IL
In Illinois, TikTok has as much reach as Route 66. It’s a crucial commerce hub for millions of people and thousands of businesses across the state.
Small business owners in Illinois are looking to level up. TikTok is helping them to increase sales and capture investment opportunities.
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Revolution Brewing
Chicago, IL
Revolution Brewing is Illinois' largest independent craft brewery based in Chicago. The staff and owners are big TikTok fans, using the platform to generate awareness and word of mouth by maintaining a community through historical content about Chicago, how they make their beer, beer facts, and how they follow sustainable practices. They also use TikTok to determine new distribution territories. Since Brew Revolution first started on TikTok, they bought their main production facility after renting for 10 years and celebrated that on TikTok, started a partnership with Chicago's MLS team where they made Hazy Pitch, the Official Craft Beer of the Chicago Fire, and started selling beer in two new states. They donate regularly to Chicago-based nonprofits and volunteer in Chicago Public Schools, and make charitable contributions an integral part of our business. Many of their small-batch beers are brewed with charitable contributions built into their rollout for organizations like Chicago House, which supports people impacted by HIV/AIDs, My Block, My Hood, and the Karen Wellington Foundation. Revolution Brewing features those organizations on the product labels.
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Prison City Vintage
Crest Hill, IL
After losing his job during the pandemic, Shayne Kelly turned his passion for vintage clothing into Prison City Vintage. The company's success has allowed them to host over thirty vintage events across the Midwest, and raise over $20k for local charities. TikTok has been vital in helping spread awareness for the store's in-person events. Their TikTok videos drove foot traffic to the store's Vintage Fest Event by 75%. The store's content has also connected them to customers outside the state.
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Soul & Smoke
Evanston, IL
"Black-owned and woman-lead, Soul and Smoke BBQ serves up some of the best BBQs in the Chicago area. Their TikTok videos have helped the restaurant expand to two new locations, a food truck and their BBQ sauce line. Soul and Smoke is all about giving back. As members of World Central Kitchen’s Chef Corps program, the restaurant sprang into action when tragedy struck Highland Park on July 4, quickly setting up a food program to feed first responders and the community. Additionally, owners D’Andre and Heather run a 24-hour community fridge that has delivered over 75k free meals."
- family run
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Jace and Judy
Urbana, IL
Jace and Judy is a 3D printing studio that started as a fun hobby during the pandemic, but due to the popularity on TikTok, it’s now this husband-wife duo’s full-time job. The pair say when a TikTok video gets a lot of traffic, they see a direct correlation to sales. Judy says TikTok is their strongest and best lead generator, with TikTok driving 90% of website traffic. She says they love interacting with their audience through videos and lives, constantly sharing how their shop is being updated with the suggestions from their audience. Judy credits TikTok with their ability to scale her business in a small town, where she is frequently recognized.
- family run
- woman owned
Oxford Economics surveyed 1,050 small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and 7,500 individuals using TikTok to learn how businesses and users interact with the app and leverage it as a tool to grow their business, stay connected, and contribute to their local economies.