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) is a nonprofit affiliate of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce that seeks to make a perceptible and lasting economic impact on the Chicago region by helping entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses build viable, sustainable, and profitable enterprises. The CEC works with entrepreneurs to create and sustain opportunities for business success, job growth, and profitability.
What We Know
To succeed in today’s increasingly fastmoving, 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.
Who We Help
We work with high-growth entrepreneurs, primarily in the technology, retail and consumer products, professional services, fashion and apparel, food and food services and real estate industries. 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 Offer
The CEC provides entrepreneurs with sales and client development services, financing services, strategic advisory programs, support resources and community development. We’re able to provide these services to clients through our relationship with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as an Entrepreneurship Center and as a member of the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network.
Why We Were Formed
The CEC was created in 1999 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 Chicagoland 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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