Mission
World Business Chicago (WBC) is the city’s economic development office, coordinating business retention, attraction and expansion efforts in order to spur and accelerate economic growth. A public/private organization chaired by Mayor Richard M. Daley, WBC strives to raise Chicago’s position as a premier global business destination.
Overview
World Business Chicago (WBC) coordinates the city’s business attraction and retention efforts, raises Chicago’s profile as a premier business destination and serves as a resource for companies.
A not-for-profit economic development corporation, chaired by Mayor Richard M. Daley and directed by Rita R. Athas., the organization advances Chicago’s position as a thriving global business location and enhances Chicago’s economy by fostering growth in the private sector; building the best city in the world in which to live, work, and play.
WBC’s staff navigates the site selection process for businesses by providing economic and industry data, site location assistance, state and local incentive information, and bringing together key parties to spur and accelerate economic growth.
As a public/private partnership between the City of Chicago and the private sector, WBC’s Board of Directors (co-chaired by Aon Benfield Corporation Executive Chairman, Michael D. O'Halleran) includes prominent business leaders who guide the enhancement of Chicago’s economy through the growth of its business community.
The City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs & Licensing (DBA) is dedicated to empowering businesses to grow and succeed. DBA provides businesses a gateway by acting as the primary point of contact for all city services. DBA's one-stop shop has business consultants available to help guide existing and potential business owners through the process.
For more information on inspections, permits, or starting a business in Chicago, see our Directory of Resources.
Photo: "Link Bridge Pano" (edit) by Mindfrieze / CC BY-SA 2.0
