The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is partnering with University of Illinois Chicago’s College of Business to launch a survey to uncover crucial trends among Chicagoland’s small business community. The Chamber’s annual State of Chicago Small Business Outlook provides a thorough, forward-looking source of information regarding the future of a crucial sector of our economy.
“Small businesses play a vital role in creating jobs and anchoring communities in Chicagoland,” said Jack Lavin, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “The State of Chicago Small Business Outlook is used to better understand the needs and expectations of local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and to help shape Chamber programs and policies to best suit the needs of small businesses in Chicagoland so they can grow and create new jobs.”
Building on its collaboration with UIC Business, the 2026 survey also expands its reach through the addition of several new partners that bring deep expertise and connections across the regional small business ecosystem. Organizations including SCORE Chicago, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, West Central Association Chamber of Commerce, and Clean Energy Partnership Support will help ensure the survey reflects the diverse experiences, challenges, and opportunities facing small businesses across industries and neighborhoods throughout Chicagoland.
The survey focuses on Chicago’s small businesses and their goals for success, the challenges they face, and the issues that matter most to them. Information attained will feature demographic data, public policy concerns, hiring plans, growth trends, economic outlooks, and an overview of what types of resources and services small businesses and entrepreneurs currently utilize or would like to see available.
All businesses with less than 500 employees and under $10 million in revenues in the region are encouraged to complete the 2026 State of Chicago Small Business survey.