Chicago is a major economic hub with booming business districts and a broad industry base. In fact, it's one of the world’s largest, most diverse economies. With the third-biggest total economic output in the U.S., it also exceeds that of Switzerland.
Here, we’ll look at why the city is a great place to establish a virtual business presence. Plus, we’ll explore your options for virtual offices in Chicago.
Benefits of a Chicago virtual office address
There are many advantages to choosing a virtual office in Chicago over a physical workspace. With the right package, your business can benefit from:
● A sought-after address in a prestigious location, giving your business a credible presence
● The flexibility of a modern work arrangement for your colleagues, including hybrid and remote models
● On-demand use of a meeting room, private office, or desk whenever your team or clients need it
Plus, basing your business in the city of Chicago has plenty of advantages.
For example, you might choose a virtual office in the Chicago Loop, the city’s central business district. A 2020 report ranked the Chicago Loop as the 10th most attractive business district in the world. The area is the top business district in the U.S. after New York.
Here are six other benefits of choosing a virtual address in Chicago.
Diverse economy
Nicknamed “The City that Works,” Chicago has one of the U.S.’s biggest manufacturing industries. A healthy mix of small, medium, and large enterprises from other sectors also flourish in the city. These sectors include:
● Transportation
● Information technology
● Finance
● Healthcare
● Professional and business services
The range of industries thriving in Chicago contributes to the city’s strong gross domestic product (GDP). A strength that makes virtual addresses for businesses in Chicago especially attractive.
Talented workforce
Illinois’ most populous city, Chicago has a labor force of approximately 4.2 million workers.
Education and health services employ almost 20% of the city’s workforce. Trade and transportation provide 17.89% of its job roles, while around 366,000 employees work in professional, scientific, and technical services.
This means businesses can draw from a wealth of skilled workers in Chicago. The city’s robust economy and affordable cost of living attract professionals from various industries.
Also, Chicago’s top colleges and universities produce qualified graduates in various fields. 38.5% of the population aged over 24 have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.
Competitive business climate
Chicago’s competitive business climate, economy, and infrastructure offer favorable conditions for growth.
As a result, existing businesses looking to expand often choose to set up a base in Chicago. The same goes for startups looking for the best city to build their dreams.
For either type of enterprise, a virtual office in Chicago can be a flexible, cost-effective solution.
Business incentives
Chicago and the state of Illinois offer a range of tax incentives and programs to attract and support businesses. These include:
● The Research Development (R&D) Tax Credit
● The Tax Increment Financing Program
● The Small Business Improvement Fund
● The Illinois Angel Investment Tax Credit Program
● The Illinois Enterprise Zone Program
So as well as making savings on your office space, having a virtual office in Chicago means you can benefit from this financial support too.
Supportive business community
Chicago offers a supportive, thriving business community. The city hosts many business-related events, conferences, and trade shows. These provide opportunities for networking and tapping into industry trends.
There are also various Chicago business support groups. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is one example. This organization represents businesses of all sizes and sectors across the region.
With so many skilled professionals working in the city, a virtual office in Chicago can help you access this thriving community.
Startup-friendly environment
Chicago has developed a strong reputation as a leading U.S. ecosystem for startups. Many emerging companies have found success in the city thanks to factors like Chicago’s strong venture capital community.
On average, Chicago-area companies give investors returns of 4.8 times. The city also actively nurtures small businesses, including industry-specific incubator support.
For instance, 1871 is a hub for digital startups that partner with universities to train hundreds of IT students. Similarly, manufacturing-focused incubators like mHub offer mentorship programs and startup resources.
Top virtual business addresses in Chicago
Regus has many virtual addresses for businesses in Chicago. Choose from 11 locations in the heart of the city.
111 West Jackson
111 West Jackson is a prime location for virtual offices in Downtown Chicago, also known as the Chicago Loop. Many consider the Loop one of the most prestigious addresses for corporations in the U.S.
This renowned commercial district offers a dynamic, central location for businesses. With prominent financial institutions like the Chicago Board of Trade close by.
Highlights include:
● 24-hour surveillance monitoring
● Business lounge
● Gym and fitness room
● Showers
● On-site lunch restaurant
● Sandwich service
● Outside seating area/terrace
Information about 111 West Jackson
● Location: 111 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL, 60604
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $79 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Jackson Subway Station (a three-minute walk away), Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren Subway Station (a three-minute walk away), Quincy Subway Station (a four-minute walk away)
332 S Michigan Avenue
In the heart of the Chicago Loop, 332 S Michigan Avenue overlooks Lake Michigan. The Chicago virtual address is as close as you can get to the city’s cultural and commercial center. 332 S Michigan Avenue is also an iconic part of the city’s architectural landscape.
Highlights include:
● Break-out areas
● Meeting rooms
● Views of Lake Michigan
Information about 332 S Michigan Avenue
● Location: 332 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60604
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $115 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Van Buren Street Station (a three-minute walk away), Jackson Subway Station (a three-minute walk away), Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren Subway Station (a six-minute walk away)
203 North LaSalle
203 North LaSalle is a prestigious base for your virtual office in the north of Chicago’s vibrant Loop. Situate your company among corporate brands in the city’s primary business, financial, and legal districts.
Highlights include:
● Business lounge
● On-site lunch restaurant
● Outside seating area/terrace
● Sandwich service
● Secure underground parking
Information about 203 North LaSalle
● Location: 203 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL, 60601
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $115 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Clark/Lake Subway Station (a one-minute walk away), Washington/Wells Subway Station (a seven-minute walk away), Merchandise Mart Subway Station (an eight-minute walk away)
Two Prudential Plaza
The award-winning Two Prudential Plaza occupies a high-profile spot in the center of Downtown Chicago. This iconic skyscraper is home to many influential corporations. Enjoy the prestige of a business address in a well-known piece of the Chicago skyline.
Highlights include:
● Business lounge
● Disabled facilities
● On-site lunch restaurant
● Outside seating area/terrace
● Sandwich service
● Secure underground parking
Information about Two Prudential Plaza
● Location: 180 N. Stetson Street, Chicago, IL, 60601
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $115 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Millennium Station (a four-minute walk away), Lake Subway Station (a seven-minute walk away), State/Lake Subway Station (a seven-minute walk away)
125 South Wacker
125 South Wacker provides virtual offices in Chicago’s bustling financial district. A business address here will give you a presence among well-known corporations like Deloitte.
Highlights include:
● Bicycle storage
● Break-out areas
● Meeting rooms
● Elevator
● Gym and fitness room
● Parking
Information about 125 South Wacker
● Location: 125 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60606
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $115 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Quincy Subway Station (a four-minute walk away), Chicago Union Station (a five-minute walk away), Ogilvie Transportation Center Station (an eight-minute walk away)
South Riverside Plaza
South Riverside Plaza holds a notable position in Chicago’s commercial district. Many large companies, such as Boeing, have their corporate offices in this area, which is across the river from Downtown Chicago.
Highlights include:
● Business lounge
● Disabled facilities
● On-site lunch restaurant
● On-site sandwich/coffee bar
● Sandwich service
● Vending machines
Information about South Riverside Plaza
● Location: 10 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL, 60606
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $105 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Chicago Union Station (a four-minute walk away), Ogilvie Transportation Center Station (a four-minute walk away), Washington/Wells Subway Station (a nine-minute walk away)
South Loop Roosevelt
South Loop Roosevelt offers virtual offices in Chicago’s South Loop. Steeped in history, this area boasts a vibrant neighborhood and three of Chicago’s biggest museums. Artistic and creative businesses would benefit from a business address in this cultural hub.
Highlights include:
● Break-out areas
● Meeting rooms
● Business lounge
● Elevator
● Parking
● Vending machines
Information about South Loop Roosevelt
● Location: 1136 S. Delano Court West, Chicago, IL, 60605
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $85 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Roosevelt Subway Station (an eight-minute walk away), LaSalle Street Station (a 13-minute walk away), LaSalle Subway Station (a 15-minute walk away)
Equitable Building
Equitable Building offers virtual addresses in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The riverside location is a popular destination for shopping and entertainment. Making the area an excellent choice for businesses that want to be near upscale retail outlets.
Plus, this virtual office address is close to Chicago’s central business district.
Highlights include:
● Business lounge
● On-site lunch restaurant
● Sandwich service
● Vending machines
● Secure underground parking
Information about Equitable Building
● Location: 401 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $59 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Grand Subway Station (a nine-minute walk away), Millennium Station (an 11-minute walk away), State/Lake Subway Station (an 11-minute walk away)
Lincoln Park Center
You’ll find Lincoln Park Center in Chicago's North Avenue (Clybourn Corridor) area, west of Lincoln Park. Home to 21 Fortune 500 companies, this address is a great choice for businesses looking to connect with high-profile neighbors.
Highlights include:
● Business lounge
● Disabled facilities
● Gym and fitness room
● On-site lunch restaurant
● Vending machines
Information about Lincoln Park Center
● Location: 939 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60642
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $115 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: North/Clybourn Subway Station (a five-minute walk away), Armitage Subway Station (a 13-minute walk away), Clybourn Station (a 24-minute walk away)
19 N Green St
19 N Green St is one of the most sought-after virtual offices in Chicago’s bustling Fulton Market District. Fulton Market has a reputation for its excellent dining scene and laid-back industrial vibe.
Not far from the city center, this is a key business location in an up-and-coming neighborhood.
Highlights include:
● Break-out areas
● Meeting rooms
Information about 19 N Green St
● Location: 19 N Green Street, Chicago, IL, 60607
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $79 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Morgan Subway Station (a nine-minute walk away), Ogilvie Transportation Center Station (a 10-minute walk away), UIC-Halsted Subway Station (a 12-minute walk away)
John Hancock Center
John Hancock Center is an award-winning building in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile district near Lake Michigan. This iconic landmark has a distinguished reputation to match its prestigious central location.
Highlights include:
● 24-hour surveillance monitoring
● Business lounge
● Gym and fitness room
● Showers
● On-site lunch restaurant
● Outside seating area/terrace
● Secure underground parking
Information about John Hancock Center
● Location: 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611
● Starting costs: Business addresses from $59 per month
● Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
● Nearby stations: Chicago Subway Station (an eight-minute walk away), Grand Subway Station (a 16-minute walk away), Clark/Division Subway Station (a 16-minute walk away)
Establish a business presence with a Regus virtual office space in Chicago
Regus’ virtual offices can help you work your way in the Windy City. Choose from our three Chicago virtual business address packages.
With a business address, you’ll get a presence in a premium location with mail forwarding services.
Alternatively, a virtual office teams a business address with access to our global business lounge network. You’ll also benefit from call answering services with a live receptionist.
Businesses that need physical office space in Chicago may prefer the Virtual Office Plus plan. This plan includes:
● A business address
● Mail handling
● Call handling
● Global business lounge access
● Meeting room use
● Five days of office or desk space per month
Learn more about virtual office options by speaking to a Regus expert today.
