The Village is divided into districts designed to group compatible business together in specific areas. Before moving forward on a certain site, contact the Department of Community Development to confirm that your business is allowed to operate at the site you have selected.

A formal Zoning Application must be submitted to this department prior to occupying the building. We strongly recommend that you obtain the zoning approval BEFORE entering into a sale or lease agreement. This approval provides you with written verification from the Village that the proposed use is permitted at the proposed location.

If you are going to enter into a lease agreement or a contract to purchase property for the purpose of operating a business, remember to include a contingency for Elk Grove Village zoning approvals and permits. If it is determined that a Plan Commission review of your proposal is necessary, you should allow a minimum of six to eight weeks from the time you submit your application to the time a decision is rendered. However, most new businesses do not need to go through the Plan Commission review process.

Click to download a Zoning Application

The Village's Engineering and Community Development Department is your first point of contact for issues related to zoning, permitting, and inspections. Full information can be found online at www.elkgrove.org or by calling 847-357-4225. The following is a brief synopsis of procedures individuals should be aware of in expanding or opening a business.

Elk Grove Village requires engineering permits when any work is performed on the exterior of a building. This work may include parking lot repairs, sidewalk repairs, and apron and driveway repairs, regarding green space, constructing or repairing water services, storm sewers or sanitary sewers. Call the Village at 847-357-4220 if you have any questions regarding when a permit is required.

Permit Submittal Requirements

All permit applications must be accompanied by the following: A plat of survey, a plan sheet highlighting all work to be performed (provide as much information as possible), and a signed contract proposal or an engineer's estimate of cost. Larger plans such as parking lot reconstructions or additions, site work relating to building additions or remodels, etc. require a submittal by a licensed civil engineer. The submittal shall include a full plan set with all appropriate Village specifications and details. Click here to find all of the Village's details and specifications or download a comprehensive set of specifications by clicking here.

Any work performed within the Village Right-Of-Way will require a performance bond and a certificate of insurance to be filed with the Village. Click here to download the bond and insurance requirements.

Separate building permits are required for all interior building work. Building permits are required for construction projects such as electrical work, fences, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, interior and exterior alterations, structural modifications, new buildings and additions, plumbing work, roofing work, signs, water heater replacement, decks and sheds. Permit fees are associated with such projects and are calculated during the plan review process. Click here for information regarding building permits.

Permit Review Process

The Department of Engineering and Community Development considers itself to be in partnership with the business community. Accordingly, we take pride in providing exceptional customer service by offering the fastest, comprehensive permit review services in the area. In almost all cases, we provide a plan review response to original submittals in ten working days or less. Remember, however, that this ten-day turnaround refers to the time it takes for the plan review and does not guarantee permit issuance until adequate plans meeting all applicable code requirements are submitted to and approved by the Village. The best way you can expedite the permit process is to make sure a complete set of permit drawings is submitted for review that clearly identifies all work to be done.

Inspections

Inspections are mandatory while work is in progress to ensure that construction complies with approved permit plans and code regulations. Inspections associated with building permits are scheduled directly through the Department of Community Development by simply contacting them the day before the inspection is needed.

Food service and retail establishments that sell food and/or beverage products to the public are permitted and inspected by the Health Services Department. The Department enforces sanitation requirements set forth by the Illinois State Food Service Sanitation Code. The number of inspections an establishment receives per year is dependent on the establishment's type and risk level. Click on the link below to view the Illinois State Food Service Sanitation Code:

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700750sections.html

New owners looking to open a food service or retail establishment in the Village should start with zoning approval from the Engineering and Community Development Department. After this approval is obtained, the owner may then apply for a Business License through the Finance Department. New construction or interior renovation will require a building permit and plan review. New owners submitting plans must also complete and return the Health Services Department "Plan Review Form". After plans are approved and construction is complete, the Health Inspector will schedule a pre-opening (approval for food storage) and opening (approval to operate) inspection with the owner.

Processor, wholesale, and warehouse operations that store or prepare food and/or beverage products will also need to apply for zoning and obtain a Business License. A building permit and review will be required for any renovation or construction. The establishment will also need to pass a pre-opening and opening inspection with the Health Inspector. A Health Permit is not required for these types of establishments. Once the establishment is approved to open by the Health Services Department, the owner must contact the proper agency (Illinois Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Administration, and/or Illinois Department of Agriculture) for licensing and any additional requirements.

New owners looking to take over an existing food-related business must apply for a new Business License. The owner will then be contacted by the Health Inspector to schedule a change of ownership inspection.

The Village's Finance Department is the first point of contact for business licensing and government procurement activities. For more information, please visit www.elkgrove.org or call 847-357-4055.

Businesses conducting retail sales of any product or merchandise require a license. All food, beverage, and cigarette vending machines as well as coin-operated amusement/musical devices must also display a valid license. Other activities requiring a business license include day care centers, food caterers, and retail establishments.

Companies are responsible for obtaining all necessary licenses. Pre-printed license applications for businesses currently licensed will be mailed in mid-April. For further information, or to determine if your business requires a license, please call the Finance Department at 847-357-4062 or stop by the Finance Counter in the Municipal Building.

The annual fee for a business license covers the cost of making inspections necessary to safeguard public safety, health, and welfare. Failure to obtain a license can result in fines of $25 to $500 per day.

DCEO is the lead state agency responsible for improving the competitiveness of Illinois businesses. DCEO provides information, assistance, and advocacy to facilitate business expansion in and relocation to Illinois. DCEO has a number of resources available to assist small and large businesses succeed in Illinois. Programs include:

Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE)The EDGE program is a tax incentive program that provides tax credits for businesses that create and/or retain jobs and make capital investment in Illinois. Business creating and/or retaining jobs may claim a state income tax credit equal to a portion of the incremental income tax generated from the jobs created and/or retained in Illinois. Credits are calculated from the personal income tax collected on salaries paid to employees in the new or retained jobs, which may be taken as a non-refundable tax credit against corporate income taxes over a period not to exceed 10 taxable years.

Participation Loan ProgramThe Participation Loan Program provides credit enhanced financial assistance to Illinois small businesses that provide employment opportunities to Illinois citizens. Through banks, development corporations and other lenders, DCEO can participate in business loans up to 25% of the total amount of a project, but not less than $10,000 or more than $750,000. DCEO’s terms will typically match those of the participating financial institutions in regard to interest rate and maturity. Funds can be used for the purchase of land and buildings, construction or renovation, purchase and installation of machinery and equipment, and working capital.

The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) is a self-financed, state-authorized authority principally engaged in issuing taxable and tax-exempt bonds, making loans, and investing capital for businesses, non-profit corporations, and local government units statewide. As a self-funded agency, IFA receives no general revenue funds from the State of Illinois, and the state bears no liability for the debt IFA issues or otherwise incurs. IFA's operating income is exclusively derived from application and closing fees, interest income, and investment income.

IFA offers a variety of products that assist Illinois businesses, schools, municipalities and non-profits. These include:• Bonds• Loans• Venture Capital

For additional information contact:
Illinois Finance Authority
Phone: 312-627-1434 OR 800-717-6066
Fax: 312-496-0578
http://www.il-fa.com/

SomerCor provides SBA 504 Loans. Loans are available for all types of small for profit businesses to purchase and/or renovate capital assets, including land, buildings, and equipment.

For more information contact:
SomerCor 504 Inc.
Two East 8th St.
Chicago, Illinois 60605
Phone: 312-360-3163
www.somercor.com/

Growth Corp’s 504 Loan Program helps provide small businesses with better access to money for expansion than would otherwise be available through conventional financing. The 504 Loan Program is available to most businesses for the purchase, construction, or expansion/renovation of buildings and/or the purchase of equipment.

For more information contact:
Business Growth Corporation
2401 West White Oaks Drive
Springfield, IL 62704-7423
Phone: 217-787-7557
Toll-Free: 800-577-2772
Fax: 217-787-2872
www.growthcorp.com/Default.aspx

State Treasurer's Economic Program (STEP)
The STEP program is for Illinois companies creating or retaining permanent jobs. For each permanent full-time job that is created or retained, the Treasurer can deposit up to $25,000 at below market rates into the borrower's financial institution. The borrower must have the financial ability to carry out the project, demonstrate the State will gain long-term benefits, and create a minimum of five full time jobs.

Economic Recovery Loan Program (ER)
This program is aimed at out of state firms establishing their first (non-retail) facilities in the state. For each permanent full-time job that is created for retained, the State Treasurer can deposit up to $50,000 at below market rates into the borrower's financial institution. That institution (which must have an in-state presence) will then lend the money at below prevailing interest rates to the borrower. Manufacturing projects will be favored and all funding is committed at the sole discretion of the State Treasurer.

For additional information contact:
Illinois State Treasurer
Economic Development
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 4-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-1788
Fax: 312-814-2765
http://www.treasurer.il.gov/

The majority of loans provided by IVCA are through the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Loan Program. The CSBG Loan Program is administered jointly by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), statewide Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and IVCA.

The Program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to new or expanding companies in exchange for job creation and employment for low income individuals. CSBG funds usually make up between 20-49% of the entire loan project and have a low interest rate of 5% to 7.5%.

For additional information contact:
3301 Constitution Dr.
PO Box 9285
Springfield, IL 62707
Phone: 217-522-4553
Fax: 217-522-9324
www.ilventures.org/

The IEPA defines a Brownfield as a parcel of land, or portion thereof that has actual or perceived contamination that impedes its potential for redevelopment. Brownfield sites vary in size, location, age, and past use. These properties can range from a closed gas station to a former multi-acre manufacturing facility. The IEPA offers a variety of programs to help communities and landowners reclaim their property from environmental contamination.

For additional information contact:
Office of Brownfield Assistance
Bureau of Land
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
1021 North Grand Avenue East
Springfield, IL 62794-9276
Phone: 217-785-9407
www.epa.state.il.us

ACCION Chicago is a non-profit organization that provides credit and other business services to small business owners who do not have access to traditional sources of financing. By encouraging the economic self-reliance of micro-entrepreneurs throughout Illinois, ACCION Chicago strives to help businesses and communities grow.

For additional information contact:
Accion Chicago
1618 West 18th Street, Suite 200
Chicago, Illinois 60608
Phone: 773-376-9004
Fax: 773-376-9048
www.accionchicago.org/

Cook County Business Loan Fund
The Illinois Fixed Rate Loan Fund and the Revolving Loan Fund both provide low interest loans to start up or expand small business for the purpose of creating new jobs. CEDA has been an administering agency for these programs in Suburban Cook County since 1983.

Both loan programs are available to all small businesses in need of funds for expansion and working capital. Interest rates on the Fixed Rate loan are fixed at 4 to 7%. The Revolving Loan Fund is matched with a direct bank loan.

For each $20,000 in assistance, a new job must be created, which a low-income resident of the City of Chicago or South Suburban Cook County must fill.

For additional information contact:
CEDA
Chicago, Illinois
800-571-2332
http://www.cedaorg.net/www2/Services.html

As a home rule community, Elk Grove Village has the ability to issue industrial revenue bonds to assist with the financing of private economic development program. Industrial revenue bonds reduce the cost of financing for commercial projects that involve the purchase of equipment, inventory, and tenant improvements.

If you would like to speak with someone from Elk Grove Village about this program, please call Josh Grodzin, Director of Business Development and Marketing at 847-357-4005.

Cook County offers tax abatement programs to encourage private enterprise to develop in the county and maintain and increase job opportunities, thereby resulting in an increased tax base for the entire county. Currently, the property taxes for industrial properties are assessed at 25% of the fair market value of the property. Property approved under these abatement programs allow the owner a property assessment of 10% for a period of 12 years, resulting in a sizeable reduction of property tax due on the property.

In order to be eligible for Class 6B Abatement, the property must be used for an industrial purpose and, in addition, one of the following criteria must be met: • New construction • Buying a building that has been vacant for one year or more • Substantial renovation to an existing building

In order to be eligible for Class C Abatement, the property must be used for an industrial purpose and, in addition, the following criteria must be met:

• Because of contamination, said real estate must undergo environmental testing and remediation and receive a “No Further Remediation” letter from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
• The remediation costs total at least $100,000

Since these programs are offered by Cook County, the applications are made to the County. However, the application must be accompanied by a resolution adopted by Elk Grove Village supporting the application. The Village has supported over 300 such applications since the inception of these programs in 1984.

There is a non-refundable $500 application fee.

If you would like to speak with someone from Elk Grove Village about this program, please call Josh Grodzin, Director of Business Development and Marketing at (847) 357-4005.

Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) / Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
The SBIR/STTR Program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged persons and women-owned small businesses in technological innovation.

For additional information contact:
Department of Defense
Small Business Innovation Research
www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir
www.dodsbir.net
Phone: 1-800-724-7457

ENCLAVE for Entrepreneurs is an international collaborative learning center for entrepreneurs in Elk Grove Village. It is a private-public partnership that connects entrepreneurs, investors, vendors, and other innovators with valuable resources. It was founded by John R. Dallas, Jr., David E. Morrison, Jr., and David E. (Daven) Morrison III.

ENCLAVE is an illuminator, not an incubator or an accelerator. Here light shines on the development of entrepreneurs, with related focus on ventures. Before, while, and after entrepreneurs develop their entities, ENCLAVE illuminates and facilitates venture-relevant opportunities for deeper learning.

To learn more, visit enclaveforentrepreneurs.com

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States.

The SBA maintains an extensive website that contains self assessment tools, a start-up kit, financing options, and online training. For more information, go to http://www.sba.gov/.

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

The FEIN number is the "social security" number for your business. Employers, sole proprietors, partnerships, nonprofit associations, and trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, certain individuals, and other businesses use FEINs. To obtain an FEIN, complete Form SS4 found on the IRS website and submit the form to the IRS.

For additional information contact:

IRS Center
Kansas City, MO 64999
Ph: 800-829-3676 and ask for Small Business Tax Kit #454
Phone: 816-926-5999
Fax: 816-926-7988
www.irs.gov

Professional Business License in the State of Illinois

The process of becoming licensed in Illinois is designed to ensure that all professionals meet at least the minimum requirements for licensure set forth by law. Professionals seeking to work in Illinois must first receive, and properly complete, an application for licensure. Applications differ depending upon profession, and the method of applying, including examination, endorsement from another state, and acceptance of examination given by another jurisdiction or professional association.

For additional information contact:

Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
James R. Thompson Center
100 West Randolph, Suite 9-300
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-4500
www.idfpr.com/

Illinois Secretary of State

Corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships located in other states but operating in Illinois must register with the Illinois Secretary of State.

For additional information contact:

Office of the Secretary of State Department of Business Services
17 North State, Suite 1137
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone: 312-793-3380
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/

Illinois State Business Registration

Businesses operating in Illinois that plan to hire employees, to buy or sell products at wholesale or retail, or to manufacture goods, must register with the Illinois Department of revenue by completing an Illinois Business Registration Form. This form also registers your business for an Illinois sales tax number.

For additional information contact:

Illinois Department of Revenue
100 West Randolph, Suite C-300
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312-814-5258
www.revenue.state.il.us
www.commerce.state.il.us

The State of Illinois requires the filing of form NUC-542-A Notice of Sale / Purchase of Business Assets. The state will research the business's account. If no taxes are owed they will issue a release of liability statement. If a balance is due they will notify both parties of the amount to be placed in escrow.

For additional information contact:

Illinois Department of Revenue
100 West Randolph, Suite C-300
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312-814-5258
www.revenue.state.il.us

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Businesses employing one or more full or part time employee are required to provide insurance for accidental death, injuries and occupational diseases of employees arising in the course of service. Contact the Illinois Industrial Commission for a free workers' compensation handbook.

For additional information contact:

Illinois Industrial Commission
Phone: 312-814-6611
www.dol.gov

Unemployment Insurance

Employers may be required to make unemployment insurance contributions to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). For help in determining your contribution, contact IDES for an Unemployment Insurance Employee Start-up Kit.

For additional information contact:

Illinois Department of Employment Security

Unemployment Insurance revenue Division
Phone: 312-793-4880 or 800-247-4984
www.eeoc.gov

New Hire Reporting

The New Hire Reporting Program is a part of the new federal welfare to work reform law. All employers are required to report new employees to the State's New Hire Directory within 20 days of the employee's first day on the payroll. All new employees who are required to fill out federal W4 wage withholding forms. This includes full time, part time, seasonal, temporary, student workers and employees rehired after a separation of 180 days or more.

For additional information contact:

Illinois Department of Employment Security
Phone: 800-327-HIRE (4473)
www.ides.state.il.us

Work Eligibility

Employers must keep records certifying employee identity and work eligibility. Both business owner and employee must complete the Immigration and Naturalization Service Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Certification.

For additional information contact:

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
Phone: 312-353-7334 or 800-375-5283

Income Tax Withholding

As an employer, you are required to collect and remit income tax to the State of Illinois and Federal Medicare, Social Security and income taxes to the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of your employees. Each employee must fill out IRD form W-4, the Employees' Withholding Allowance Certificate. The filing and withholding allowances indicated on this form will determine the amount of income tax you must withhold from your employees' wages. The IRS's Employer Tax Guide can further explain tax responsibility.

For additional information contact:

Federal Tax Payer Service

Internal Revenue Service
230 South Dearborn 17th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Phone: 800-829-1040
www.irs.ustreas.gov

Harper College Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a part of a nationwide support network for the small business community. The SBDC offers counseling services on:

• Business Planning • Financial Planning• Marketing Loan Packaging Feasibility Studies• Organization Planning• Professional Referral Program• The Entrepreneurs Resource Room

For more information contact:

Harper Professional Center
650 E. Higgins Road, Suite 18N
Schaumburg, Illinois
Phone: 847-925-6520

http://goforward.harpercollege.edu

Export Assistance

U.S. Department of Commerce

Exporting is essential to the health of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Department of Commence, exports support over 11 million jobs in the United States, which pay 15% more than the U.S. average, and international sales have contributed to nearly 30% of domestic economic growth in recent years. But this success is not limited to large corporations; the number of American businesses sending their goods and services overseas has tripled since 1990, with a full two thirds of that boom coming from companies with fewer than 20 employees. It's become a necessity for any business to export, and those that don't are 9% more likely to fail in any given year than comparable firms that do.

For an overview of your market and industry and an introduction to the world of opportunity that exporting may represent for you and your business, contact the following.

For additional information contact:

U.S. Department of Commerce Government Exporting Portal
www.export.gov
Phone: 312-353-8040

College of DuPage International Trade Center

Center for Entrepreneurship

Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, the International Trade Center (ITC) was established in 1989 to assist Illinois companies with their export efforts. The ITC provides assistance to foreign companies interested in sourcing manufactured products from the United States.

For additional information contact:

College of DuPage
International Trade Center
Phone: 630-942-3052

www.cod.edu/Academic/Bus_Tech/center_entrepreneur/international_trade.htm

Illinois Trade Office

The Illinois Trade Office (ITO) of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is the lead advocate for improving competitiveness in today's global marketplace. The ITO provides a variety of programs to fulfill its mission of creating high quality Illinois jobs through expert development, foreign direct investment and international tourism.

For additional information contact:

ITO
100 West Randolph St.Suite 3-400
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312-814-2828
Fax: 312-814-6581
www.itagc.org

U.S. Small Business Administration

Sponsored by the SBA, Trade Mission Online is a database of American small businesses that seek to export their products. It is also a search engine for foreign companies that seek U.S. business alliances through direct product sales, licensing or franchising agreements.

For additional information contact:

SBA
International Trade Specialist
Phone: 312-353-8065
Fax: 312-353-8098

www.sba.gov/il/ildoopportunities.html