4 steps to starting a business in Evanston

Start A Business

 The City of Evanston, Illinois  is dedicated to economic development and the advancement of our community.  Open and ready for business, Evanston’s Economic Development team is here to partner with you in order to make your experience with the city seamless.  Whether your business has called Evanston home for decades, months, or you are hoping to soon join our proud business community Evanston fosters a unique entrepreneurial character and caring spirit for shared success.  It is this collaboration of know-your-neighbor attitude, urban yet casual sensibility, collegiate enthusiasm, and diverse but common thread that make Evanston an ideal place to be.

Evanston is Open for Business! 

4 Step Guide to Opening a Business in Evanston

Consultation

Complete the New Business Online Interest Form.

Review our helpful Business Resources.

Schedule initial consultation with an Economic Development Specialist.

Location & Zoning

Need a location?
Review our Available Properties database.

Have a location?
Verify that your business location complies with zoning regulations.

Apply for License

All new businesses need to apply for a Business License.
You are exempt if you are currently licensed by the State or Federal government .

Any business that includes food sales, service, or storage require a
Food Establishment License, this license takes the place of the business license listed above.

Inspection & Permits

The Building Office provides enforcement of the City Adopted Building Codes. This includes reviewing all building plans for code compliance, issuing of building permits, construction inspections and fire alarm/suppression application.

Permits are required prior to starting remodeling, repairing, demolition or new construction at your business.

Submittal Checklists are required for all permit applications (except for any ‘over the counter’ type permits)

Inspections are conducted upon completion.

Open for Business
Certificate of Occupancy and Business License issued.

Congratulations!

We wish you success in your business endeavor
and are happy to have you in Evanston!

NYT Business Best Sellers for July

July 6, 2014

THIS MONTH		BUSINESS BOOKS
1		CAPITAL IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, by Thomas Piketty. (Belknap/Harvard University.) A French economist’s analysis of centuries of economic history predicts worsening inequality and proposes solutions.
2		THINK LIKE A FREAK, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. (Morrow/HarperCollins.) How to solve problems creatively, from the authors of “Freakonomics.”  Also available as a downloadable eBook, and as a downloadable Audiobook.
3		FLASH BOYS, by Michael Lewis. (Norton.) The world of high-frequency computer-driven trading, from the author of “Liar’s Poker.”  Also available in Large Type and on audio CDs
4		OUTLIERS, by Malcolm Gladwell. (Back Bay/Little, Brown.) Why some people succeed — it has to do with luck and opportunities as well as talent.  Also available as a downloadable eBook, a downloadable Audiobook, in Large Type and on audio CDs.
5		LEAN IN, by Sheryl Sandberg with Nell Scovell. (Knopf.) The chief operating officer of Facebook urges

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