Top 4 Best Places to Start a Business in the New Year

2021 is nearly gone and the new year will be a fresh start for many of us. Maybe you have always dreamed of opening a quaint clothing boutique or have a knack for treats and have considered operating a bakery. You may already have a booming business and are looking to expand into a vibrant, economically active community.

If any of the above applies to you, you may be wondering where to start a business in 2022. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to start a business in the New Year. All that’s needed is your great ideas!

Location #1: The Village of Johnsburg, Illinois

Conveniently found in northwest McHenry County, the Village of Johnsburg is our top overall community recommendation for new businesses. The Village of Johnsburg has a beautiful landscape, an economic-friendly environment, and neighborhood residents that value shopping local.

A few key reasons to choose Johnsburg if you are in the process of planning out where to start a business:

  • Johnsburg has four appealing business districts; the Route 31 Retail Corridor, South River District, Downtown Center, and North Town District. The community truly has a space for every business. 
  • Johnsburg has many development plans in place. These are designed to continue fostering economic growth for businesses, year over year.
  • From Tax Increment Financing (TIF) programs to available Sales Tax Abatements, Johnsburg is a business-friendly community. Fill out a business incentive program application to get started!
  • Johnsburg is located within the heart of Chicagoland. We are only about an hour from the city and are also near other regional communities with impressive tourism like Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
  • Johnsburg has a professional support system. A wide variety of local businesses are members of the Johnsburg Area Business Association (JABA), which consists of a diverse community of businesses in a professional network.

Location #2: The Village of Oak Brook, Illinois

Further south in DuPage County, the Village of Oak Brook is noted as a good place to start a business. In fact, it was named by Nerd Wallet as the best place.

The village features many business-friendly options, and it was listed for the following reasons:

  • Oak Brook has the highest number of businesses per 100 people. 43 per 100 to be exact.
  • Oak Brook has a high median annual income at over $107,000. Residents spend money in Oak Brook on everything from food to clothing, gifts, furniture, and more.
  • Oak Brook is home to a number of global corporate headquarters. As of 2021, the list includes Ace Hardware, Lions Club International, and Blistex.

Location #3: The Village of Forest Park, Illinois

In suburban Cook County, the Village of Forest Park offers new business entrepreneurs an option. Niche found that Forest Park is the top place for young professionals, and has the following characteristics:

  • Forest Park features many bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. It also received an A+ for nightlife if you are interested in opening an establishment in the industry. 
  • Forest Park is listed with an A- for outdoor activities. Consider opening a recreational facility or a spot for athletics here.
  • Forest Park has above average employment rates, job and business growth, and lower than average cost of living expenses. The community received a B for these items in the report.

Location #4: The Village of Pingree Grove, Illinois

Found in the northern part of Kane County, the Village of Pingree Grove has been one of the fastest growing communities in the Chicago metro area for more than 20 years. It was once again ranked the fastest growing community in Illinois with a population over 2,000, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

It is considered one of the best places to start a business because of the opportunity:

  • Pingree Grove only has about 20 listed businesses. With the growing population, new businesses can cater to new residents.
  • Pingree Grove has a key location. It is only about 35 miles west of O’Hare Airport and is near I-90, making it a prime spot for transportation.
  • Pingree Grove is a safe community for businesses. Twice, it has been voted as one of the safest communities in the state.

Visit Johnsburg, Illinois

If you need help determining where to start a business, the community leaders in Johnsburg are here to support you. In addition to the economic advantages you receive, our village is also a friendly, family-oriented place to work and live.

Johnsburg continues to grow our local business footprint every day, offering residents and visitors everything from financial services and real estate, to storage and a marina on Pistakee Lake.

Bring your business to Johnsburg and keep up-to-date with the latest news and information in the village by following us on Facebook and Instagram!