The home of Abraham Lincoln runs light on state-level governmental controls. Instead, most business licensing is left to the local level, especially in Chicago which boasts more than 70 different business licenses. Outside the big city, counties also play an important role in business governance.
In Illinois, graphic design and online sales, or e-commerce are common home-based businesses. People looking for flexible lifestyles or just to work from home can usually set up these businesses easily. While in many cities including Los Angeles and New York, only standard business licensing requirements apply, numerous cities and counties require Home Occupation Permits for home-based businesses.