Rockford serves as the gateway to the recreational treasures of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and the urban riches of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, making it the ideal location for entrepreneurs to establish a new business or open a new branch of their thriving company. Rockford has a legacy of its own, strong in manufacturing, modern technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Almost 30 percent of the U.S. population lives within 500 miles of its borders, creating a large and diverse customer and talent base for multiple industries. From energized schools to outstanding health systems, life in Rockford is poised to attract many more devotees in coming years.