Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) highlighted recently-released data from the Business Formation Statistics Report that shows Illinois is leading the Midwest, and is among the top ten states nationally, in business startups - in addition to reaching the highest recorded number of business startups. Highlights include:
Illinois Highlights:
- In 2021, 198,827 business startups were created in Illinois, which is an increase from 170,400 in 2020.
- In 2021, Illinois recorded its highest-ever number of business startups since the data was first reported in 2004.
- Illinois has 69 percent more business startups in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 (198,827 compared to 117,392). From 2019 to 2020 there was also a 45 percent increase in business startups 117,392 to 170,400).
Regional Highlights:
- In 2021, Illinois had the highest number of business startups in the Midwest (as defined by the Census bureau), with 44,000 more business startups than the closest ranked state (Ohio, 154,818).
- Illinois also had the highest growth in business startups (69 percent) in the Midwest between 2019-21.
National Highlights:
- In 2021, Illinois had the 6th highest number of business startups in 2021 (behind FL, CA, NY, TX, & GA).
- Illinois ranks eighth in the nation in business startup growth, from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 to 2021 (behind MS, GA, SC, LA, AL, WY, DE); it is the largest state to rank in the top ten for growth in the nation.
- This rate of growth in business startups from pre-pandemic levels in 2019 to 2021 is the 8th-highest in the country, highest in the Midwest, and 2nd-highest among the 20 largest states (behind Georgia).
"Illinois' prowess in attracting and growing new businesses is a testament to the power of a state that balances its budgets, provides fiscal stability for entrepreneurs, supports families, and builds a firewall around the rights of the people who call her home," said Pritzker. "With yet another record-breaking year under our belt, Illinois kicks off 2022 with a message for the world: we're back and open for business."
"Governor Pritzker has prioritized Illinois' workforce and economy -- and it shows: businesses in Illinois are launching in record numbers," said Sylvia I. Garcia, Acting DCEO Director. "From innovative tax incentives for new businesses, to small business centers designed to support up-and-coming entrepreneurs, Illinois remains committed to investing in proven programs that spur innovation, create jobs and boost our economy."
Pritzker's 5-year plan for economic growth offers a blueprint for creating jobs, boosting investment in underserved communities, and leveraging growth in regional industry clusters. Key programs that support business growth include:
- Advantage Illinois: Advantage Illinois is designed to enable small businesses to obtain medium to long-term financing, in the form of low-interest loans.
- Angel Tax Credits: Angel tax credits encourage investment in innovative, early-stage companies to help companies obtain the working capital needed to further the growth of their company in Illinois. - Investors in new companies can receive a state tax credit equal to 25% of their investment (up to $2 million).
- Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): Through SBCDs small businesses receive technical assistance and other support, including helping entrepreneurs looking to launch new businesses.
- Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program: Illinois' EDGE program provides annual corporate tax credits to qualifying businesses which support job creation, capital investment and improve the standard of living for all Illinois residents.
Categories: Illinois, Business