The City of Evanston's Economic Development Division
The City of Evanston's Economic Development Division
Business Resources
Our New Business Guide can walk you through the process of opening a business in Evanston from start to finish.
More information about zoning, licensing, incentives, and workforce programs can be found below.
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Opening a New Business
Which Businesses Must Register with the City of Evanston?
All businesses operating for-profit, including those licensed under a State or Federal Law and home-based occupations, within the City limits must register their business with the City of Evanston. Any business that includes food sales, service or storage requires a Food Establishment License. This license takes the place of the business registration described on this page.
Each place of business must have its own registration. The following business types must register to do business within the City regardless of where the physical headquarters of the business is located: pickup and delivery of laundry or dry cleaning at dwelling units, and garbage or refuse pickup.
How do I Register My Business?
The Business Registration process can be completed online following these steps:
A BUSINESS CANNOT OPEN UNTIL IT HAS COMPLETED THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AND HAS A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OR PASSED A FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY INSPECTION.
For additional information please contact:
Economic Development Division
847-448-4311 or economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org
Additional Resources
Sales Tax
Where do I file for an assumed name (DBA)?
The Cook County Clerks Office accepts applications and issues DBA certificates. For more information contact: Assumed Business Names Unit at 312-603-5652
Where do I apply for a Sales Tax Identification Number?
The Illinois Department of Revenue accepts applications for tax ID numbers.
Where can I register my business as a corporation?
The Illinois Secretary of State processes applications for corporations and partnerships.
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