33 Profitable Business Ideas To Start In Illinois
Interested in starting a business in Illinois in 2024?
We put together 96 of the best businesses you can start in Illinois today.
For each business idea, we’ll show you real-world examples of how you can start your profitable, home-based small business in Illinois.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an usb drive selling business ($162M/year)
Starting a USB drive selling business could be a highly profitable venture in Illinois, given the state's robust tech and manufacturing sectors. A prime example is Other World Computing, Inc. (OWC), which was founded by OWC Larry in Woodstock, Illinois. This business began with a simple credit card but has grown exponentially with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.78% over 33 years.
OWC specializes in upgrading and enabling greater longevity for computers and other technology, and its success story showcases how a tech-focused business can thrive in Illinois. Larry's journey from reinking printer ribbons to running a multimillion-dollar company illustrates the vast opportunities available. For more detailed insights into how OWC Larry built his thriving business, you can read the full case study here.
OWC Larry, founder and CEO of Other World Computing, shares how he started his business at a young age with just a credit card, now experiencing a solid year-over-year growth with a CAGR of 43.78% over the past 33 years.
2. Become a vehicle exporter ($27.6M/year)
If you're in Illinois and considering an entrepreneurial venture, you could explore the lucrative field of vehicle exporting. This business involves sourcing vehicles from the U.S. and Canada and selling them to markets abroad. This industry requires a solid understanding of logistics, international markets, and the auto trade, but the rewards can be substantial.
For instance, Marshal Group LLC was founded by Nathan Huskins in Washington, Illinois. Starting from his bedroom in 2007, Nathan grew his company to a staggering $26 million in gross sales in just the first year. Nathan's story is a compelling example of how you could turn a passion for cars and some industry knowledge into a thriving global business. You can learn more about Nathan’s journey here.
Learn how one entrepreneur, without a college degree, built a vehicle exporting business from his bedroom to $26 million in gross sales his first year and went on to net an impressive $2.3M per month through agile team management, technology integration, and cultivating relationships with global auto dealers and brokers.
3. Start a skateboard company ($12M/year)
If you're considering starting a skateboard company in Illinois, the state's thriving entrepreneurial spirit and diverse market could offer you fertile ground to grow your business. One successful example is Shark Wheel, a company that literally reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a groundbreaking design that looks like a rolling cube when viewed from a 45-degree angle. The innovative wheels combine the benefits of both thin and wide wheels, excelling particularly on rough terrain.
Founded by Zack Fleishman in Lake Forest, Illinois, Shark Wheel gained initial traction through a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and later expanded its reach by securing patents in over 33 countries. The company started with skateboards but has since diversified into industrial applications, including roller skates, casters, and even forklift wheels. To dive deeper into their journey, you can read their detailed case study here.
Shark Wheel reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and going on to secure issued patents in over 33 countries, with plans to expand into the industrial market.
4. Start a seo agency ($8.4M/year)
Starting an SEO agency in Illinois could be a highly profitable venture, particularly given the rising importance of digital marketing in today's business landscape. One shining example of success in this domain is Rankings.io, an SEO agency founded by Chris Dreyer in Fairview Heights, Illinois. This company focuses exclusively on helping elite personal injury law firms dominate first-page rankings. Recognized for its growth, Rankings.io was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America in 2018.
If you're considering this path, note that Dreyer transitioned from a history degree to a rewarding digital marketing career, demonstrating that diverse backgrounds can thrive in the SEO industry. Rankings.io currently boasts revenues just under $300,000 per month, showcasing the immense potential for financial success in this field. For an inspiring detailed look at how Chris Dreyer built his successful SEO agency, read the full case study here.
Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.
5. Dropshipping men's grooming products ($7.8M/year)
If you're based in Illinois and considering an entrepreneurial venture, dropshipping men's grooming products could be a highly profitable business idea. This business model allows you to sell a wide variety of grooming essentials without the need for maintaining inventory, as suppliers manage stock and shipping. The market for men’s grooming products is rapidly expanding, driven by increasing awareness about personal grooming and self-care among men.
BAKblade, started by Matt Dryfhout in Chicago, Illinois, is a compelling example. BAKblade offers innovative, pain-free solutions for back and body hair management, such as the BAKblade 2.0 back shaver. Their success, bolstered by viral marketing campaigns, has culminated in over $7 million per year in sales revenue. This demonstrates the immense potential for growth in the men's grooming sector. To learn more about how Matt Dryfhout turned this idea into a prosperous business, you can read the full case study here.
BAKblade, LLC's co-founders made over $1 million in sales revenue by offering a pain-free solution to back and body hair management, with their product BAKblade 2.0 being recognized as the most economical and easy-to-use product of its kind for millennials.
6. Start a candle business ($6M/year)
If you’re entrepreneurial-minded and live in Illinois, starting a candle business could be a great venture. With a focus on environmentally-friendly products, you could offer customers clean-burning, soy-based candles with unique elements, such as wood wicks. The candle industry is versatile and allows for creativity with various scents, designs, and sustainable practices.
A remarkable example of this idea is Wax & Wick, started by Kevin Gillespie in Schaumburg, Illinois. Their journey began in 2015 with monthly sales of $1,000, growing to $20,000 per month by Q3 2017. With a goal to reach $50,000 per month, Wax & Wick differentiates itself with minimalist aesthetics and a strong eco-friendly focus. For more about their story, check out their case study.
Wax & Wick is a 100% soy candle company with wood wicks, that creates environmentally-friendly products; starting off making $1,000 a month in 2015, they brought in about $20,000 per month during Q3 2017 and plan to add ten new scents and a premium sized jar for 2018's $50,000 per month goal.
7. Become a real estate agent ($5.4M/year)
Becoming a real estate agent in Illinois offers a fruitful opportunity for those who are passionate about property and relationship building. If you're enterprising and have a knack for connecting with people, you could follow in the footsteps of Grigory Pekarsky, who started Vesta Preferred Realty in Chicago. This residential real estate company focuses on forging long-lasting client relationships, resulting in over 80% of their business coming from referrals.
Vesta Preferred, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2019, achieved remarkable milestones such as writing 1000 new leases and $120 million in sales that same year. If you’re interested in exploring how this can be done, check out the in-depth case study for more insights. Starting your own real estate venture in Illinois could be your pathway to success, inspired by local examples like this.
Residential real estate company, Vesta Preferred, celebrates their 10th year of operation with 80% referral-based business and focus on relationship building, recently achieving their goal of 1000 new leases and $120M in real estate sales in 2019.
8. Start a 3d printing business ($3.6M/year)
Starting a 3D printing business in Illinois could be an exciting and lucrative opportunity, especially given the growing demand for 3D printed products and services. One inspiring example of a successful 3D printing business in Illinois is 3D Universe, LLC, which was started by Jeremy Simon in Algonquin. 3D Universe has grown significantly since its launch in 2013, generating an impressive $300,000 per month in revenues and achieving a growth of around 300% over the last three years.
Jeremy Simon and his team at 3D Universe have made 3D printing accessible to both everyday people and professionals by selling a variety of 3D printers and related supplies through their e-commerce platform. Additionally, their strong collaboration with the e-NABLE volunteer community highlights their commitment to social good, producing free 3D printed prosthetic devices for individuals worldwide. If you're curious to learn more about their journey and achievements, you can read the case study on 3D Universe here.
3D Universe grew their ecommerce business to generate $300,000 per month in revenues, with a growth of around 300% over the last three years, through selling 3D printers and supplies and working with the e-NABLE volunteer community, as well as developing their own e-NABLE Web Central platform and assembly materials kits.
9. Start a naming and branding service ($3M/year)
Starting a naming and branding service in Illinois can be an incredibly lucrative business idea, especially in a state bustling with entrepreneurial activity. You could help businesses establish their identity by creating compelling names and cohesive brand strategies, essential for connecting with target audiences.
Squadhelp, a successful example of this business model, was started by Darpan Munjal in Illinois. Squadhelp leverages crowdsourcing to connect businesses with creative professionals for their branding needs, making it the leading platform in this space. The company generates approximately $3 million annually and has assisted over 20,000 businesses in creating unique names. For more details about their journey, you can check out their case study.
Squadhelp is a 3 million dollar per year business that's growing rapidly each day and has helped more than 20,000+ businesses create a unique name, a crucial factor in connecting with target customers.
10. Start an online t-shirt business ($2.4M/year)
Starting an online t-shirt business in Illinois offers a great opportunity to tap into a large and diverse market eager for unique and personalized apparel. RIPT Apparel, founded by TJ Mapes and two college friends, serves as a prime example of such a venture. They launched their business in Chicago, Illinois, with an initial investment of just $1,000 each. Their business specializes in nostalgic, pop-culture parody, and limited edition mashup artwork sold on t-shirts, hoodies, and other products.
You could follow a similar path and work with independent artists to create unique designs that resonate with specific audiences. RIPT Apparel's success, growing to a $2.4M startup, underscores the potential profitability of this market. For more inspiration and insights into how they built their business, you can check out their full story here.
Three college friends created a full-fledged business with initial investments of $1,000 each, resulting in RIPT Apparel, a destination for nostalgic, pop-culture parody and limited edition mashup artwork sold on t-shirts, hoodies and more, working with hundreds of artists and paying out hundreds of thousands of dollars to their community of talented artists.
11. ($1.8M/year)
If you're considering starting a business in Illinois, you could explore launching a digital marketing agency. With the state's bustling economy and diverse business landscape, many local enterprises are in need of expert online marketing services to enhance their digital presence. One inspiring example of this is Elit-web, started by Igor Volovyi, which has grown over 10 years to a team of 120 experts and serves over 1,200 clients worldwide.
Elit-web, based in Chicago, IL, has accumulated an impressive track record in SEO promotion, PPC, SMM, and performance marketing, generating an average monthly revenue of $120,000-$150,000. This success story demonstrates the significant demand and potential profitability of digital marketing services in Illinois. For an in-depth look at how Elit-web grew its business, check out their case study. This could be a lucrative and fulfilling path if you have a knack for digital strategies and helping businesses grow online.
Case study about Elit-web, a marketing company that helps businesses grow online, with 10 years of industry experience, a team of 120 experts, over 1,200 clients, more than 2,500 successful projects, and an average monthly revenue of $120,000-$150,000 through SEO promotion.
12. Start a supplements company ($1.2M/year)
If you're looking into the health and wellness industry in Illinois, starting a supplements company could be a promising venture. With a growing focus on health benefits and natural ingredients, products like sea moss-infused supplements can appeal to a broad customer base concerned about wellness. Leveraging social media and feedback to build a community around your brand could amplify your success exponentially.
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform based in Chicago, IL, serves as an inspiring example. Founded by Nick Bey, Bey Moss offers sea moss-infused health products and has made over $800,000 to-date with minimal advertising spend. The brand's growth was significantly bolstered by its strong social media presence and community engagement. You can read more about Bey Moss's journey and strategies here.
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
13. Start a marketing agency ($1.08M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Illinois could be a lucrative endeavor, given the state's diverse business landscape and vibrant economic activity. You could leverage your marketing skills to meet the varying needs of businesses ranging from startups to large corporations. One specific example of success in this field is Draft.dev, a technical content marketing agency founded by Karl Hughes in Chicago, Illinois.
Karl transformed his background in software engineering and writing into a productized service that provides technical content on a subscription basis. In just three months, Karl was able to generate $10,000 in (mostly) recurring revenue, showcasing the potential for rapid growth in this sector. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and have a knack for marketing, you could also find significant opportunities in starting a marketing agency in Illinois. For more details, you can check out the case study on Draft.dev.
Draft founder, Karl, built a productized service for technical content, generating $10k in (mostly) recurring revenue in just three months of running the business, showing the success of skill-stacking and the impact of word of mouth and maintaining a strong network in a service business.
14. Start a wallet brand ($720K/year)
Starting a wallet brand could be a lucrative and fulfilling business venture in Illinois, particularly if you have a passion for craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Phil Kalas and Dan Cordova exemplify this through their Chicago-based company, Ashland Leather, where they handcraft premium men’s leather wallets guaranteed for a lifetime. Focusing on niche terms for SEO and offering personalized customer experiences, they have grown their business from a modest $1000 investment to $600k in annual sales.
Ashland Leather’s success, which supports local families, demonstrates the potential for growth in this niche market. By leveraging the rich heritage of Chicago’s Horween Leather tannery, they have created wallets and accessories that appeal to a dedicated following. If you're interested in starting your own handcrafted wallet brand, you might be inspired by Ashland Leather's journey detailed in their case study.
A successful handcrafted leather goods business that started with just $1000, has grown to $600k annual sales, thanks to a strong brand philosophy, a focus on specific niche terms for SEO, personalized customer experiences, and a team that is trusted to achieve goals autonomously.
15. Become a corporate trainer ($240K/year)
If you have a knack for understanding people and a talent for clear communication, you could become a corporate trainer in Illinois. Corporate trainers are in high demand as companies strive to enhance their teams' skills and productivity. By sharing your expertise in areas such as leadership, communication, or specialized industry skills, you can help businesses achieve their goals while building a rewarding career.
A shining example of this business model is Like A Mind Reader, a corporate training business founded by Jonathan Pritchard in Chicago, Illinois. Pritchard, a former world-traveling comedy Mentalist, now utilizes his unique background to teach teams how to overcome what they believe is impossible. He has successfully transitioned his skills into the corporate world, generating about $20,000 per month through consulting, speaking engagements, and book sales. For more details on how he achieved this, check out the case study of his business.
Jonathan Pritchard, a former world-traveling comedy Mentalist, now generates about $20k per month through his business consulting for companies and the sale of his book and speaking engagements.
16. Start a socks business ($240K/year)
Starting a socks business in Illinois could be an intriguing venture, capitalizing on both creativity and fashion trends. The success of No Cold Feet LLC, founded by Mari and Matt McNamara in Chicago, highlights this potential. Their business, which focuses on fun and colorful sock designs for groomsmen gifts, has thrived by filling a unique niche in the wedding industry. Over the last three years, they have sold over 10k orders and passed $200k in revenue last year.
You could explore starting a socks business by identifying specific markets or occasions, much like No Cold Feet has done with weddings. Their ability to turn a simple product into a memorable part of a special event demonstrates the power of niche marketing. If you're considering this path, you might find inspiration from their journey here.
No Cold Feet is a gifting company founded by Mari and Matt McNamara that focuses on fun and colorful sock designs for groomsmen gifts and has cumulatively sold over 10k orders in the last three years, passing $200k in revenue last year.
17. Start a subscription box business ($120K/year)
Starting a subscription box business could be a profitable venture in Illinois, providing curated, niche products to eager subscribers every month. For instance, David Dewane started the Mouse Book Club in Chicago, Illinois, a subscription service that mails phone-sized, physical books to readers to encourage digital minimalism and provide an alternative to constant phone use. In just two years, the company mailed over 40,000 books to more than 60 countries and generated $170,000 in sales.
If you're entrepreneurial-minded and passionate about a certain niche, a subscription box business could meet a specific demand in the market. The Mouse Book Club's success shows how you could turn a simple yet innovative idea into a thriving business. For more information, you can read the case study here.
The Mouse Book Club is a start-up that mails physical, pocket-sized books to help readers disconnect from their digital devices, with over $170k in sales and 40,000 books sent to 60+ countries in the first two years.
18. Start a seo consultant business ($120K/year)
Starting an SEO consulting business in Illinois is a promising venture given the increasing importance of online presence for businesses across various industries. You could offer tailored SEO and digital marketing training to startups, small businesses, and individuals looking to boost their visibility on Google. By sharing your expertise, you empower other entrepreneurs to manage their online strategies more effectively.
A great example of this business model is 1ON1 SEO Training, founded by Bruce Jones in Naperville, IL. This B2B company has successfully worked with numerous businesses worldwide, earning over $10,000 a month. By offering personalized SEO courses, Bruce helps clients elevate their digital marketing skills and improve their online presence. For more about this inspiring journey, you can read the full case study here.
1ON1 SEO Training is a B2B company that offers personalized search engine optimization and digital marketing courses for startups, small businesses, and individuals, and has worked with dozens of businesses from all around the world to earn over $10,000 a month.
19. Start a bedding company ($120K/year)
Starting a bedding company in Illinois presents a fantastic opportunity, especially if you focus on niche, high-quality, and sustainable products. One excellent example to draw inspiration from is Ocochi, a family-run business started in Chicago by Nan, Wendy, and Jessica. They focused on boutique bamboo bed linen and luxurious mulberry silk duvets that are both sustainable and chemical-free.
Through cost-efficient pop-up events in luxury apartment buildings around Chicago, they managed to build strong customer relationships, generating over $10,000 a month. If you're considering this venture, learn from their approach of direct customer engagement and cost-effective marketing. For more details about their journey, check out their case study.
Ocochi is a family-run bedding company that sells sustainable and chemical-free boutique bamboo bed linen and luxurious mulberry silk duvets, generating over $10,000 a month through cost-efficient pop-up events and strong customer relationships.
20. Start a podcast ($108K/year)
Starting a podcast could be a lucrative and fulfilling business idea in Illinois. Podcasts are relatively low-cost to produce and can reach a wide audience, making them an attractive option for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. You could create content around your passion, industry expertise, or local interests, potentially attracting sponsors and generating revenue through various streams.
A great example of a successful podcast started in Illinois is The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, created by Kurt Elster in Skokie. This podcast, focused on eCommerce and Shopify, has achieved 750,000 downloads and garnered four sponsors, turning it into a thriving business. More details about this can be found in the case study.
Unofficial Shopify Podcast has generated 750,000 downloads and has four sponsors, resulting in significant monetary gain for ecommerce consultant and host, Kurt Elster, who has created a thriving business and community around his podcast.
21. Start a b2b lead generation service ($2.07M/year)
Launching a B2B lead generation service in Illinois presents a robust opportunity due to the state's diverse and dynamic business landscape. With major industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and technology thriving in cities like Chicago, there's an ever-growing need for businesses to connect with potential clients and partners. By providing a service that helps companies identify high-quality leads, you could tap into a substantial market and address a critical business pain point.
Additionally, Illinois is home to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises that could benefit significantly from outsourced lead generation services. Leveraging your skills in sales, data analysis, and relationship-building, you could create a scalable business that continually meets the demands of local enterprises seeking growth. For more details, you can explore the B2B lead generation service business idea and check out successful case studies on Starter Story.
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
22. Start an email marketing tool ($2.82M/year)
Starting an email marketing tool business in Illinois could be a highly profitable venture due to the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state. Chicago, for example, is home to a multitude of startups, small businesses, and large enterprises all of which could greatly benefit from effective email marketing solutions. By developing a robust email marketing tool, you could cater to these businesses' needs for lead generation, sales increase, and improved customer engagement.
Furthermore, Illinois has a diverse economic landscape, including strong sectors in manufacturing, technology, and real estate. Offering an email marketing tool tailored to the unique needs of these industries could set you apart from competitors. The potential local market demand combined with the global email marketing industry's expected growth to $2.53B by 2028 creates a promising opportunity for launching and scaling your business. For inspiration and success stories, visit our email marketing tool success stories.
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
23. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($4.97M/year)
If you live in Illinois, starting an ecommerce marketing agency could be an excellent business opportunity due to the state's robust economic landscape and diverse entrepreneurial environment. With Chicago being a major business hub, there are ample possibilities to connect with a variety of online sellers looking to grow their eCommerce ventures without the overhead of a full in-house team.
The ever-evolving nature of the eCommerce industry means that businesses are always in need of up-to-date marketing strategies and technological solutions, skills you could specialize in providing. By staying current with eCommerce trends and focusing on building strong digital skills, you position yourself as an indispensable partner for businesses looking to stay competitive. To gain inspiration from successful entrepreneurs in this field, check out some case studies on our site.
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
24. Start a digital agency ($2.23M/year)
Starting a digital agency in Illinois could be a lucrative business idea given the thriving business environment and the increasing digital needs of companies in the state. With cities like Chicago serving as major hubs for commerce and innovation, there is a high demand for digital marketing, advertising, and technological solutions to help businesses stay competitive.
Moreover, Illinois is home to a diverse range of industries—from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and retail—each requiring tailored digital strategies to reach their unique markets. This gives you the opportunity to cater to different sectors and scale your business. For more details on starting a digital agency, read here. You can also explore successful case studies to gain insights and inspiration.
How this founder started a $100K/month guaranteed transcription service for medical, legal, law enforcement, financial, academic and general business industries, winning the NASPO ValuePoint transcription services contract over 26 other companies and learning valuable lessons about getting a coach and getting as much PR as possible.
25. Start a marketing agency ($2.94M/year)
Starting a marketing agency in Illinois presents numerous opportunities. With Illinois being home to vibrant cities like Chicago, renowned for its diverse business environment and large number of startups, you could leverage your skills to help local businesses thrive. Your efforts could contribute to the success of these enterprises by offering strategic marketing solutions that they would otherwise not afford in-house.
Additionally, the state's strong economic base, which includes industries such as finance, manufacturing, and technology, creates a significant market for specialized marketing services. By creating a niche in these industries, your agency could stand out and attract a robust clientele. Get inspired by browsing through successful case studies of other agencies to see how they've scaled their operations and built their client base.
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
26. Start a technology consulting business ($1.64M/year)
Given Illinois' diverse industry landscape and business-friendly environment, a technology consulting business could thrive there. Many startups and established companies across the state, particularly in Chicago, rely on technology to drive their operations but might lack the in-house expertise to fully leverage modern tech solutions.
By starting a technology consulting business, you could help these organizations overcome their tech challenges, driving innovation and growth. Notably, you could tap into the robust Illinois economy, which includes significant finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, all of which need specialized tech advice. For more inspiration, check out successful case studies of this business idea.
How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.
27. Start a freelance writing business ($751K/year)
Starting a freelance writing business in Illinois could be an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded individuals. With the thriving industries in Chicago and the bustling demand for content across various niches, you could easily find clients seeking high-quality written materials. Moreover, Illinois' diverse business landscape provides ample topics to write about, from tech startups to agricultural advancements.
As a freelance writer in Illinois, you could enjoy the flexibility to set your own schedule and work from the comfort of your home. To get started, having strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and being a self-starter are crucial. To learn more about this business idea, click here for detailed information, or explore our successful case studies to get inspired by others who have thrived in this field.
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
28. Start a jewelry product ($2M/year)
Starting a jewelry business in Illinois offers numerous advantages given the state's thriving arts scene and affluent consumer base. You could tap into local markets, craft fairs, and events in Chicago and other metro areas to showcase your unique pieces and build a loyal customer base. Illinois has a strong tradition of supporting local artisans, which could provide you with ample opportunities to collaborate and grow your network.
Additionally, Illinois offers excellent access to various suppliers for gemstones, metals, and beads, helping you maintain high-quality inventory. With the state's central location, you could also efficiently ship your products nationwide through ecommerce platforms like Etsy or your own website. For more details on launching your jewelry business, check out this guide on Starter Story and explore inspiring success stories from other jewelry entrepreneurs.
Taylor & Hart CEO Nikolay Piriankov tells the story of the company's journey from a diamond trading business to an award-winning, disruptive e-tailer of custom-designed, ethical engagement rings and fine jewelry, offering a bespoke design service through specifically developed technology online and instore, and growing to £4-6M in annual revenue.
29. Become a digital product designer ($1.07M/year)
Starting a digital product designer business in Illinois could be a lucrative endeavor given the state's bustling economy and thriving tech sector. With Chicago serving as a hub for startups and tech companies, you could tap into a network of potential clients who need sophisticated and user-friendly digital products.
Moreover, Illinois boasts a variety of entrepreneurial resources such as incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that could aid in your business growth. By leveraging these resources and your design skills, you could build a sustainable digital product design business. For more details on what it takes to succeed, check out this comprehensive guide and read through success stories of others who have ventured into this field.
A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.
30. Start a fashion business ($1.36M/year)
Starting a fashion business in Illinois could be a profitable venture given the state's diverse and vibrant culture, especially in cities like Chicago, which is a bustling hub for fashion and creativity. The growing influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram offers you ample opportunities to reach a broad audience with innovative marketing strategies.
By tapping into Illinois' rich cultural tapestry and positioning your brand effectively, you could carve out a unique niche within the competitive industry, which saw a growth rate of 8.3% in 2022. To learn more, check out this detailed guide on starting a fashion business and explore successful case studies for inspiration.
Learn how this DIY blogger turned sewing pattern maker generates over $10k per month in passive income, and discover her tips for building an authentic brand on a budget.
31. Start a background check software ($3.12M/year)
Given Illinois' dense population and robust job market, you could find substantial demand for background check software. Businesses in bustling urban centers like Chicago are continuously hiring and require efficient solutions to vet potential employees, making your software an invaluable tool.
Additionally, Illinois is home to numerous educational institutions and large corporations, both of which need reliable verification systems to maintain security and trust. By starting a background check software business, you could tap into this growing need, offering a service that ensures the credibility and reliability of individuals and partners. For more insights, you can check out details on the business idea here and review successful case studies.
Safe Hiring Solutions, a security technology company that provides comprehensive background checks for schools, ministries, volunteer organizations, and corporations has more than 7,000 clients and has been included on the Inc 5000 list the past five years, with a number 16 ranking for the fastest-growing private company in the Indianapolis region by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
32. Start a beverage company ($17.7M/year)
Starting a beverage company in Illinois could be a lucrative and exciting venture, especially given the state's thriving culinary and agribusiness sectors. With a diverse population that has a growing appreciation for unique and artisanal products, you could find a wealth of opportunities to market innovative beverages that cater to local tastes.
Illinois boasts a rich history in brewing and distilling, presenting a perfect backdrop for launching a new beverage brand. By exploring successful case studies of beverage entrepreneurs, you can gain valuable insights and inspiration for your own startup. For more detailed information on this business idea, you can check here.
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
