Final Project: A Subject Guide for Starting a Small Business in Elk Grove Village, IL.

1. STARTING A SMALL
BUSINESS IN ELK GROVE
VILLAGE, IL

2. While Elk Grove Village is home to an industrial park that houses
3,600 businesses (the largest in the United States), patrons come to
the library looking for resources on starting a small business of their
own. Many of them have an associate’s degree or less in terms of
education, and are not interested in reading books published by the
Harvard Business School or the American Management
Association. Others are relatively recent immigrants and seeking
information on how to start a business.

3. these patrons are searching for a handful of titles to
get them started, and that are easy to read. This list
is only intended to pique their interest, and as they
ask questions and gain experience, we as librarians
can guide them to additional resources.
Consequently,

4. About the Library…
The Elk Grove
Village Public
Library serves
33,000 residents
and is a mid
sized library with
over 385,000
items in its
collection. The
library has been
serving the
community since
1959.

5. Circulating Resources
Six-Week Start-Up: a Step-by-Step Program
for Starting Your Business, Making Money, and
Achieving Your Goals!
By Rhonda Abrams
Starting a business is not for the faint
of heart. Abrams’ densely-packed book
addresses a host of practical issues
regarding finances, legalities, and more.
Rhonda Abrams is an author, entrepreneur,
and a nationally syndicated columnist who
is widely recognized as one of the leading
experts on entrepreneurship and small
business.
Her books have sold more than a million copies.

6. Circulating Resources
The Manager’s Legal Handbook
By Amy DelPo and Lisa Guerin
Before you hire that part time
bookkeeper, or other staff, know what
you’re getting into.
Becoming your own boss means you may
have to hire others to get the job done. It
also means you may have to fire or lay
them off.
This book provides the legal framework for
human resource management.

7. Circulating Resources
Home Business Tax Deductions :
Keep What You Earn
By: Stephen Fishman
This book does not take the place of an
accountant, but it does have dozens of
suggestions for deductions that small
business owners can claim – from long
term assets, to business travel, and
keeping proper records for the
deductions.

8. Circulating Resources
Sexy Little Numbers: How to Grow
Your Business Using the Data You
Already Have
By: Dimitri Maex with Paul B. Brown
Growing a business goes far beyond
making a profit. Crunching the numbers
can show business owners their target
audience, their most popular
products, and create measuring
guidelines for what works – or doesn’t.

9. Circulating Resources
Start Something That Matters
By: Blake Mycoskie
Use your ideals to start your own
business that makes a difference.
Mycoskie encourages new
entrepreneurs to start simple, face
their fears, and use social media
to give back, even as they make a
profit.

10. Circulating Resources
Persuasive Business Proposals:
Writing to Win More
Customers, Clients & Contracts
By: Tom Sant
Strengthen your business by strengthening
your persuasive business proposals.
Businesspeople often do not have a clear
understanding of good business
proposals, which can have negative
consequences. This book is a step-by-step
guide to help you develop and understand the
value of effective business proposal writing
skills.

11. Circulating Resources
A Slice of the Pie: How to Build a Big
Little Business
By: Nick Sarillo
Before you start, know your focus, then get
the word out. Sarillo takes the small
business start-up a bit further by offering
suggestions on training employees and
creating a team spirit.

12. Circulating Resources
Mom Incorporated: a Guide to
Business + Baby
By: Aliza Sherman
Many women are choosing to stay
home with their child instead of
returning to work. At the same
time, they need to generate income.
This brief overview is the starting point
for creating their new business.

13. Circulating Resources
Lead With a Story: a Guide to Crafting
Business Narratives that
Captivate, Convince, and Inspire
By: Paul Smith
Stories are valuable tools; they have the capacity to
inspire and make a difference. Stories are effective
because they engage others at an emotional level.
If you can change a person’s heart, you can change
his/her opinion. Storytelling in the workplace has
been successful for many businesses. Paul Smith
provides over 100 thought provoking
examples, along with exercises and advice to help
you craft a story that conveys your ideas.

14. Circulating Resources
Legal Guide for Starting and Running
a Small Business
By: Fred Steingold
Figuring out the best structure for your
business, whether a partnership or a solo
practice, is only the beginning. What
about licenses or permits? What taxes do
you need to pay? This title covers the
legalities and other aspects of starting a
business.

15. Non-Circulating Resources
Accommodating Disabilities Business Management Guide
Most small businesses do not necessarily fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
However, providing accessibility to disabled employees and clients is simply good
business. This guide provides all the laws, regulations, guidelines, and summaries of state
laws concerning ADA and Rehabilitation Act compliance. Topics covered include: employee
rights, compliance planning, accommodation assistance, access to public facilities,
telecommunications, administration/enforcement, and new developments.
This resource is supplemented with monthly newsletters to keep readers updated on
significant developments and important information.

16. Non-Circulating Resources
Payroll Management Guide
This guide covers all areas of payroll; from child support deductions, direct
deposits, employee vs. independent contractor, taxes, medical saving
accounts, to insurance. Calendars, charts, and checklists help you plan your
payroll effectively. Provides explanations and analysis to help you make
practical payroll decisions.
This resource is supplemented with weekly newsletters to keep readers updated
on significant developments and important information.

17. Non-Circulating Resources
Encyclopedia of Associations
These volumes contain organizations for every type of business, service, or
industry. Involvement in an industry association is one of the best ways to
stay on top of trends. This is a source that lists over 150,000 organizations
worldwide.

18. Non-Circulating Resources
Illinois Manufacturers Directory
Find your potential customers (and your competition!)
Published yearly, this is a comprehensive and trusted guide to manufacturers
in Illinois. Over 18,000 businesses and their corresponding profiles are
listed, with up to 30 detailed facts about each company. Contact information
to over 60,000 executives is provided, making it easier to reach out to the
decision makers for business opportunities.

19. Non-Circulating Resources
Illinois Services Directory
The Illinois Services Directory is the companion to the Illinois Manufacturers Directory
and is also published yearly.
These guides are the best “go-to” resources to find out about Illinois companies.
Approximately 26,000 businesses and their corresponding profiles are listed, with up to
30 detailed facts about each company. Contact information to over 63,000 executives is
provided.

20. Non-Circulating Resources
S& P Capital IQ Industry Surveys
Gain insights to think and act like an industry insider.
Standard & Poor’s Industry Surveys track more than 50 North American
industries and 10 global industries. Industry trends, company
analysis, financial information about industries, and industrial rankings are a
few of the valuable topics shared.

21. Non-Circulating Resources
Hoover’s Handbook of Emerging Companies
Since Elk Grove Village has so many small companies, some business owners pay
attention to up and coming businesses, even if it is not in their field.
This annually published resource contains profiles of companies experiencing growth
and potential for future expansion. The profiles include company
overview, history, products, competitors, and financial data of influential companies
expected to grow in the United States.
Reading about emerging companies can be a source of inspiration and business
intelligence for potential start-up companies.

22. Non-Circulating Resources
Crain’s Chicago Business
This weekly published newspaper provides interesting and newsworthy articles
concerning people and businesses pertinent to the Chicago area and the state
of Illinois. Crain’s Chicago Business is an award-winning publication, and it
even has its own i-pad App, which is one of Apple’s most downloaded apps.
However, you don’t have to have an i-Pad to read this magazine; stop by the
library and enjoy reading it here.
Copies of Crain’s Chicago Business are retained by the library for the current
year plus the previous year.

23. Many libraries are paring down their print resources, especially in
their reference collection. Online databases offer interactivity, access
outside the library building, and are constantly being updated. The
subscription databases listed in this guide are only a small selection
of what is available.
While there are countless websites, subscription databases contain
information that is maintained by the company, and lends itself to a
higher level of accountability.
Non-Circulating Resources

24. Non-Circulating Resource:
Subscription Databases
Small Business
Resource Center
A complete resource to answer
all your questions regarding
starting, financing, and
managing a small business. It
includes business guides,
news articles, and websites.
How-to information on a
whole spectrum of topics for
the small business owner can
be found in this user-friendly
database.

25. Non-Circulating Resource:
Subscription Databases
Demographics Now
Access a report by
demographic categories
(income, consumer
spending, age, race, educa
tion, businesses, (and
more) for geographical
areas in the United States.
2010 Census data and
maps are available too.
Evaluate your market by
using the data to determine
where to place and
promote your product.

26. While there are obvious caveats to using the
internet for information, the
government, educational institutions, and various
professional associations have reputable web
sites.
Recommended Websites

27. www.sba.gov
The Small Business Administration can provide
loans, identify opportunities for women, and a business
outreach to veterans.
Recommended Websites

28. www.grants.gov
Don’t do it alone – use government funding for your
business.
www.illinois.gov/idol/
The Illinois Department of Labor provides information
on wages, permits, and labor laws at the state level.
Recommended Websites

29. www.commerce.gov
The U.S. Department of Commerce promotes job
creation, economic growth, sustainable development and
improved standards of living for all Americans by working in
partnership with businesses, universities, communities and
our nation’s workers. Here you can find out about economic
development, growth in specific industries, and the like.
Recommended Websites

30. Bibliography for Circulating Resources
Abrams, R. M. (2010). Six-week start-up: A step-by-step program for
starting your business, making money, and achieving your goals!. Palo
Alto, CA: Planning Shop.
DelPo, A., Guerin, L., & Guerin, L. (2010). The manager's legal handbook.
Berkeley, CA: Nolo.
Fishman, S. (2011). Home business tax deductions: Keep what you earn.
Berkeley, CA: Nolo.
Maex, D., & Brown, P. B. (2012). Sexy little numbers: How to grow your
business using the data you already have. New York: Crown Business.
Mycoskie, B. (2011). Start something that matters. New York: Spiegel &
Grau.

31. Bibliography for Circulating Resources
Sant, T. (2012). Persuasive business proposals: Writing to win more
customers, clients, and contracts. New York: AMACOM.
Sarillo, N. (2012). A slice of the pie: How to build a big little business. New
York: Portfolio/Penguin.
Sherman, A., & Smith, D. E. (2011). Mom, incorporated: A guide to
business + baby. Portland, ME: Sellers Pub.
Smith, P. (2012). Lead with a story: A guide to crafting business narratives
that captivate, convince, and inspire. New York: American Management
Association.
Steingold, F. (2009). Legal guide for starting & running a small business.
Berkeley, CA: Nolo.

32. Bibliography for Non-Circulating
Resources
Atterberry, T. E., & Gale (Firm). (2012). Encyclopedia of associations.
Farmington Hills, MI: Gale/Cengage Learning.
Commerce Clearing House. (2013). Accommodating disabilities: Business
management guide. Chicago, IL: CCH.
Commerce Clearing House. (2013). Payroll management guide. Chicago, IL:
CCH.
Crain Communications Inc. (2013). Crain's Chicago business. Chicago, IL: Crain
Communications Inc.
DemographicsNow. (2013). Orange, Calif: SRC, LLC. Retrieved from:
http://library.demographicsnow.com/?skey=D5DEF52067B142CAA7CBDCF52C581CA2

33. Bibliography for Non-Circulating
Resources
Hoover's, Inc. (2012). Hoover's handbook of emerging companies 2012. Austin,
TX: Hoovers Inc.
Manufacturers' News, Inc. (2013). 2013 Illinois manufacturers directory: Profiling
18,864 Illinois manufacturing & processing establishments. Evanston, IL:
Manufacturers' News.
Manufacturers' News, Inc. (2013). Illinois services directory: 2013. Evanston, IL:
Manufacturers News.
S&P Capital IQ (Firm). (2012). S&P Capital IQ industry surveys. New York, N.Y:
S&P Capital IQ.
Small business resource center. (2013). Detroit: Thomson Gale. Retrieved from:
http://www.egvpl.org:2110/sbrc/start.do?prodId=SBRC&userGroupName=elk17517

34. Bibliography for Reviews
A Slice of the Pie: How to Build a Big Little Business. (2012). Publishers
Weekly, 259(26), 162.
Broughton, P. (2011). Doing Good By Shoeing Well. Wall Street Journal –
Eastern Edition, 258(59), A17.
Damrau, J. (2008). The Language of Success: Business Writing That Informs,
Persuades, and Gets Results. Technical Communication, 55(4), 433-434.
Donahue, D. (2011). Hardcover Bestsellers: Nonfiction. Publishers Weekly,
258(38), 17.
Exclusive PMR Fax Poll How Payroll Professionals Stay Current & in
Compliance. (2005). Payroll Manager's Report.

35. Bibliography for Reviews
Fernekes, R. W. (2004). Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing to Win More
Customers, Clients, and Contracts 2nd ed. (Book). Choice: Current Reviews For
Academic Libraries, 41(11/12), 2090-2091.
Fink, P. R. (2007). On the Bookshelf. Tax Adviser, 38(6), 354.
Graff, H. S. (2012). American reference books annual: Volume 43. Santa Barbara,
CA: Libraries Unlimited.
Hurst-Wahl, J. (2005). Capital IQ for Those Looking for an
Investor. Searcher, 13(7), 12-15.
Illinois manufacturing jobs increased a half percent over past year. (2012, Feb
07). U.S.Newswire.

36. Bibliography for Reviews
Inspiring Gold-Medal Performance. (2012). New Equipment Digest, 77(7), 10.
Jacobs, B. (2012). A Slice of the Pie: How to Build a Big Little Business.
Booklist, 108(21), 18.
Johnson, M. M. (2013). The Manager's Legal Handbook. ARBA Online.
Kundanis, B. (2011). Mom, Incorporated: A Guide to Business + Baby. Library
Journal, 136(14), 118.
LAW. (2007). Reference & Research Book News, 22(1), 201-219.
LAW. (2010). Reference & Research Book News, 25(2), 177-192.

37. Bibliography for Reviews
Lead with a Story: A Guide to Crafting Business Narratives That Captivate,
Convince, and Inspire. (2012). Publishers Weekly, 259(20), 56.
Lloyd, L. (2011). Mom, Incorporated : A Guide To Business + Baby. ForeWord
Reviews.
Milliot, J. (2012). It's The Economy, Stupid. Publishers Weekly, 259(26), 24-
30.
Moon, T. (2011). Making Money, on the Side. Library Journal, 136(4), 40-42.
Myers, M. S. (2013). Lead with a story: a guide to crafting business narratives
that captivate, convince, and inspire. Choice: Current Reviews For Academic
Libraries, 50(6), 1104.

38. Bibliography for Reviews
Obuchowski, J. (2005). Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing to Win More
Customers, Clients, and Contracts. Harvard Management Communication
Letter, 2(3), 3-4.
O'Gorman, J. (2008). Reference sources for small and medium-sized libraries.
Chicago: American Library Association.
'Persuasive Business Proposals' (Book). (2004). Accounting Today, 18(4), 26.
Sexy Little Numbers. (2012). Corporate Board, 33(197), 29.
Small business. (1995). Landscape Management, 34(9), 36.
U.S. courts contract for wide access to CCH's authoritative online content as
part of 10-year agreement with LexisNexis. (2004, Sep 20). PR Newswire.