World Business Chicago (WBC) is the City’s not-for-profit economic development corporation, chaired by Mayor Richard M. Daley and directed by Rita R. Athas; the office advances the Chicago region’s global position as a thriving business location. WBC coordinates the city’s business retention, 
attraction and expansion efforts, raises Chicago’s profile as a prime business location and serves as a resource for companies.
WBC enhances Chicago’s economy by fostering growth in the private sector; building the best city in the world in which to live, work, and play. WBC is a public-private partnership funded jointly by the City of Chicago and the private sector; its Board of Directors, co-chaired by Aon Corporation President and COO Michael D. O'Halleran, is made up of some of the region's leading business executives.
WBC's staff is available to answer questions and point you in the right direction to help your business get up and running as quickly as possible; navigating the site selection process by providing economic and industry data, site location assistance, state and local incentive information, and bringing together key parties in the public and private sectors to spur and accelerate economic growth.
The City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs & Licensing (DBA) is dedicated to empowering businesses to grow and succeed. DBA provides businesses a gateway by acting as the primary point of contact for all city services. DBA's one-stop shop has business consultants available to help guide existing and potential business owners through the process.
For more information on inspections, permits, or starting a business in Chicago, see our Directory of Resources.
Photo: "Link Bridge Pano" (edit) by Mindfrieze / CC BY-SA 2.0
