Library Resources
Resources to assist you in legal matters of all kinds, including business law, financial planning, family law, property and real estate, and rights and disputes. Includes full text reference books from Nolo, the nation’s oldest and most respected provider of legal information for consumers and small businesses.
Online learning platform with video tutorials to learn creative skills, business, technology, software, and more to learn, explore new things, and reach your goals.
Scroll through Chicagoland’s public records, real estate transactions, mortgages, foreclosures, and more. Includes access to Check Illinois (free background check online in less than 60 seconds). Click here for in library access.
Reference Solutions
Data Axle Reference Solutions is the go-to resource for comprehensive data on both businesses and individuals, tailored to the needs of small business owners, marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and job seekers. It empowers users to create marketing plans, conduct competitive analysis, secure funding, and locate individuals. This platform offers detailed profiles of over 50 million U.S. businesses, 150 million U.S. residents, 7+ million job postings, internships, historical business data, and healthcare listings, making it an invaluable research tool for job seekers, businesses, and researchers.
Full-text for many top consumer small business reference books, as well as tools to address many small business topics. Includes business videos, a help and advice section, and details on how to create business plans.
Business Newsletter
Sign up for a monthly newsletter featuring events, news, and library resources focusing on jobs, careers, small business, and entrepreneurship.
Business Events
The Forest Park Public Library offers many workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations designed to help you start your own business or take your existing business to the next level.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Resources
Accion Chicago
Accion provides customized capital solutions and one-on-one coaching to underserved entrepreneurs in Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
Forest Park Chamber of Commerce
This organization is a partnership of local business owners, civic leaders, and community-minded individuals working together to promote economic growth and civic pride in Forest Park, Illinois.
Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at The Joseph Center
The Illinois SBDC at The Joseph Center is a vital asset for business owners, providing business consulting, networking opportunities, and training programs to assist entrepreneurs.
The Law Project
The Law Project is committed to providing the legal services to Chicago communities. Staff and volunteer attorneys provide free, expert legal assistance to support community development efforts led by entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations.
SCORE Chicago
Score is a non-profit organization helping small businesses get started, grow, and operate effectively. SCORE offers free business mentoring, free or low cost business workshops, and management consulting.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA’s Illinois District Office in Chicago offers services and partnerships designed to invigorate Illinois’ economic growth through small business assistance.
Triton College Center for Business and Professional Development
Get support and education about creating and running a small business through Forest Park’s community college.
Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
The mission of the Women’s Business Development Center is to provide services and programs that support and accelerate women’s business ownership and strengthen their impact on the economy.