FAQs

The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) is the statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new businesses, jobs, and investment to Illinois. Illinois EDC collaborates with industry, academic, and government partners to grow Illinois’ economy across competitive, priority industries and showcase why Illinois is the best location for domestic and international companies to relocate and expand.

Since its inception in 2016, originally as Intersect Illinois, Illinois EDC has helped create 21,000+ jobs, retain 2,900+ jobs, and generate nearly $12 billion in investment. The organization markets the state’s position as a leading global business destination due to its diverse economy, abundant talent, unparalleled infrastructure, superior quality of life, and strong public and private partnerships.

Illinois is at the center of the country’s transportation network, has a highly skilled workforce and a reasonable cost of living and doing business. Our educated workforce comes with a Midwestern work ethic. A hub for transportation, Illinois is within a four-hour flight of nearly the entire North American market, is home to the third-largest highway system in the U.S. and all seven Class I railroads, and 83% of the continental U.S. within a two-day trucking distance. For companies who need to move goods and people, there is no better place to be in than in Illinois. We are also home to a supportive government and unmatched quality of life. From the bustling city to small towns, there is something for everyone.

Illinois is a hub for global corporate headquarters. The state is home to 30+ Fortune 500 headquarters including Abbott, ADM, Allstate, Baxter, Motorola Solutions, Exelon, John Deere, Kraft Heinz, McDonalds, Mondelez, State Farm, United, Walgreens and more. Our economy is diverse, with no one industry dominating, yet many thriving. We’re especially strong in advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, energy/EVs, information technology, life sciences, and transportation and logistics. Illinois has the 5th-highest GDP in the nation, 18th largest economy in the world, and has been ranked the number one Midwest state for business creation by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Illinois is a place where businesses are born, grow and thrive. Illinois companies raised more than $7.1 billion over 397 deals in 2021 alone. We’re proud of our legacy of fostering new businesses and the minds that create them. There has been a 200% increase in startup companies launching from Illinois universities over the past five years.

Home to a population of nearly 6.5 million people and more than 250 higher education institutions (including two of the top 10 universities in the U.S.), Illinois continues to fuel one of its greatest assets for business: its diverse, skilled and hardworking workforce.

Illinois is the birthplace of technological innovations including the cell phone, first-ever web browser, and some of the world’s most powerful computers. We are a place where the world’s brightest minds develop some of its most life-changing technologies. The University of Illinois alone produces more engineers each year than MIT, Stanford and Caltech combined, generating unmatched talent. And, the state’s networks of incubators, accelerators and established companies innovating here has created an ecosystem with tremendous support. Pairing our history of technological innovation with the manufacturing and transportation infrastructure to translate ideas into tangible solutions and products makes Illinois the ideal place for innovation.

Illinois is a global powerhouse in the heart of the U.S. that brings together intellect, innovation, infrastructure and industry to make it the ideal place for businesses to plant permanent roots.

A not-for-profit, public-private partnership, Illinois EDC is funded by the State of Illinois and private donations, and guided by a board of directors comprised of private sector leaders. Its business development, marketing and research teams provide data, location assistance, and connections to companies considering growth in Illinois, helping navigate and simplify the site selection process.

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