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

Our region has one of the most diverse economies in the country. Its historic strengths - abundant talent, strong infrastructure assets, and central location - are vital in recovery. WBC is leading an integrated strategy ranging from targeted business attraction to specific workforce investments in four high-growth sectors that will position our economy well for recovery: (1). Manufacturing; (2) Transportation, Distribution & Logistics; (3). Healthcare & Life Sciences; (4). Food & Agriculture.

COVID-19 Recovery Task Force

Chicago was the first U.S. city to publish its economic report. See below link to Recovery Task Force Advisory Report: Forward Together, Building a Stronger Chicago. This report reflects the contributions of 100+ leaders from diverse backgrounds across the public, private, and social sectors who volunteered their time and expertise to serve across the Recovery Task Force's five committees: Policy & Economic Stimulus, Mental & Emotional Health, Marketing & Business Development, Change Study, and Regional Coordination.

Recovery Task Force Advisory Report

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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