What is SelectChi?
SelectCHI is a Chicago-centric spinoff of SelectUSA – the U.S. Department of Commerce led investment summit focused on facilitating job-creating business investment into the United States and raising awareness of the critical role that economic development plays in the U.S. economy. Since its inception, SelectUSA has facilitated more than $250 billion in investment, creating and/or retaining over 230,000 U.S. jobs.
SelectCHI harnesses the convening power of SelectUSA to attract foreign companies to Chicagoland to explore and connect with local business opportunities. As this event drives up foreign direct investment, it seeks to bolster diverse economic growth across the region.
2025 SelectChi Tracks
- Clean Energy/Climate Tech
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Clean Energy & Climate Tech
Track 1
Chicago is becoming a pioneer in the clean energy and tech ecosystem, and we have the opportunity to expand our growth to foreign investors.
- Impact: Chicagoland’s green economy produced over $23.3 billion in output in 2024, growing by nearly 4% between 2023 and 2024.
- Growth: There was over $96 million in growth capital invested in 34 Chicagoland clean and climate technology companies in 2024, up 45% from 2023.
- Opportunity: There are over 200 climate, clean, and related technologies available for commercialization from leading Chicagoland universities and research institutions.
- Talent Pipeline: There were 1,002 environment-related program completions at schools in the Chicago metro area and UIUC in 2023, up from 881 in 2021.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Track 2
Chicago’s foodtech and food production industry is high-growth because of key assets across intersecting industries.
- Impact: In 2024, our region’s output value was $12.0B, with growth of 7.2% from 2023 — more than in any compared metro area.
- Growth: Between 2016 and 2022, Chicago’s food manufacturing industry grew by $1.7B, the most by total value compared to all metro areas in the United States
- Opportunity: Investment in Chicago’s food innovation ecosystem continues to grow: in 2024, there were 57 venture capital deals for Chicago’s food innovation companies, a 10% increase from 2019. As of Q1 2025, deal flow remains steady, with 6 deals, the same pace as 2024.
- Talent: Over 75,000 people work in food manufacturing regionally, with nearly half employed as food processing workers.
Your Gateway to Business in Chicagoland!
Welcome to SelectChi 2025, the premier event for global companies looking to expand in clean tech, food & beverage, and advanced industries. Connect with decision-makers, experience Chicagoland’s innovation, and explore why it’s the #1 U.S. region for business expansion.
EXPERIENCE CHICAGOLAND FROM EVERY ANGLE:
Sectors: Clean Tech & Energy and Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Host Point of Contact: Karla Orozco, Director of Foreign Direct Investment, WBC
korozco@worldbusinesschicago.com | 312-605-2659
Day 1- Thursday, May 8:
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Welcome to Chicago Breakfast
Venue: Chase Tower, 10 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60603
Program: Join small group discussions with Chicagoland’s top business resources—government officials and industry leaders—to explore growth opportunities..
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Regional Networking Lunch & Panel Discussion
Venue: Lockton
Program: Gain insights into the region’s economic landscape and growth opportunities.
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Chicago River Industrial Tour
Venue: Odyssey of the River (Boat)
Program: Explore Chicago’s industrial corridor from the water.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | SelectCHI Reception: The Future of Business in Chicagoland
Venue: Goose Island Barrel House, 603 N Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
Program: An evening of insights on Chicagoland’s business strengths, great food and drinks, and exclusive networking with top industry leaders.
Day 2- Friday, May 9:
11:00 AM – 12:45 PM | Lunch Mixer- Innovation in Chicagoland
Venue: Tribune Tower
Program: Connect with industry professionals and local entrepreneurs over lunch.
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Industry Tours: Clean Tech/Energy & Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Program: Attendees will split into two tracks to explore Chicago’s thriving industries:
- Clean Tech/Energy: Site visits and industry insights into Chicago’s Clean Tech/Energy ecosystem.
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing: Explore Chicago’s dynamic F&B manufacturing sector.
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Chicago White Sox Game
Program: Experience America’s favorite pastime with the Chicago White Sox.
Disclaimer: This agenda could be subject to change