Chicago's Business Climate

Home to an unrivaled talent pool, Chicago is centrally located at the nexus between European and Asian markets, and the North American Free Trade zone. The region features a strong, globally diverse economy larger than that of many countries, has a uniquely friendly and welcoming business community, and boasts one of the best quality-of-life to cost-of-living ratios in the nation.

Photo: “Marina City at Sunset” by Vonderauvisuals

Tremendous Talent

Stellar educational institutions develop a steady stream of talent in Chicago.

Central Location

Chicago is at the center of global trade, transit, and data networks.

As Big as a Country

Chicago's $561B GRP is more than countries like Norway, Austria, and the United Arab Emirates.

14%

is the largest portion of the workforce that any single industry employs in Chicago

Economic Diversification Matters

A diverse economy remains strong even during times of trouble in certain sectors

Chicago's Diverse Economy
Photo: “Atop of Chicago” by Brian Koprowski

Growing Nexus of Innovation

From the world’s first skyscraper to the invention of improv comedy, Chicago has always been a hothouse of creativity & innovation; a place where ideas are seen as the highest form of currency

Chicago's Innovation Ecosystem
273

digital startups launched per year on average
2012-2014

10

strategies to transform the regional economy

A City with an Economic Plan

We’re implementing Chicago’s Plan for Economic Growth & Jobs by leading and partnering on a series of initiatives aligned with the Plan’s 10 strategies

Plan for Economic Growth & Jobs

International Ties

Chicago-based companies have more than 8,000 locations in 170 countries and territories

Chicago's Global Ties
1.8k

foreign-based companies call Chicago home

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