A small business makes use of an array of forms and documents in its day-to-day operation: from billing documents such as bills of sale or past due notices to HR documents such as employment applications or employee handbooks.  Where can you go when you need a new document drawn up and you don't want to pay the expense of hiring a lawyer or an accountant? 

Why not try some online resources that have example forms.  Sometimes all you need is an example of a form to get you started and the following sites provide samples of all types of small business and legal documents that can be modified to fit your particluar situation.  

FormNet which is part of Entrepreneur magazine's website contains a variety of free customizable business forms covering topics such as accounting, human resources, inventory control, office management, sales, shipping and more.

Another excellent source for Legal Forms from Thomas Gale  This is a value added resource provided by Skokie Public Library that offers a wide array of small business forms and a selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms. It includes real estate contracts, sales agreements, credit contracts, sample letters and much more.  Since this is a subsciption database paid for by the library, a Skokie Public Library card is needed to use it via the Internet.  Access this database via the forms page of this Skokie Business Portal at business.skokielibrary.info/forms and contact Mike Buhmann if you need help getting a library card. (see below for contact information). 

For government related documents such as specialized tax or employment forms there is a federal site  Essential Government Forms which is part of the federal business site Business.gov or the state equivalent Find a Form at the State of Illinois Business Portal. 

For more help with this topic or with business research contact Skokie Public Library business librarian, Mike Buhmann at 847-324-3176 or mbuhmann@skokielibrary.info