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 $698B GRP is more than countries like Argentina, Sweden, and Poland.

13%

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
400

startups launched per year on average.

4

Today we have convened private, public, and nonprofit leaders to focus on four desired outcomes: (1) Inclusive Growth (2) Population Growth (3) Prosperity During Change, and (4) Recession Resiliency. We have identified four growth clusters which have strong potential to drive economic growth: (1) Transportation, Distribution and Logistics, (2) Technology, (3) Tourism and Hospitality, and (4) Healthcare and Life Sciences.

Economy 2030

We are leading the city’s long-term economic development plan.

International Ties

Illinois companies have more than 9,800 locations in 158 countries.

Chicago's Global Ties
1,900

foreign-based companies call Chicago home.

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