Looking for expert guidance to grow your small business in Chicago? We’ve compiled a list of the top small business consulting firms in the city, each offering specialized services to help you thrive in a competitive market. Whether you’re looking for strategic advice, marketing support, or operational improvements, these firms provide the expertise you need to take your business to the next level. Check out our list and find the right consultant to partner with today.
Done HQ is a Chicago-based small business consulting firm specializing in integrated web development services tailored for marketing teams and agencies. Founded in 2021, the company focuses on creating high-performing websites that align with clients’ marketing goals to drive business growth.
Done HQ provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance clients’ digital presence:
Winger Marketing is a full-service marketing and public relations agency based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded as a Chicago public relations company, Winger Marketing has evolved to serve clients around the world, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet diverse business needs.
Winger Marketing’s Chicago office is located at 180 W Washington St, Suite 1959, Chicago, IL 60602.
This office serves as a strategic hub for delivering innovative marketing and PR solutions to clients across various industries.
Winger Marketing provides a range of services designed to elevate brands and foster growth:
Honeycomb Software is an international IT consulting and software development company with a strong presence in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2015, the company has expanded to multiple locations worldwide, including Chicago, where it operates from 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.
Honeycomb Software provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the needs of small businesses:
Highland is a digital product and innovation consultancy based in Chicago, Illinois. Since 1999, the firm has been dedicated to helping organizations launch digital products, reimagine customer experiences, and discover new markets for growth.
Highland’s Chicago office is located at 125 S. Clark St., Suite 670, Chicago, IL 60603.
Highland offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive digital transformation:
Huron Consulting Group, commonly known as Huron, is a global management consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2002 by former employees of Arthur Andersen, Huron has grown to serve clients across various industries, including healthcare, life sciences, education, and commercial sectors.
Huron’s headquarters are located at 550 W. Van Buren Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60607.
This central location positions Huron to effectively serve clients throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.
Huron provides a comprehensive range of consulting services tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients:
Slalom is a global business and technology consulting firm that has established a strong presence in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Slalom has expanded to over 45 markets worldwide, including a significant office in Chicago.
Slalom’s Chicago office is located at 311 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606. This office serves as a central hub for delivering innovative solutions to clients across various industries, including healthcare, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, retail, consumer goods, travel, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Slalom provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client:
Unico Connect is a digital solutions provider specializing in custom software development, UI/UX design, and mobile app development. Founded in 2016, the company has established a strong presence in Chicago, Illinois, with an office located at 2045 W Grand Ave Ste B, PMB 46737, Chicago, IL 60612-1577.
Unico Connect offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses:
FTI Consulting is a global business advisory firm that offers multidisciplinary services to clients worldwide. In Chicago, FTI Consulting operates from two primary locations:
The Keystone Group is a boutique management consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in serving mid-market manufacturing and distribution clients. Founded in 1991, the firm has expanded to include offices in Atlanta and Los Angeles, offering a range of services tailored to the unique challenges of these industries.
The Keystone Group provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive business transformation:
West Monroe is a global business and technology consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2002, the company has grown to over 1,700 professionals, offering a blend of business consulting and deep technical expertise.
The Chicago office serves as West Monroe’s headquarters and is located at 311 W Monroe Street, 14th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606. This office is central to the firm’s operations, housing a diverse team that collaborates across various industries and service areas.
West Monroe provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive business transformation:
Small business consulting firms in Chicago offer a wide range of services, including business strategy development, marketing and branding support, financial planning, operational optimization, human resources solutions, and leadership training. These firms help businesses streamline processes, improve profitability, and create sustainable growth plans. They provide tailored solutions to suit the unique challenges of small businesses, ensuring each client’s individual needs are met with precision and expertise.
Choosing the best consulting firm depends on your business’s specific needs. Look for firms with industry experience, a track record of success, and expertise in areas such as marketing, finance, or technology. Client reviews and case studies can offer valuable insights into their effectiveness. Additionally, consider the firm’s communication style, approach to problem-solving, and ability to tailor solutions that align with your business goals. It’s crucial to select a partner who understands your vision and can drive tangible results.
What industries do small business consulting firms in Chicago specialize in?
Chicago’s consulting firms often specialize in various industries such as technology, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, finance, and education. Some firms may focus on specific sectors like e-commerce, startup growth, or sustainability. It’s essential to choose a firm with experience in your industry to ensure they understand the unique challenges and opportunities your business faces, offering you solutions that are practical, efficient, and aligned with current trends and market demands.
The cost of hiring a consulting firm varies depending on the firm’s reputation, the complexity of your project, and the services you need. Generally, fees can range from $100 to $500 per hour, with some firms offering project-based pricing or retainer agreements. While initial costs might seem high, the value derived from expert advice, increased efficiency, and improved business strategies can lead to significant long-term returns on investment.
The timeline for improvements depends on the scope and complexity of the services provided. For minor adjustments or improvements, you may see results within a few months. However, for more extensive transformations, such as restructuring or implementing a long-term growth strategy, it can take six months to a year or longer. Firms typically provide ongoing support and monitor progress to ensure the solutions they implement lead to sustainable business success.
Many small business consulting firms in Chicago specialize in helping businesses undergo digital transformation, which includes integrating new technologies, improving online presence, enhancing e-commerce capabilities, and streamlining operations with automation. These firms assess your current processes and recommend cutting-edge technologies and strategies to modernize your business, improve customer engagement, and boost efficiency in an increasingly digital world.
Hiring a consulting firm provides expert knowledge, fresh perspectives, and strategic advice to help your business overcome challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. These firms assist with everything from streamlining operations and improving financial management to boosting marketing strategies and optimizing customer experiences. With a consultant’s guidance, you can make informed decisions, enhance productivity, and avoid costly mistakes, ultimately saving time and increasing profitability.
Yes, many small business consulting firms in Chicago specialize in helping startups navigate early-stage challenges. They offer services such as business plan development, funding advice, marketing strategies, market research, and building a scalable model. With their industry expertise and understanding of startup culture, these consultants help young companies avoid common pitfalls, establish strong foundations, and build strategies for long-term success.
The level of involvement varies depending on the consulting firm and the services you’re seeking. Some firms may offer occasional advice or project-based work, while others take a more hands-on approach, working closely with your team on an ongoing basis. Many firms also offer continuous support and monitoring to ensure that implemented strategies are producing the desired results. The degree of engagement should be defined clearly during the initial consultation.
Success is typically measured through key performance indicators (KPIs), such as revenue growth, cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. Consulting firms will often set measurable goals during the project’s start, and progress is tracked regularly. Client feedback, repeat business, and long-term improvements in business performance are also important metrics. A successful consultant’s primary aim is to deliver tangible, lasting results that positively impact your bottom line.
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