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2,400+ Clients since 2001 • $4.3+ Billion Raised

The Entrepreneur’s Library: Resources for Startups in Chicagoland

Chicago & Midwest

Websites & Articles

Investors: Heartland Angels

"A private equity network that brings together accredited investors with early stage start-up companies and real estate opportunities looking for equity and debt investments."

Investors: Hyde Park Angels

"HPA also provides domain expertise, strategic advice and coaching to its companies."

Organizations: 1871

"1871 is Chicago’s entrepreneurial hub for digital startups. Located in the famed Merchandise Mart, the 120,000-square-foot facility provides Chicago startups with programming, access to mentors, educational resources, potential investors and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs that help them on their path to building successful businesses. 1871 is the flagship project of the CEC."

Organizations: Chicago Chapter of The Entrepreneur's Organization

"The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) - for entrepreneurs only - is a dynamic, global network of more than 7,000 business owners in 38 countries." This link will take you to the Chicago Chapter where you can become a member.

Organizations: Illinois Manufacturers' Association

"The Illinois Manufacturers' Association is the oldest and largest state manufacturing association in the United States. Founded in Chicago in 1893, the IMA represents nearly 4,000 companies and plants that operate in Illinois including a veritable "who's who" of the business world. IMA member companies, whether included in the Fortune 500 or small family-owned businesses, benefit from the successful programs administered by the IMA, including our world-class lobbying effort. We offer informative seminars and training, continuing education courses, and a number of affinity programs designed to help your company grow and prosper. "

Organizations: Illinois Technology Association (merged with 1871)

From the website: "The Illinois Technology Association (ITA) is a driving force behind the growth of Illinois' vibrant technology industry. ITA's agenda is simple - grow technology companies by fostering deep collaboration among the diverse industry all in support of developing the ecosystem necessary to foster the success of member companies.All the while tirelessly advocating for the industry to raise the awareness of Illinois as a leading technology community."

Organizations: Innovation to Enterprise

"i2E, Inc. is a private not-for-profit corporation focused on growing high-growth companies in Oklahoma and making a positive impact on the state's economy."

Organizations: Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at Illinois Institute of Technology

This is a great resource to request entrepreneurial assistance and advice from the center's staff and networked executives. Nik Rokop, Managing Director of the center seems to know all that is going on in and around Chicago. The center's activities also include the Knapp Angel Network, a potential source of angel investment capital.

Organizations: SCORE Chicago

"SCORE Chicago provides free business counseling, management consulting, and low cost workshops. We advise on how to get a business loan and offer other resources like templates for a business plan. SCORE counselors can help the entrepreneur start a business or a small business owner grow and prosper. The organization has more than 25 locations in the Chicago area. We also counsel by email nationwide."

Resources: Built In Chicago

"Built In Chicago is a resource for "digital professionals" working to build great web and mobile businesses. This includes software development, product management, ad sales, media buying, analytics, usability and more. The community includes big companies and small startups and B2B and B2C companies."

Resources: Indiana Small Business Development Center

Small business development center in Indiana.


Disclaimer: Inclusion in this directory does not constitute an endorsement. The materials linked to from this page are copyrighted to their respective owners.

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