Illinois Strengths
This page provides links and information to several important resources that keep Illinois businesses and employers up to date on what keeps Illinois strong when it comes to business.
Enjoy Illinois
Find what makes Illinois historic, eventful, and enjoyable on Enjoy Illinois website. Stay up to date on what's taking place near you and your business and throughout the state.
World Class Infrastructure
- IL has 5 intl. airports and 7 other commercial airports
- O'Hare has most flights in the U.S. and a triple-hub airport system (ORD/MDW)
- IL is the only state that has all seven Class I freight railroads
- Chicago is the #3 largest intermodal port in the world
- IL has the 3rd largest interstate highway system in the U.S.
- IL has 2 major inland ports and 14 waterway ports
Target Industries
Illinois has several strong and growing industries throughout the state such as:
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Architecture and Construction
- Energy
- Finance
- Health Science
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Tech & Innovation Leader
Statistics on entrepreneurship, businesses, and related achievements
- $2.4 billion annual R&D funding in Illinois
- 5,028 patents issued by inventors in 2015
- 83 Nobel Prize winners
- 275 digital startups launched annually
- 440+ corporate R&D facilities
- $8 billion in acquisitions & IPOs in 2014
- Availability of world-class research and innovation hubs
Click here to learn more about the latest and greatest science and technological advances in Illinois.
Business Minded
Tax code can multifaceted and complicated. Start understanding Illinois' tax code by learning the essentials:
- Tax Foundation breaks down and measures important taxes to be aware of in Illinois.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Find and review the latest reports and findings on Illinois':
- Employment and Unemployment
- Inflation, Prices, and Spending
- Pay and Benefits
- Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Brightest Minds
Illinois has some of the brightest minds pursuing, attending, and graduating college. Find the best college for you using:
- Peterson's search engine of colleges in Illinois.
- U.S. News' reports on the best colleges to attend.