HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN ILLINOIS

Region: Midwestern Region

Capital City: Springfield

State Governor: J.B. Pritzker

Principal Cities: Chicago, Springfield, Rockford, Champaign-Urbana

32-478-224818

Welcome to the State of Illinois

Sharon L. Stead, Senior Advisor:


"Illinois has a strong track record of winning international investments from both within the US and from around the world. It is the most successful state in the Midwest in attracting Foreign Direct Investment and the 4th most successful in the nation. We have already attracted over 2000 foreign corporations doing business in Illinois, employing more than 300,000 Ilinois residents directly.

Illinois has the fifth largest state economy in the US, with a Real GDP of $780.340 billion (2021) It is also a very diverse economy with billion-dollar industries including information technology and communications, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, plastics, chemicals, renewable energy, aerospace, agriculture and food production, warehouse and distribution, automotive, and financial services. More recently the state has an aggressive growing EV industry as a result of a new clean energy bill and the REV act that have been passed into law offering favorable incentives. (Reimagining Electric Vehicle Act)

Chicago, Illinois's largest city, is an economic powerhouse with a with a Real GDP $618.616 billion (2019) and a population of 9.3 million in the metropolitan area making it the perfect spot for starting a foreign LLC or any other form of corporation in Illinois. Centrally located, Chicago provides nonstop flights to more than 200 cities worldwide and serves as a hub for all seven major North American railroads and all major U.S. Interstates.

Encouraging and supporting foreign corporations doing business in Illinois is a key priority for us. My office, based in Brussels, with its dedicated staff, has over 40 years’ experience in assisting European companies interested in the US market. You will find our services, explained below in greater detail, which are tailor-made to address your company’s needs for starting a business in Illinois.

We look forward to hearing from you."

Start your Corporation's Journey in Illinois

A premier Global Destination

The Future of Business is in Illinois - and we're ready for you.

State Demographics - Illinois' Ecomomy

18 % th
Largest Economy in the World (2020)
12.7 % million
Population (2020)
$ 823 billion
GSP (2017)
$ 16 billion
Public & Private R&D Spending Annually (2020)
$ 65 billion
Exports (2017)
1400 %
Daily Flights from O'Hare Airport (2020)
6.4 % million
Labor Force (2020)
3 %
of the Top 50 Universities in the World (2020)

Why invest in Illinois?

Illinois is aware of the contribution foreign owned firms make to its economy, and it greatly welcomes foreign corporations doing business here. Here are the top 10 reasons why Illinois offers your business a premier location within the United States and why so many companies have chosen Illinois for their U.S. operation.

Strategically positioned for Access to Markets and Customers

Unparalleled Infrastructure and Global Connectivity

Highly Educated and Productive Workforce

World Renowned Universities and Third Level Colleges

An Economic Powerhouse

International Center for American and European Global Companies

Warehousing and Distribution Center of the U.S.

Large Resources of Industrial Land, Buildings and R & D Parks

Competitive Financial Incentives for Foreign Investors

A Great Place to Live and Work

How to start an LLC or any other business form in Illinois

About Our Services


The State of Illinois European Office is one of 6 overseas offices operated by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The office, situated in Brussels was set up in1968, and is the second oldest office of an American state with representation in Europe, and has worked with hundreds and hundreds of companies over the last 53 years to set up operations in the US.

We provide confidential advice and free services to European firms seeking to invest in Illinois (by way of a sales office, warehouse /distribution or a manufacturing plant). We are there to assist you with your foreign LLC, INC or any kind of business in Illinois from the beginning of your project until its completion.

The Types of Services our European Office can offer you:

  • Detailed information on the State of Illinois for the foreign investor including its economy, infrastructure, industries, business climate, real estate costs, costs of business start- up and costs of running a business.
  • Planning assistance to allow you select the best possible location in Illinois
  • Travel advice and arrangements for touring green-field sites, industrial buildings, warehousing and offices in the Chicago area as well as throughout the state, including industrial locations with special tax or business incentives.
  • Setting up of appointments with business contacts with international experience. Our network of partners have extensive experience in assisting foreign corporations doing business in Illinois, and include: Legal, Accounting, Real Estate, Financial, Human Resources, Government resources , Personnel Relocation and more.
  • Advice on financial incentives and grants that may be applicable for your business startup in Illinois.
  • Helpful Links for starting an LLC or any type of corporation in Illinois

    The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCE0): www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/
    The State of Illinois business portal: http://business.illinois.gov/default.cfm
    World Business Chicago: http://www.worldbusinesschicago.com
    Crains Chicago Business News: http://chicagobusiness.com
    Illinois Manufacturers Association: http://www.ima-net.org
    Illinois Tourism web site: http://www.enjoyillinois.com
    Chemical Council of Illinois: http://www.cicil.net
    Illinois Ports of Entry: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/il/
    Illinois Economic Development: https://intersectillinois.org/

    Visa and Immigration Information

    State Dept. visa website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/

    Contact Information

    Sharon L. Stead, Senior Advisor

    SilverSquare
    Avenue Louise 523
    1050 Brussels
    Belgium

    News about Illinois