Who We Are
Working for the City that Works
We highlight and support Chicago’s talent to align with the demands of our business (and workforce) ecosystem. Whether it’s manufacturing, health care and life sciences, professional services, finance, insurance, wholesale, retail, transportation and logistics, hospitality, and even moviemaking. Chicagoland is where workers and families can enjoy a world-class city with an affordable cost of living. In this city, businesses draw from a wealth of skilled workers across a range of industries.
Key Initiatives
Chicago Youth Employment Initiative
World Business Chicago is proud to support a citywide effort to expand career pathways and economic opportunity for Chicago’s young people. Through strategic collaboration across city government, employers, educational institutions, workforce organizations, and community partners, the Chicago Youth Employment Initiative connects youth ages 14–24 to meaningful work experiences, career exploration, and exposure to industries with career pathways.
By aligning the strengths of Chicago’s workforce ecosystem, we are helping to prepare the next generation of talent while creating a stronger, more inclusive economy for our city.
Key Initiatives
Employer Engagement Roundtable: Elevating Employer-Led Workforce Innovation
Our WBC Board employers are leading impactful work to develop talent, expand opportunity, and build the future workforce.
Through our Workforce Video Vignette Series, we are capturing and sharing:
- Innovative workforce development strategies
- Successful approaches to engaging and advancing Chicago talent
- Inclusive practices that create opportunity across Chicagoland
- Lessons and insights that can inspire employer action
Connect
Reach out to us
As a workforce ecosystem convenor, we are here to be of support, consult, and connect you to resources that will help your company connect (young talent) change to early career seekers to paid meaningful career exploration opportunities, workforce development programs and effective career pathway that enhance their employability, financial independence, promote personal growth and ignite ambition to pursue a fulfilling future.
For more information:
Engage with our workforce expert, Tana Francellno, to best understand a path forward at 312-589-5573 and tfrancellno@worldbusinesschicago.com
Acknowledgements
Convening Chicago's Workforce Ecosystem
World Business Chicago extends its sincere gratitude to the employers, workforce organizations, educational institutions, community-based partners, philanthropic leaders, and public-sector stakeholders who contributed to this important convening.
Building a stronger, more equitable talent ecosystem requires collaboration across sectors. Your insights, expertise, and commitment to advancing workforce solutions help ensure that Chicago’s residents have access to meaningful career opportunities while employers can connect with the talent they need to grow and thrive.
Together, we are strengthening the connections between business, education, workforce development, and government to create a more responsive and inclusive workforce system for the future.
We are grateful for your partnership and shared commitment to advancing economic mobility, workforce innovation, and inclusive growth across Chicago.
THE TEAM
Meet the team Behind Workforce Development