How your local convention and visitors bureau can elevate your business

In 2023 more than 112 million visitors came to Illinois alone, bringing in roughly $47 billion in spending and adding $4.6 billion in state and local taxes. In Cook County, 9.8% of employment was in the hospitality and tourism industry, a figure projected to grow by 3% by 2027.  

So, can small businesses tap into this booming industry? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you know where to look for guidance and support. Most businesses have some familiarity with a local chamber of commerce (such as our network of Referral Partners), which focuses on advocating for businesses and providing educational resources to local companies big and small, as well as sharing networking opportunities.

But there is another important organization–your local convention and visitors bureau–that can serve as your tour guide to benefit from the buying power of visitors to your area. Cook County has fostered a strong partnership with the five suburban CVBs, developing the Cook County Tourism Alive partnership. Designed to help support local small business owners in the hospitality and tourism industry during the pandemic, this partnership offers a wealth of resources and opportunities.

These organizations are laser-focused on bringing meetings, conventions, and leisure visitors to their respective areas of Cook County. Most importantly for small businesses, these CVBs are also dedicated to ensuring local businesses get their fair share of visitor spending. Many types of small businesses support the tourism and hospitality sector, including restaurants, cafes, photographers, florists, retail stores, childcare, and even ride-sharing companies.

By joining your local CVB—often for a nominal fee—you can unlock a world of opportunities including valuable networking possibilities, connecting you with a diverse range of businesses. For instance, a local catering company might find the perfect match with an upcoming convention, while a unique gift shop could attract weekend visitors looking for memorable souvenirs.

Cook County Tourism Alive participates in regional tourism campaigns, offers hiring resources, and has launched Outside Chicago, a guide to outdoor destinations in Cook County. For small business owners, the hospitality and tourism industry – with the right partners like CVBs- can lead to immense opportunity. Learn more at CookCountyTourism.com today.