Illinois & Canada
A Proven Partnership
A proven partnership
WHY ILLINOIS
Located in the heart of the U.S., Illinois is a unique global business destination that has all of the attributes companies need to succeed. The state offers unmatched talent throughout a diverse array of industries, along with world-class infrastructure that allows companies to move their people and products quickly and efficiently via air, rail, road and water.
ABOUT INTERSECT ILLINOIS
Intersect Illinois is the only statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new businesses, jobs, and investment to Illinois. We help companies navigate the site selection process by providing data, location assistance, connections and more.
Intersect Illinois
The opportunities for Canadian businesses to expand in the U.S. are vast and promising, but where should Canadian companies looking to grow start?
With a $1 trillion economy (18th in the world), world-class infrastructure, a diverse and skilled workforce, a world-class higher education system, and forward-thinking policies to set businesses up for long-term success, Illinois has all the right elements to help Canadian businesses grow.
For businesses looking to expand, Intersect Illinois provides a dedicated support team to help with everything from choosing the right site to connecting companies with the needed resources. In an era when speed matters, our tools, such as a database of vetted sites, enable us to expedite the process and help companies in industries from manufacturing, to IT, to transportation and logistics, to get up and running quickly.
Watch this video to see why Illinois is your clear choice.
The North American Transportation Hub
Illinois is a prime destination for Canadian businesses, offering unparalleled access to global markets. A pivotal hub for North American transportation, Illinois is the only state where all of the largest U.S. railroads converge in two places, including routes from Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City.
In addition to its robust railway infrastructure, Illinois prides itself on having the country's third-largest interstate highway network, as well as being home to the world's third-largest inland port. This combination ensures that both goods and people can flow seamlessly around the world, further cementing the state's role as a key player in global logistics and transportation.
World-Class Talent
Illinois boasts a dynamic and diverse workforce, well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The state's labour force comprises 6.5 million people. Additionally, its nearly 250 higher education establishments are key contributors to one of its most significant strengths: a substantial and highly skilled talent pool.
The right location is critical to attracting the right talent that will enable your business to grow and thrive. Illinois has a strong talent pipeline and educational ecosystem, making it an ideal location for world-class talent.
#6
In total U.S. labour force
244
universities and colleges
including top two business schools in the country
Central Location
Served by world-class infrastructure
6.5M
Workers
552
Companies expanded to Illinois last year
World-Class Infrastructure
Canadian companies making location decisions increasingly factor in livability and quality of life to ensure they can attract and retain talent. Illinois offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where companies and people thrive. Illinois boasts a political landscape similar to Canada and ranks among the top states to raise a family based on factors including jobs, affordability, quality of education, recreation, and more.
Illinois’ diverse industries, thriving economy and collaborative spirit make it ripe for Canadian business growth, no matter the size or sector. The state is a global leader in industries including advanced manufacturing, transportation and information technology with a proven history of turnkey solutions for Canadian enterprise looking to expand. Discover how Illinois can help your business grow today.
As the world shifts towards advanced manufacturing, Illinois is well-positioned to continue to lead due to its talent and workforce, ecosystem of manufacturers and tremendous infrastructure. Illinois is a dynamic hub where ideas evolve into patents, successful enterprises, and groundbreaking technologies, offering Canadian businesses a fertile ground for expansion. The state boasts a highly skilled manufacturing workforce, nurtured by top-tier universities and community colleges, preparing talents for future advanced manufacturing roles.
Moving people and products seamlessly around the world Expand
Illinois is one of America’s most connected transportation, distribution and logistics (TDL) hubs. Industry giants such as UPS and United Airlines, alongside innovative startups such as Loadsmart and project44, thrive here, drawn by Illinois' robust workforce, supportive infrastructure, and dynamic community. Illinois' unmatched infrastructure, underpinned by the $33.2 billion Rebuild Illinois program, includes connectivity through all Class I railroads, the largest inland port in North America, and Chicago's O'Hare – one of the world's most connected airport. This strategic location enables businesses to reach 83% of the U.S. within two days by truck, making Illinois an ideal hub for national and international distribution.
Ranked in the top 10 for both IT employment and GDP, Illinois provides a robust ecosystem for tech startups and a nurturing environment for established companies seeking to innovate. What truly sets Illinois apart is its rich reservoir of highly educated professionals, fueling the creation and evolution of technologies that have shaped the past, define the present, and are building the future. For innovative businesses looking to expand, Illinois offers a proven track record of transformative ideas and a conducive ecosystem for growth and success.
Talent Guide
The most critical part of any business is its people. Discover 5 key elements that Canadian companies should consider when looking for a location that will enable talent hiring and expansion.
Expansion Guide
Unveil the comprehensive roadmap to ensuring a smooth and successful expansion, highlighting critical planning steps, evaluating trade-offs, and emphasizing the importance of local partnerships.
Let's get you started
Intersect Illinois is the only statewide economic development organization dedicated to bringing new businesses, jobs, and investment to Illinois. We help companies navigate the site selection process by providing data, location assistance, connections and more.
Our dedicated teams are here to help Canadian enterprises get started on their expansion journey today.
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