Business ideas · Illinois · Census Business Patterns 2023
Business ideas in Chicago, IL: what has room right now
Out of 237 business types, these five have the most room in Chicago at a $60,000 budget: fewer per resident than the rest of Illinois, a startup range you can reach, and a realistic time to the first paying customer. Skipped 20 the city already has more of. Run it with your own budget and interests.
Neur picks
Chicago, IL · 2,707,648 residents
- 01
Party Rentals
Rental of tents, tables, chairs, inflatables, and event equipment
- RoomChicago has 97% fewer of these per person than Illinois. At the state rate it would hold about 30 more.
- CostOpens for $15k to $50k, inside your budget.
- In Chicago1
- Per 100k vs state0.0 vs 1.2
- Residents per one2,707,648
- To first dollar1 to 3 mo
- 02
Medical Supply / DME Store
Wheelchairs, oxygen, braces, and home medical equipment, retail and Medicare
- RoomChicago has 94% fewer of these per person than Illinois. At the state rate it would hold about 73 more.
- CostOpens for $60k to $250k, inside your budget.
- In Chicago5
- Per 100k vs state0.2 vs 2.9
- Residents per one541,530
- To first dollar4 to 10 mo
- 03
Toy / Hobby Store
Toys, games, models, trading cards, and craft supplies; events drive repeat visits
- RoomChicago has 89% fewer of these per person than Illinois. At the state rate it would hold about 59 more.
- CostOpens for $50k to $200k, inside your budget.
- In Chicago7
- Per 100k vs state0.3 vs 2.4
- Residents per one386,807
- To first dollar3 to 7 mo
- 04
Pest Control
Extermination and prevention of insects, rodents, and wildlife
- RoomChicago has 88% fewer of these per person than Illinois. At the state rate it would hold about 74 more.
- CostOpens for $10k to $30k, inside your budget.
- In Chicago10
- Per 100k vs state0.4 vs 3.1
- Residents per one270,765
- To first dollar1 to 3 mo
- 05
Craft / Fabric Store
Fabric, yarn, sewing, and craft supplies with classes
- RoomChicago has 88% fewer of these per person than Illinois. At the state rate it would hold about 21 more.
- CostOpens for $50k to $200k, inside your budget.
- In Chicago3
- Per 100k vs state0.1 vs 0.9
- Residents per one902,549
- To first dollar3 to 7 mo
Questions
- What business should I start in Chicago, IL?
- On Census Business Patterns for Chicago's own ZIP codes, the types with the most room at a $60,000 budget are party rentals, medical supply / dme store, toy / hobby store, pest control, craft / fabric store. Party Rentals leads: Chicago has 97% fewer of these per person than Illinois. At the state rate it would hold about 30 more.
- How is "room" measured?
- Establishments per 100,000 residents inside Chicago against the Illinois rate, from Census County and ZIP Business Patterns 2023, with crowded types (more than 1.35 times the state rate) left off. It is a screen, not a guarantee: the paid report maps the actual competitors and the neighborhood demand.
- What does it cost to open these?
- Party Rentals $15k–$50k; Medical Supply / DME Store $60k–$250k; Toy / Hobby Store $50k–$200k; Pest Control $10k–$30k; Craft / Fabric Store $50k–$200k. Ranges are Neur planning ranges per business type; the report localizes rent and wages.