The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC) works at the intersection of business success and civic engagement. It identifies the region’s most promising entrepreneurs and helps them build high-growth, sustainable businesses that serve as platforms for both economic development and civic leadership for the Chicagoland area.

Like the smart, high-growth entrepreneurs it serves, the CEC was founded in 1999 to fill a gap in the market as the region’s leading nonprofit organization guiding high-growth entrepreneurs. The CEC continually refreshes its offerings and enhances the opportunities available to Chicagoland’s entrepreneurs.

Since 2003, the CEC has helped our client entrepreneurs secure $242 million in contracts, raise $143 million in financing, and create or retain 6,050 jobs. In turn, CEC clients fuel the entrepreneurial ecosystem of our city by mentoring young talent, advising their peers, and joining the CEC “movement” to inspire entrepreneurship in Chicagoland.

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The CEC Works With

The CEC helps high-growth entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that serve as platforms for economic development and civic leadership. We offer entrepreneurs advisory services and face-to-face introductions to help with their financing and sales needs. We provide guidance through our extensive network of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders, and host events at which entrepreneurs can learn strategies necessary to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

 View CEC Clients by Industry

Alternative Energy

Consumer Products and Services

IT-Financial Services

 IT-Healthcare Markets

 IT-New Media