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The City of Evanston's Economic Developm​ent Division​

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  • …  
    • Home
    • COVID-19 Resources 
      • Phase 4 Updates
      • Business Resources
      • Communications
      • Keep Evanston Awesome
      • Keep Calm Carry Out
      • Outdoor Dining Guidelines
    • Doing Business 
      • Small Business Mentoring
      • Business Resources
      • Business License Payment
    • COVID-19 Small Business Program
    • Explore Evanston 
      • Blog: Discover Evanston
      • Evanston Business Districts
      • Eat & Drink
    • Financial Wellness Program 
      • Financial Wellness Program
    • About Us 
      • Economic Development Staff
      • Economic Development Committee
    • Connect With Us

    The City of Evanston's Economic Developm​ent Division​

    • Home
    • COVID-19 Resources 
      • Phase 4 Updates
      • Business Resources
      • Communications
      • Keep Evanston Awesome
      • Keep Calm Carry Out
      • Outdoor Dining Guidelines
    • Doing Business 
      • Small Business Mentoring
      • Business Resources
      • Business License Payment
    • COVID-19 Small Business Program
    • Explore Evanston 
      • Blog: Discover Evanston
      • Evanston Business Districts
      • Eat & Drink
    • Financial Wellness Program 
      • Financial Wellness Program
    • About Us 
      • Economic Development Staff
      • Economic Development Committee
    • Connect With Us
    • …  
      • Home
      • COVID-19 Resources 
        • Phase 4 Updates
        • Business Resources
        • Communications
        • Keep Evanston Awesome
        • Keep Calm Carry Out
        • Outdoor Dining Guidelines
      • Doing Business 
        • Small Business Mentoring
        • Business Resources
        • Business License Payment
      • COVID-19 Small Business Program
      • Explore Evanston 
        • Blog: Discover Evanston
        • Evanston Business Districts
        • Eat & Drink
      • Financial Wellness Program 
        • Financial Wellness Program
      • About Us 
        • Economic Development Staff
        • Economic Development Committee
      • Connect With Us
      • Home
      • COVID-19 Resources
        • Phase 4 Updates
        • Business Resources
        • Communications
        • Keep Evanston Awesome
        • Keep Calm Carry Out
        • Outdoor Dining Guidelines
      • Doing Business
        • Small Business Mentoring
        • Business Resources
        • Business License Payment
      • COVID-19 Small Business Program
      • Explore Evanston
        • Blog: Discover Evanston
        • Evanston Business Districts
        • Eat & Drink
      • Financial Wellness Program
        • Financial Wellness Program
      • About Us
        • Economic Development Staff
        • Economic Development Committee
      • Connect With Us
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        • 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.

          Business

          Toolbox

          Start Your Business

          • Zoning
          • Business Registration
          • Food Establishment License
          • Permits
          • Home Occupation

          Financial Resources

          Fund Your Business

          • Entrepreneurship Support Application
          • Entrepreneurship Support Guidelines 
          • Lenders

          Real Estate Locator

          Locate Your Business

          • Find Office, Retail, and Industrial Properties Available for Lease or Purchase

          Business

          Support

          Assist Your Business

          • Startup Showcase
          • Technical Asssistance

          Merchant

          Feedback

          How can we help your business

          • Share your your ideas, feedback, constructive criticism 
        • 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:

          1. Verify zoning of the proposed location
          2. Complete the online Business Registration Application
          3. Economic Development Staff will review the application and assign a registration number 
          4. Business location must pass a Fire and Life Safety Inspection (can be scheduled by calling 311 at 847-448-4311) or receive a Certificate of Occupancy
          5. Upon approval, Business Registration payments can be made online

           

          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

          Sales Tax Changes

           

          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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