Guides for opening a business in the Chicago area

Written from real projects: timelines, approval types and what to check before a lease.

How long does opening take?

Plan for 3–6 weeks for standard projects and 2–3 months for projects requiring public hearings. Learn what affects the schedule.

Understand the possible zoning approval paths, what to check for your property and what comes after approval.

Check business use, property readiness and the approval path before signing—or see what to do if you already have.