ABOUT US
The CEC supports an ambitious goal – to create and support an entrepreneurial environment in which innovative ideas, hard work, and ambition receive the practical support they need to flourish beyond expectations. In the process, we grow the region’s economy and increase employment statewide.
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— Jerry Roper | President & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Who We Are
The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC) works at the intersection of business success and civic engagement. It identifies the region’s most promising entrepreneurs and helps them build high-growth, sustainable businesses that serve as platforms for economic development and civic leadership for the Chicagoland area. Since 2003, the CEC has helped our client entrepreneurs secure $229 million in revenue, raise $130.5 million in financing, and create or retain nearly 5,850 jobs. In turn, CEC clients fuel the entrepreneurial ecosystem of our city by mentoring young talent, advising their peers, and joining the CEC “movement” to inspire entrepreneurship in Chicagoland. The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center is an affiliate of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
We identify the region’s most promising entrepreneurs – ones who have a passion to “change the world” with their innovative products, services, and business models – and help them build high-growth, sustainable companies that serve as platforms for economic development and civic leadership for the Chicagoland area.
What We Know
To succeed in today’s increasingly fast moving, complex and competitive economy, entrepreneurs must have innovative ideas, strategic and sound business plans, solid financial backing and the support of the business community. The CEC, through its staff, board of directors and partners, possesses the knowledge necessary to assist entrepreneurs in every aspect of their businesses.
Like the smart, high growth entrepreneurs it serves, the CEC was founded in 1999 to fill a gap in the market as the region's leading nonprofit organization guiding early-growth stage companies. The CEC succeeds year after year, expanding its reputation and reach by focusing on what matters to entrepreneurs today and what will matter to them in the future. The CEC continually refreshes its offerings and enhances the opportunities available to Chicagoland's high-growth entrepreneurs.
Who We Help
We work with high-growth entrepreneurs in the following industry segments: technology, retail and consumer products, fashion and apparel, food and food services, clean technology, professional services and healthcare IT. We help entrepreneurs located throughout the six counties of Northeastern Illinois. Our primary services are for entrepreneurs in the early-growth stage, though we also work with select start-ups and other businesses that are existing CEC clients.
What We Do
Simply put, the CEC helps entrepreneurs help themselves. We offer entrepreneurs advisory services and face-to-face introductions to help with their financing and sales needs. We provide guidance through our extensive network of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders. And we host events at which entrepreneurs can learn strategies necessary to succeed in a competitive marketplace.
Why We Were Formed
The CEC was created in 1999 by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce in response to studies commissioned by the Commercial Club of Chicago and the Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors and prepared by McKinsey & Co. and the Metropolis Project.
The studies documented that while the Chicago area was in an excellent position to benefit from the then-strong economy, 90 percent of Chicagoland businesses were small to mid-size firms seeking support and mentoring to facilitate their growth and development. The studies determined that there were many supportive agencies for entrepreneurs, but most had a narrow focus that didn’t allow for the type of comprehensive guidance high-growth businesses often require.
It was clear that a single point of access for the region’s entrepreneurs was needed to ensure consistency of information and quality, offer a wide variety of practical and educational forums, and be useful to both those just starting out as well as to those in the crucial growth phases that follow.
While the CEC is funded through private entities and corporations and state and city grants, it is also supported by numerous budding and successful entrepreneurs, established businesses and academia that recognize the importance of entrepreneurs and the impact the CEC has on the local economy.
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