8 Best Small Businesses to Start in Chicago

Some people are natural leaders who like to be in charge or be their own boss. This can make every day corporate life unappealing for these individuals and the idea of starting their own small business an attractive pursuit. But not all businesses are suited well for every area. When you are considering starting your own small business, you must consider the area, its people, and its needs. Otherwise, you may not achieve the success you are striving for.

There are a variety of small businesses that are well-suited for a major city like Chicago. So, if you want to start and/or invest in a profitable small business in the city, then continue reading for the best types of businesses to pursue.

1. Tour Guide Agency

Chicago is a top tourist destination, making a tour guide business a great investment if you have the expertise to be an informative, knowledgeable tour guide. To begin working as a tour guide, you just need to obtain a license. While general Chicago knowledge is excellent to have if you want to be a tour guide and/or start a tour guide business, consider starting a niche tour guide business to separate your agency from others. For example, instead of starting a tour guide business for Chicago in general, focus on Chicago sports, art, history, or food.

2. Marketing Agency

Chicago is a vast city with a seemingly never-ending list of businesses in the city and suburbs. While some places will be able to handle marketing on their own, a great number of businesses will need outside help. So, if you have the marketing savvy to help other people sell their products and push their services, then you could find your own success in marketing.

3. Placement Agency

As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago is home to many businesses small and large covering a number of different industries. There are plenty of jobs to be had in Chicago and many people looking for a good job. Starting a placement agency is a great way to capitalize on this and help people find the best jobs for them while helping business fill their staff with the best possible candidates. Starting a placement agency requires a small initial investment and charging a reasonable commission for job placements will earn you good profits.

4. Hostile Business

People come to Chicago from all over the U.S. and the world for education, work, and to visit the city. You can cater to Chicago’s many tourists, students, and jobseekers from out of town by starting a hostel.  If you can acquire a building downtown close to corporate centers and educational institutions, you should invest in turning the building into a hostile. Charging reasonable rates will attract those coming to study or work in the city which will not only help you earn back your investment but also make a good profit.

5. Event Management Business

In a popular, lively city like Chicago, there are many events going on throughout the year. This means that someone needs to be coordinating and managing these events. Starting an event management company is a good choice with a lot of potential if you have great managerial skills.

6. Catering Company

Where there is an event, there is usually a need for food. Beginning a catering business is a great choice, and you do not have to be a gourmet cook to do so. You simply need the commitment, professionalism, and management skills to run a successful business. You can run the business yourself, hiring a lead cook, assistant chefs, and servers to handle the cooking, serving, and setup of the food. To help distinguish your company from other catering businesses, focus on a certain type or style of food to cater and offer.

7. Food Truck

A great thing about food trucks is that they are mobile businesses and not stationary storefronts like other restaurants. This expands the business’s reach and can also make it seem more exclusive as customers are aware that the truck will not always be around. A food truck is a low investment and a good way to showcase some of the food Chicago is known for.

8. Coffee Shop

Many adults enjoy indulging in a fresh cup of coffee and often need it to help them get the workday started. Some people even seek fresh coffee in the middle of the day, finding they need a pick-me-up to help them get through the rest of the workday. If you start a coffee shop in a good location, market it well, and offer a fair-priced selection of drinks (and food if you desire), then you could have a thriving small business on your hands.

Trusted Help from Commercial Movers

If you are looking to start a small business and will be moving into an office space or storefront, it will take a lot of work to get all your contents and equipment to the property. You can make this move less stressful by seeking assistance from Chicago Office Movers. We are commercial movers who can be of assistance to small businesses in need of office moving and office relocation services.

We are the most trusted moving company in Chicagoland, having satisfactorily worked with major corporations as well as renowned universities. All our movers have undergone a background check and possess the necessary training, proper licenses, and experience to provide exceptional office moving services and customer service.

Within our office moving services, we use climate-controlled moving trucks that ensure your business belongings and equipment will be safe and secure. The trucks use air-ride suspensions and lift gates to safely move and transport your goods. Furthermore, we provide our customers with consistent tracking updates using professional tracking equipment, allowing you to follow along with the moving journey.

No matter what small business you are looking to pursue, Chicago Office Movers can help with your office moving.

Get a Free Estimate

Call us at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) for a free estimate regarding our office moving services.

Shifting to a new office space is a major milestone for a company. The move may signal business growth, or downsizing may be a practical reason to relocate. Moving a company, however, comes with many responsibilities, one of which is to make updates to keep customers and partners in the loop.

Companies relocate for many reasons. Expansion is one common cause for business relocations. The need to reduce operational costs can also spur a move. On the other hand, companies may see the value in consolidating offices and seek a lease with less surplus space.

Another good reason that companies relocate is to attract top talent. A new location may be closer to prospects, clients, and a skilled talent pool. Plus, outdated facilities will prompt any growth-oriented business to shift gears and relocate to a contemporary office that boosts employee productivity.

No matter what the reason for relocating a brick-and-mortar business, it is important that the company update existing and prospective customers, partners, and vendors. The last thing a business wants is for an outdated website to send customers to an empty storefront.

1. Update Business Address

All correspondence must be sent to the new business location. This requires that the business address be updated with the post office. Forward any mail to the new location, so that any correspondence sent to the old address will be received at the new one.

The business’ online presence should also be updated. It is a time-intensive effort to update the Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, Yahoo Local Basic Listing, Bing Places for Business and Angie’s List. If the business is travel related, like hotels, make updates to TripAdvisor.

Update online business directories on which the company is found. Examples of popular online business directories include Manta, EnrollBusiness, Hub, Find-Us-Here and The Business Journals. Listing a business on these sites is free, so unless upgrading, making updates will have no added costs.

The IRS and State Department of Revenue will need to know the new business address. It is important that company leaders receive all federal and state tax documents at the correct address. Inform government entities about updated phone numbers and information about licensing, too.

City or town governments also need to know about a new address. Local permits and certifications should be kept up to date. One way to keep these important documents updated is to notify the city or town government of the business relocation.

2. Update Social Media

The business’ social media accounts are ideal places to notify followers of an upcoming business relocation. Companies on the move are advised to update the company address and phone number (if applicable) on all their social media sites. Customers will head to social media for information.

If the business has a social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, update these sites with the new business information. A Facebook cover image may be redesigned to inform customers about the upcoming relocation and relevant new business contact information.

3. Update Marketing Materials

All marketing pieces should be updated with the new business information. Patrons of a business’ services or products hold onto physical items containing company information and reference them from time to time. Marketing collateral should not only be updated but redistributed.

Examples of common marketing materials include business cards that provide the company address, phone number and business name. Direct mail marketing reaches consumers in a specific area and needs an update. Brochures and posters are additional pieces of marketing collateral to be revised.

Businesses also communicate with consumers via newsletters. Sharing the new business address and phone in newsletters is simple and cost-effective. If using outdoor signs to reach customers, point to the new business location on updated signage. Also update email signatures.

4. Update Advertising Campaigns

Paid search campaigns that focus on a particular market should be updated to reflect the new market to which the business is advertising. Pieces of key information that require updates include the new address or location extensions. Updating ad campaigns will send customers to the right locale.

5. Update Credit Card Company and Bank

The company’s credit card company should be notified of the new business location. Banks, too, should be updated with accurate business information to prevent fraud. All financial entities should be made aware so that important financial documents will be sent to the right place.

6. Update Vendors, Clients and Customers

A new business location should prompt a call to all vendors with whom the company works. Inform existing customers of the relocation, so that they know where to find the business. It is helpful to even directly reach out to existing customers to inform them of the move.

7. Update Industry Associations

Trade associations provide useful information about the industry, such as legislation that could impact the business, so it is important to update industry associations. Industry trade groups should be able to find the business at its new location, so they can provide leads or pass along credentials.

Work with a Trusted Commercial Mover

Relocating to a new office is an exciting yet stressful time. Eliminate unnecessary stress by partnering with Chicagoland’s most trusted moving company, Chicago Office Movers. We skillfully assist large and small companies with their corporate relocation needs, whether locally, interstate and internationally.

Our numerous satisfied customers include prestigious universities and major corporations. Chicago Office Movers’ customer service is unparalleled in the industry, and our Chicago movers are licensed, background checked, trained, and experienced. Expect professionalism, affordability, and efficiency when you work with our crews.

Your office goods will be safe and secure in our climate-controlled moving trucks, featuring lift gates and air-ride suspensions. Our customers receive regular tracking updates via professional tracking equipment so they can follow the progress of the moving trucks during the relocation.

Whether you are moving office furniture, lab equipment, or fragile IT systems, Chicago Office Movers will take care of your possessions. Our specialists will also help your company with planning the move. As the Windy City’s most reputable moving company, choose us for your upcoming corporate relocation!

Get a Free Estimate

For a free estimate on your next business move, give us a call at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form.

An upcoming office move is an important event for any business. Moving to a bigger building can indicate the company’s growth and success. But the practical logistics of an office move may be less than enjoyable. Here are four tactics to make an office relocation a fun experience.

Staff are comfortably settled in their current workspace; getting accustomed to a new one is undesirable. Plus, personnel will be forced to take a new route to the new office. Employees may need to move. Shifting offices is a big change that may not be exciting—at first.

1. Motivate Employees

Before packing a single office item, it is important to motivate the employees about the upcoming corporate relocation. The first step is to inform staff early on about the office move. Get employees thrilled about the office relocation in any number of fun ways.

It is encouraged to boast about the new office space. Let the employees know about a scenic view, if one is available in the new building. When office equipment will receive an upgrade in the new space, the team members will be eager to try it out.

If it is in the company budget, offer the employees an allowance to buy furniture for their individual offices. The employees will have a say in how their offices will look and function, which gives them reason to feel excited about shifting workspaces.

Offer guided tours of the new office space. If the relocation is local, some employees will be happy to know the new workplace is closer to home or their kids’ schools. A virtual office tour is equally effective when relocating out of state.

Boost morale by providing employees with information about the new neighborhood. Provide menus from local restaurants in the new work vicinity. The staff will be enthusiastic about ordering out from the new office and participating in team lunches and after-work gatherings.

2. Involve Staff

Team members who are involved in the office move are more likely to look forward to it. Hold a meeting to ask the employees what they would like to see in the new office space. An opportunity to provide input gives them a chance to simultaneously unwind and vent.

Welcome suggestions for leisure opportunities in the new office. Examples include a break room featuring a rock-climbing wall, table tennis and video games. Promote the fact that employees will no longer hunch over their desks all day in a hot, humid cubicle.

Staff feel valued when leaders listen to input, from the need for upgraded equipment to improved color schemes. When employees are given the chance to express their voice and feel their opinions matter, they are more likely to contribute to a successful commercial move.

3. Reward Team Members

Personnel who contribute the most to the upcoming office move deserve to be rewarded. Offer prizes and other incentives for team members who submit the best ideas for such things as new meeting room names, color schemes in the new office space or for staying later to help pack.

Incentives may be as simple as new coffee mugs for their new office desks. Or, reward top contributors with the opportunity to pick where they will sit in the new office. Similarly, incentives may include leaving the new office early on a given Friday afternoon.

While preparing for the move, provide office staff with abundant refreshments. Caffeine withdrawal is a downer, as is shelling out hard-earned money for a cup of coffee. Ensure the break room is stocked with fresh coffees, teas, and sodas to keep employees energized throughout the moving process.

4. Celebrate

Getting all the files and office knickknacks packed on time is a milestone in the moving process. Celebrate small wins like these by ordering pizza for the team and incentivizing everyone to dive back in and continue contributing to both the minor and major aspects of the relocation.

Once the relocation is complete, throw an office party to celebrate the success of the move. Take this opportunity to also showcase the new corporate office to clients, customers, and other business associates. Kick off this moment of triumph with a well-earned celebration.

Corporate leaders may also present their hardworking staff with welcome packets for the new office. These packets can include information about the new building, the neighborhood, and local amenities. Consider including personalized water bottles to express gratitude for employees’ contributions.

Remember that once team members have settled into the new office space, it is important to continue showing them that they are valued. Maintain an ample supply of fresh fruits and refreshments so that employees remain hydrated and nourished throughout the workdays.

Work with an Office Mover

Shifting to a new office space is a major milestone for a business. Reaching this point is rarely achieved without the remarkable efforts of team members. The actual move is also significant and cannot be done without reliable help from a reputable moving company, like Chicago Office Movers.

Chicago Office Movers is experienced in commercial moves of all sizes. We have helped move prestigious area companies and universities, such as Alcatel Lucent and the University of Chicago. Our moving crews handle all office goods, equipment, and furniture securely and carefully.

Whether you are moving locally or interstate, our professional moving team will ensure your sensitive equipment is safeguarded. Our moving trucks feature climate-controlled spaces, lift gates and air-ride suspensions. Customers also receive tracking information to follow every step of the move.

Relocating companies will also benefit from our climate-controlled long- and short-term storage facilities. Our moving crews are available for packing and unpacking your office goods. If you need help planning the relocation, our experienced corporate moving specialists will provide assistance.

Contact Us

Whether you are moving delicate artwork, fragile lab equipment or sensitive IT systems, choose Chicago Office Movers. Given our industry experience and excellent reputation, we will help you relocate affordably and on schedule.

Contact us for your upcoming local, long distance or international move at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).

Chicago is one of the most popular and populated cities in the U.S.  It has one of the most recognizable skylines in the world dominated by the Willis Tower (still called the Sears Tower by locals) and is home to many landmarks and attractions that draw visitors from all over the globe.

About the City of Chicago

Chicago is also a city of historical significance as industry within the city helped develop the western U.S. in the 19^th century, and it is a major cultural center as many artists, writers, actors, and musicians have hailed from Chicago.  Many prominent businesses were started in Chicago, including Sears and Marshall Fields (now Macy’s), and many businesses still operate out of Chicago and the surrounding areas including Boeing, Walgreen’s, United Airlines, and more.

This Chicago Flag

When one thinks of Chicago, several visuals may come to mind, including the Sears Tower, the Lakefront, Navy Pier, and the Bean.  One symbol of Chicago that is recognizable across the U.S. is the city flag.

The Chicago flag has a simple design with 3 white stripes, 2 sky blue stripes, and 4 red 6-pointed stars and different representations of this design can be found all throughout the city.  The flag is flown in homes, outside of businesses and government buildings, and at public parks.  It can also be seen in graffiti art and some Chicago residents even incorporate the design into their tattoos as a display of city pride.

The Chicago flag is easily one of the most recognizable city flags in the U.S. and each symbol on the flag represents something about the Windy City.  In this guide, we will cover the history and meaning behind the design of the Chicago flag.  If you own or manage a business and are interested in moving your operation to Chicago, our commercial movers at Chicago Office Movers can help with every aspect of your business relocation.

History of the Chicago Flag

The history of the Chicago flag starts in 1915 when then Mayor of Chicago William Hale Thompson created a municipal flag commission.  This commission was asked to hold an open public competition in which people submitted their design for a Chicago flag.  The winning design was submitted by a man named Wallace Rice and his design was adopted as the city’s flag in 1917.

At its inception in 1917, the Chicago flag had the design that is familiar to us today, but with only two stars.  In 1933, the third star was added and in 1939, the fourth star was added.  The design of the Chicago flag has remained unchanged since the addition of the fourth star.

Chicago Flag Design

Every element of the Chicago flag symbolizes something in relation to the city.  To put it generally, the white and blue stripes represent the city in a geographical sense, the stars represent historical events, and each point of the star represents concepts and virtues related to the historical events.

Bars

The bars on the Chicago flag consist of three white bars at the top, bottom, and middle of the flag, separated by two sky blue bars.  Each of these bars represent the following geographical aspects of the city:

• Top white bar: The North Side of Chicago
• Top blue bar: Lake Michigan and the North Branch of the Chicago River
• Middle white bar: The West Side of Chicago
• Bottom blue bar: The Great Canal and South Branch of the Chicago River
• Bottom white bar: The South Side of Chicago

Chicago was established on the shore of Lake Michigan in the early 1800s because the Lake, Chicago River, and the Great Canal that connects the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River made it easy to import and export goods by water.  Because of this, Chicago’s downtown area developed on the shore of Lake Michigan and the city could only spread north, west, and south, creating the main geographical regions of the city known as the North Side, West Side, and South Side.

Stars

The four stars of the Chicago flag represent important historical events that occurred in the first 100 years of the city’s history.  Each of the 6 points of these stars also symbolize virtues, concepts, and accomplishments related to the historical events.

• The Great Chicago Fire: The first star which was featured on the flag’s original design stands for the Great Chicago Fire that occurred in 1871. The Great Fire occurred when most of the city’s buildings were made from wood and it burnt much of the city to the ground.  Chicago’s subsequent recovery and literal rise from the ashes showed the resiliency and city pride of its residents.  The six points of this star represent transportation, heath, population, finance, commerce, and labor.
• World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893: The second star from the original 1917 design represents the World’s Columbian Exposition which was held in Chicago in 1893. The exposition was held in Jackson Park in a temporary fairground known as the White City.  It drew over 27 million visitors from around the world between May and October of 1893 and this event had a profound effect on Chicago’s arts, architecture, and self-image.  The six points of this star represent religion, civic sport, beneficence, justice, aesthetics, and education.
• Century of Progress International Exposition: This third star which was added to the flag in 1933 represents the Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair, which was held from May 27, 1933 through October 31, 1934. This fair was held as a celebration of the city’s centennial and the theme was technological innovation.  It was also a celebration of Chicago’s rise to become the second largest city in the U.S. (now third largest behind New York and Los Angeles).  The six points of this star stand for world’s third largest city, convention city, wonder city, great central market, the “I will” motto, and the city motto urbs in horto (city in a garden).
• Fort Dearborn: The final star added to the flag in 1939 represents the founding of Fort Dearborn in 1803. Fort Dearborn was built along the Chicago River before the formal establishment of the city, and it was reconstructed in 1816 after being destroyed in the Battle of Fort Dearborn in the War of 1812.  While European and American settlers had already reached and settled in the area that became Chicago, the opening of Fort Dearborn resulted in a permanent small settlement being developed in the surrounding area which grew to become Chicago.  The six points of this star represent every political entity that Chicago once belonged to including France 1693, England 1693-1763, Virginia 1763-1778, Northwest Territory 1798, Indiana Territory 1798-1802, and Illinois statehood 1818.

The Chicago city flag remains one of the most popular and recognizable city flags in the U.S. and has been named the second-best flag in multiple surveys, coming in second to the Washington, D.C. city flag.

There have been proposals for adding a fifth star to represent various people and events including the city’s first African American mayor Harold Washington, the founding of the Special Olympics, and even the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s and Cubs 2016 World Series.  However, it is expected that the city will stick with the current iconic design.

Relocate Your Business to Chicago

Chicago is a great America city that is home to world renowned businesses and institutions and a proud populace.  There are many great reasons to move your business to Chicago, including access to a young and tech savvy workforce, access to the third largest market in the U.S., access to two international airports, and lower taxes than the east and west coast.  If you want to endear your business to the local workforce, customers, and clients, be sure to fly or display the Chicago city flag.

Chicago Office Movers is a professional commercial moving company that can help you move your business to the city of Chicago or the surrounding Chicago suburbs.  Our licensed, union commercial movers will help manage every aspect of your move to make your office relocation as seamless as possible.

You can reach us at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) for more information about our office relocation and commercial moving services.