WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

World leaders, captains of industry and innovators of all stripes gathered in Chicago throughout the week for the first-ever Chicago Ideas Week."The talks and tours—or "labs"—were open to the public for $15.

Chicago has a reputation of being a tough place for small business owners. Everything from obtaining a business license to hanging an awning requires time and a tolerance for red tape. Well, navigating these difficulties can be even more trying if you’re new to the country. Chicago Ma

Against the backdrop of a poor job market, more people are making their own jobs, starting up businesses, even in industries that might surprise you. Brian Brunhofer is showing off his company's first home under construction.  Wait a minute, did he say home?

It’s graduation season – and lots of grads are hitting the job market. But some are choosing an opposite direction - they're hatching their own companies – hoping to become the next Mark Zuckerberg.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says Illinois could be a leader in creating start-up companies. Quinn announced today the "Illinois Innovation Network" in an invite-only event for leaders of high-tech firms.   

Cook County topped the country in the number of black-owned businesses in 2007, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That year the number of black-owned companies in the county reached 84,000, about 50 percent more than in 2002.