your business decisions and steps.
Future Goals External Link
Set specific, measurable, and realistic short-term and long-term goals guided by your values.

Business Guides & Tools

Use this collection of helpful links, tools, and guides to support the planning and growth of your start-up or small buisiness.

Rolling Meadows

City of Rolling Meadows

Rolling Meadows Community

Handbooks & Guides

Illinois Support

National Support

All Free Courses External Link

Self-Guided Online Learning

Learn at your own pace anywhere, anytime. Find a variety of lessons on essential topics need for your job search, application process, interviewing, and negotiating.

Score Online Courses

Gain a deep understanding of areas of business, including marketing, finance, operations, and management.

Library card not required. Register for each course with your full name and email address.

SBA learning center

Increase skills related to planning, launching, managing and growing your business with video lessons from the US Small Business Administration.

Library card not required.

All Free Courses External Link

GCF Learn Free

Free video tutorials and self-paced courses for a variety of skills needed to succeed in today’s business world.

Library card not required.

All Free Lessons External Link

Google Applied Digital SKills

Learn digital skills to help launch or grow a business with video lessons from Google.

Library card not required. You will need a Google account.

All Free Lessons External Link

Get Free Courses External Link

Curiosity Stream

Watch engaging, high-quality series, including “Crash Course: Business Entrepreneurship”.

Use your Library Card to check out a Curiosity Stream BingePass.

Build Customer Relationships
Financing Options for Small Businesses
Learn from Your Competition

Legal Basics & Business Formation
Revenue Streams
Seek Help & Find Partners

The Great Courses

Engaging and understandable video lectures by esteemed professionals.

Use your Library Card to check out The Great Courses BingePass.

All Free Courses External Link

LinkedIn Learning

Choose from thousands of online courses to learn in-demand skills from real-world industry experts.

Sign-in with your Library Card Number & PIN. You do not need a LinkedIn account.

Computer Use:

A library card is NOT required to use a computer. You can use a computer for a 30 minute session and renew if no one is waiting.

We offer internet access, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher), and printing on all desktop computers.

Printing & Copying:

All prices are per page

B & W prints: $0.10
Color prints: $0.25

B & W (letter) copy: $0.10
B & W (ledger) copy: $0.10
Color copy: $0.25

Wireless Printing:

Print jobs are held in the print system for 2 hours.

Upload files to PrinterOn External Link.

Scanning & Faxing:

All scanning is free. Please bring a USB drive or plan to email your documents to yourself.

Fax cost: $0.10 /page
We do not except incoming faxes.

Small Group Meeting Rooms:

Each room has a Windows PC attached to a large screen with webcam, microphone and wireless keyboard/mouse ready for patron use.

Upcoming Business Programs

Find all of our entertaining and enriching programs and classes on the Programs page.

Go Now External LinkTutorial External Video Link

Online Resources

You will need your Rolling Meadows Library card to access many of our online resources if you are not using them in the Library. Need help? Stop by or call the Reference Desk at 847-259-6050 x130.

Use from home = Use from home

Library Card Required = Library card required

America's News: Business & Economics

Use from home Library Card Required Current and archived full-text articles from news sources nationwide. Browse topics like company practices, business types, and industries.

Business Source Premier

Use from home Library Card Required Thousands of articles from leading business publications including peer reviewed journals. Includes company profiles, industry reports, videos from Associated Press, and more.

Go Now External LinkTutorial External Video Link

Illinois Public Records

Use from home Library Card Required Perform fast background checks, create customized marketing lists like new residents, research B2B audiences, and create mail-merge letters or mailing labels.

From Home External LinkIn Library External LinkTutorial External Video Link

Legal Information Reference Center

Use from home Library Card Required Navigate legal matters of all kinds with reliable “how-to” information and thousands of federal, multi-state and state-specific legal forms.

Newspaper Source Plus

Use from home Library Card Required Cover-to-cover full text for hundreds of national, international and regional newspapers. Search for topics to get the latest news about entrepreneurship and small business.

Go Now External Link

Reference Solutions

Use from home Library Card Required Identify new sales prospects, create customized marketing lists, identify key business contacts, gather competitive business info, and more to give your small business a boost.

Guides and Webinars External Link

Go Now External LinkTutorial External Video Link

Small Business Reference Center

Use from home Library Card Required Find the necessary tools and detailed “how-to” instructions for a wide range of small business topics. Includes videos, an advice section and details on how to create business plans.

Value Line

Use from home Library Card Required Full-page stock reports of company's past performance, current status, outlook, and industry reviews, along with Value Line's estimates, projections and historical data to discover opportunities that fit your business strategy.

Weiss Financial Ratings

Use from home Library Card Required Rates safety and financial stability for banks, credit unions, insurers, stocks and mutual funds. Find the best banks, credit unions and insurance companies for your business ventures.

Entrepreneurship External Link

Catalog Links

E-commerce External Link

Home-based Businesses External Link

Self-employed External Link