Entrepreneurs push back as Illinois city proposes new business registry
[February 07, 2026]
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – Despite existing state registration requirements,
Pontiac officials are proposing a new local business registration
program aimed at improving communication and compliance, a move that has
sparked concerns from some local entrepreneurs.
Greg Knowles, Pontiac’s director of building and zoning, explained the
rationale during a recent city council meeting.
“It solves the problem of ‘I don’t know what’s happening downtown or I
don’t know where businesses are,’” Knowles said. “If I don’t know what
is downtown, I can’t tell you whether what’s downtown is compliant.”
The registration program, which would include a $10 annual fee, aims to
create a database of business owners, building owners, and emergency
contact information.
However, some local business owners question whether the program is
necessary. Entrepreneur and real estate broker Kyle DeLong, who operates
multiple businesses in the city, expressed frustration with the
proposal.
“This, to me, is just another hoop that I have to jump through,” he
said. “It seems redundant because I have a state license that’s in good
standing. I have to do continued education for that. I have to pay fees.
All those things cost me money.”
In Illinois, business owners must register with the Department of
Revenue and, if forming an LLC or corporation, file with the secretary
of state, with other requirements depending on the business.
Knowles emphasized that the program is not intended as a revenue source.
“It’s not a money-making opportunity for the city, but just a way for us
to stay on top of who’s where,” Knowles said.
According to Knowles, the program would also allow the city to better
communicate with business owners about community meetings and events.
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A sign reading "Sorry We're Closed" hangs in the window of a small
business. Photo: Grace David / The Center Square
“If I don’t know that you have a business, I can’t invite you to
that meeting and you can’t learn about the things that the
community, that the city is doing to help you,” Knowles said.
Knowles said the city hopes the program will also support compliance
with zoning regulations.
“I received a notice not too long ago about tenants having items in
the front yard that the city wanted removed. I was cooperative, made
a phone call to the tenant, and the issue was quickly resolved.
That’s an example of how the city is already enforcing existing
rules. While that was related to a property rather than a business,
there are already systems and avenues in place,” said DeLong.
DeLong expressed concern that the registration program could grow
into something more intrusive.
“It almost seems like, to me, ‘I got to check in with Big Brother
and make sure that I’m doing what they want me to do,’ and that I
almost work for them instead of them work for me,” DeLong said.
The proposal also calls for a city-run business directory and
welcome packets for newcomers, even though the Pontiac Chamber of
Commerce already maintains its own business directory.
“It’d be great to know, hey, where can I get my hair done? Where can
I get my dog groomed?” Knowles said.
The city plans to roll out the registration program immediately,
offering to waive the first-year fee for businesses that register by
April 1.
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