Franchisee Success in Illinois: Low Cost of Living & Strong Business Climate

1. According to the International Franchise Association, Illinois is the 5th largest state for franchise establishments. It was home to over 29,000 franchise units in 2019.
2. The franchising industry in Illinois generates $29.5 billion in economic output and employs over 280,000 people.
3. The number of franchise businesses in Illinois has been increasing over the past decade. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of franchises has grown by 9.3%.
4. In 2019, restaurant and food services franchises accounted for 39% of all franchises in the state.
5. The U.S. Census Bureau expects the population of Illinois to grow by 4.7% between 2020 and 2030. This should increase demand for goods and services, including those provided by franchise businesses.

The state's economy is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, agricultural, service, and technology industries. This creates opportunities for franchise brands in a number of industries and grants access to a large group of skilled and experienced workers to hire. Additionally, the large number of young and educated residents creates opportunities for franchises being driven by technological advancements. The large number of existing franchise establishments means there is plenty of brand awareness and a current customer base for new franchisees to take advantage of.