The following is a list of resources that can guide an entrepreneur through the various factors of starting a new business. Included is information presented by speakers hosted by EnterpriseWorks, as well as referrals to government and third-party support.
Business and Startup Support
I-Start Entrepreneur Program EnterpriseWorks is developing the I-Start program to encourage more University of Illinois inventors to pursue start-up formation and commercialization of their research and technology.
Shared Services Program EnterpriseWorks has hired a diverse team of student specialists and part-time staff to help work on projects for small businesses in the Research Park.
Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program Business consulting from locally-successful entrepreneurs.
EnterpriseWorks has compiled a list of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence workshops to assist entrepreneurs and inventors that are considering starting a business.
EnterpriseWorks The Research Park is home to EnterpriseWorks, a technology business incubator that offers not only space for new companies, but access to University of Illinois resources and entrepreneurial training and mentoring.
Local Entrepreneur Resources Overview Summary overview of the most useful resources available locally. (PDF)
Student Entrepreneur Resources Resources for students looking to start their own companies.
Funding Your Small Business Short list of available venture capital and grants, as well as articles on funding.
Starting a Company General resources for starting a company in East Central Illinois.
Business Plan Competitions Awards handed out for innovative ideas and business plans.
Small Business Consulting Resources These organizations are resources for consulting and specialized advice.
SBIR/STTR Grants and Federal Funding Resources for SBIR/STTR funding as well as tutorials on applying for funding.
Entrepreneur Training Programs These are events and organizations that can familiarize you with basic entrepreneurial skills.
Small Business Tax Considerations Tax information for small businesses. (PDF)
Offices and Facilities for Entrepreneurs Description and overview of Research Park buildings and University facility use agreements.
Protecting Intellectual Property Overview of IP protection and licensing IP from the University.
Professional Service Provider Referrals Referrals to services that Research Park companies have actually used.
Sales and Marketing Strategies Market data and presentations by speakers on sales and marketing.
Human Resources HR resources, example documents, and websites for reference.
Legal Issues in Tech Entrepreneurship Basic legal issues that a business may encounter, from IP to joint developer agreements to mergers and acquisition.
Leveraging Corporate Partnerships Tim Hoerr gives a nice overview of leveraging outside relationships with OEMs, corporations in Joint Development Agreements, Prototyping facilities, Contract Manufacturers and other partners that can help your firm make technology products.
Taxes Information about taxes for startups and the self-employed.
Video Resource Center Online videos aimed towards helping tech entrepreneurs. Videos hosted by the Technology Entrepreneur Center.
Mashable's list of PR Tips for startups.
