For Robust Business Building, Chicago Is the Place to Be

Photo via Pixabay

Photo via Pixabay

If you’re looking for the ideal location in which to launch a business and raise a family, you can’t beat Chicago. The Windy City offers a range of housing options, a supportive and vibrant business environment, and boasts a high quality of life across numerous categories. Sunshine Enterprises can be a great resource along the way, providing tips, insight, and advice for successful business operations.

Why Chicago?

According to Best Places, even though Chicago is a centrally-located major metropolitan hub, its cost of living is significantly lower than other major metro areas in the US. In fact, groceries, healthcare, and utilities are below the median average. Transportation costs are a bit higher, but using public transit can greatly reduce that number, especially if you live in close proximity to business districts rather than in the suburbs. This makes the city attractive for business owners and for families — which means it’s also attractive to employees who are looking for a great place to live and work. The average median price for a home in Chicago is around $290,000, while rental rates range from $1,000 to around $2,000 per month depending on size and location.

Chicago’s Business Environment

According to Inc., Chicago is one of the most business-friendly cities, especially for entrepreneurs. Its business culture is diverse and is home to 12 Fortune 500 companies. Situated in the Midwest, Chicago is also a major business hub, making it highly attractive to businesses. Chicago’s higher ed system is also exceptional, which contributes to a healthy workforce pipeline for growing companies. The city is home to the highly respected Booth School of Business and the Polasky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. There’s no shortage of support for businesses.

In addition to active chambers of commerce and small business development centers, Chicago is also home to the following:

  • The Chicago Inventors Organization

  • The Small Business Advocacy Council

  • The Women’s Business Development Center

  • Chicago SCORE

More good news for business — many college graduates don’t take their talents elsewhere — a large percentage stay in Chicago and make it their home. This is another reason big tech names like Google and Facebook have satellite offices in Chi-town.

Chicago’s Quality Of Life

A city is only as good as the communities it supports. According to Patch, Chicago ranks among the best places to live. Chicago’s ranking is based on its strong economy, quality of life, and access to community resources. It’s also home to natural vistas including a lakefront trail, 600 parks, and some of the most interesting architectural landscapes.

Other outdoor attractions include:

  • Grant Park

  • The Jay Pritzker Pavilion

  • Montrose Beach

  • The famous “Bean”

Chicago is also ranked as one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the US. For sports fans, Chicago is a mecca, serving as home to the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox, along with the Bulls and the Bears. Arts, culture, and food also get high rankings - the city is home to art galleries and music venues, as well as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Popular cultural events include:

  • The Riot Fest

  • Chicago Sculpture and Art Tour

  • The Chicago Cultural Center

  • Maxwell Street Market

Chicago’s Educational Offerings

For businesses to thrive, they need access to a pipeline of skilled, educated, and talented future employees. Fortunately, Chicago schools are up to the task. Windy City schools are continually increasing their test scores and are boasting one of the highest all-time graduation rates. According to U.S. News and World Report, Chicago schools spend more than $15,000 per pupil on primary educational expenses. There are more than 650 public schools within city limits.

On the higher ed front, the University of Chicago is ranked number six in the nation. Other top universities include:

  • Loyola University

  • University of Illinois, Chicago

  • Northwestern University

  • DePaul University

Times Higher Education indicates that while businesses flock to Chicago for the well-trained workforce, college graduates stay put in Chicago for the professional opportunities - a win-win for all residents.

Chicago Business Quick-Start Checklist

If you’re interested in starting a business or relocating to Chicago, you’ll have a great deal of support. Here are a few things you’ll need to get you started:

  • Business licensing

  • County and state business registration

  • Business planning guidelines

  • Hiring and training resources

  • Building permits

You can also get support through local offices of the Small Business Administration and SCORE, which also provides mentoring.

When it comes to generating buzz for your business, having a custom banner for your various social media accounts can be helpful. Instead of hiring a graphic designer, save money and use a free online tool. You can choose from templates and then customize them with colors, text, and graphics of your choice. It’s a great way to grab attention online.

Making the Move

If you’re making a move to Chicago, having a quality moving company assist you will make the process that much smoother. Search “best moving companies near me” and narrow the search after reading online reviews. If cost is a factor, when you’re interviewing prospective companies, ask about deals, discounts, and credits. You’ll also want to ensure you get several quotes to get the very best deal.

Sunshine Enterprises helps under-resourced entrepreneurs start and grow their business. For more information, please visit our website or contact us today!

BY Chelsea Lamb
chelsea@businesspop.net

Guest User