Business Services
Business Services | Business Databases | Small Business Websites
Bloomingdale Public Library has the resources to help you start a business or expand an existing business. Our business resources will give you the edge you need to succeed.
You can:
- Stop by the Reference Desk
- Call us at 630-924-2730
- Email us at bdref@mybpl.org
- Text mybpl to 833-445-8848
- Study Rooms
The library has 2 study rooms available for reservation. The Group Study Room includes a whiteboard and TV and can be used for presentations, meetings, study sessions, group projects, and video conferencing.
- 1 Group Study Room (8 people max)
- 1 Quiet Study Room (2 people max, no talking)
To reserve a study room, visit the Adult Reference Desk or call 630-924-2730. Study room reservations are not available online.
- Study rooms can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance.
- Advanced reservations can be booked for 2 hours max per day.
- If no one else is waiting to use the room, room use can be extended up to 4 hours max per day.
- Rooms held for 15 minutes for reservations.
- Open to all patrons in high school and older (not restricted to Bloomingdale cardholders) and free to use.
- If there are no advanced registrations, rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.
- Computer Classes
- Computer Lab
- Wireless/Wi-Fi
- Copying and Faxing
- Scanning
- Notary Services - - Please see page for details, availability, and requirements.
- Laminating (letter sized/8.5" x 11" only)
Data Axle Reference Solutions (formerly ReferenceUSA)
Data on millions of U.S. businesses and residents, which can be sorted by business size, geography, and type of business.
Public Records (In library use)
Public Records (Use from home)
Records on new homeowners, new businesses, mortgages, bankruptcies, and foreclosures in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.
Brainfuse JobNow
Online help with job coaching, interviewing, and resumes. Upload your resume to receive expert feedback. Assistants are available online from 3:00-10:00 p.m.
Morningstar
Investment information on mutual funds, stocks, and exchange traded funds.
Weiss Financial Ratings
Independent, unbiased financial strength ratings of banks, credit unions, insurance companies, Medicare and investment options.
Gale Directory Library
Directories on companies, publishers, associations, and more.
Gale Courses
Online courses for business professionals, teachers, health care workers, and lifelong learners. The six week courses are taught by college instructors and experts in the field.
Legal Forms
- Illinois Legal Aid Online - The Form Library has court forms, legal documents, and letters for many kinds of legal problems. Use their Easy Form programs to help you create the forms you need. You can also download blank forms and fill them out on a computer or by hand.
- Illinois Department of Health Advance Directives - Forms for living wills, Power of Attorney, and more.
- Illinois Courts - Approved Standardized Statewide Forms - Forms for divorce, name change, eviction, and more.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly lynda.com)
Video tutorials on tech and business skills, including graphic and web design, business and career skills, photography, software, and more.
Regional Business News
Regional business publications for the United States and Canadian provinces from 1990. Includes newspapers, radio and television news transcripts, trade publications, magazines, and newswires.
Small Business Source
Covers all aspects of starting and operating a business. Includes information on accounting, human resources, management, marketing, tax, and more. State-specific information included.
Legal Information Source
Thousands of legal forms by topic including bankruptcy, divorce, name changes, wills & estate planning, and more. Most of the full-text legal reference books provided through NOLO.
Legal Source
A scholarly resource of current issues, studies, and trends of the legal world. For attorneys, educators, businesspeople, law librarians, students, and paralegals.
Consumer Reports
Product ratings and reviews, recommendations, and buying advice.
Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce
(630) 980-9082
Business USA
(800) FED-INFO
A centralized, one-stop government site for businesses to access services to help them grow and hire. BusinessUSA implements a "no wrong door" approach for small businesses and exporters by using technology to quickly connect businesses to the services and information relevant to them, regardless of where the information is located or which agency's website, call center, or office they go to for help.
College of DuPage Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship offers numerous resources for the small business community and entrepreneurs. Services are offered free of charge.
The Center offers three core programs. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers counseling, advising, and training on small business management, business planning, financial analysis, financing/lending decisions, acquisitions, franchises, and marketing.
The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) offers counseling, advising, and training to businesses wishing to expand through government contracting. Specific areas of assistance include governmental regulations, customized opportunity leads, proposal preparation, contract analysis, and certifications assistance.
The International Trade Center (ITC) offers counseling, advising, and training to companies interested in exporting their products or services and help the business to be export ready.
SBA SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
(312) 353-7724
SCORE offers small business advice and training. It was formed in 1964 to help small businesses flourish.
SCORE's volunteers have more than 600 business skills. Volunteers share their wisdom and lessons learned in business. Volunteers are working/retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
State of Illinois Business Portal
Information that is compiled across state government to help you get your business up and running. From developing your business plan to registering your business, these links will help explain what resources are available and what your responsibilities are as a new business owner.
State Of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
(800) 252-2923
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) provides technical and financial assistance to Illinois businesses through expansion incentives, technology support services, access to capital, global marketing expertise, and job training and education for workers.
U.S. Small Business Administration
(312) 353-4528
SBA's programs include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, and specialized outreach to women, minorities, and armed forces veterans. The SBA also provides loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade.