Illinois Made Criteria

Are you our next Illinois Maker?

Illinois is a land of pioneers.

It was the artisans, inventors, farmers, and makers who first built the communities of Illinois—and it's those same folks who continue to shape the culture and make a tangible, positive impact on the local economy. Whether it's a master hat maker whose hats draw shoppers from across the globe or a small distillery whose craft spirits keep whiskey fans happy while sustaining local farmers, local artisans are key to the past, present, and future of Illinois.

Illinois Made celebrates those makers, creators, and artisans who help craft Illinois by hand, inspiring visitors and fellow Illinoisans to discover more about the state by experiencing firsthand the passion that makes it thrive.

Examples of Illinois Made makers include

  • Artisans & Craftspeople (i.e. Carpenters, Potters, Glass Artists, Painters)
  • Food & Beverage Artisans (i.e. Distillers, Brewers, Cheese Makers, Coffee Roasters, Farm-to-Table Restaurateurs)
  • Farmers, Winemakers/Viticulturists
  • Global Makers: artisans and businesses whose reach extends into international markets but whose humble beginnings are right here in Illinois

Become a Maker

To be considered for the Illinois Made program, businesses must embody the personal spirit of Illinois, demonstrating through their work what makes our state so unique.

Makers exemplify what it means to be a local artisan. They represent the pinnacle of small businesses in Illinois—offering a one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found in the cities, towns, and rural communities of the Land of Lincoln.

Above all, Artisans, Makers, and local businesses up for consideration must meet the following key criteria: 

  • Located in the state of Illinois.
  • Open to the public with an amazing visitor experience available to travelers.
  • Produces all crafts, products, and wares in Illinois.
  • Lives by the “Illinois Made” mantra by sourcing materials or expertise from other local businesses or Illinoisans.
  • Has a captivating story to tell, whether because of a rich history, unique origins, or a pioneering spirit.

View Full Criteria

Nominate a Maker Using the Form Below
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Criteria and Guidelines for Recommendations

A wide variety of artisans, makers, and businesses—from brewers to blacksmiths—can be featured on Illinois Made. Though each artisan is unique, all share a common thread that reveals their true bond to Illinois. To help bring out that quality across all our makers, we are using these guidelines when considering inclusion in the program:

  • Subjects must be Illinois through and through. Artisan must reside in Illinois. Some materials and production may be outsourced, but operations and final product distribution must take place in Illinois. 
  • To give stories an intimate feel, makers who work in studios and storefronts versus large-scale operations— and offer a unique visitor experience (i.e. classes, tastings, events) will be first priority when selecting new makers. Online shops are permissible as long as products are able to be purchased from an existing storefront shop in Illinois and orders are fulfilled from an Illinois location.

    If you do not have a storefront but your products are sold at another Illinois storefront, this must be clearly stated in your submission as well as the location where your products can be purchased. (e.g., an artist’s work is available to purchase online but can be viewed at a local giftshop). Storefronts offering space for visitors and locals to explore, though, will always be preferred. 
  • Small-batch operations will be favored over mass production. Possible exceptions are mass productions rooted in humble beginnings.
  • Makers should rely on local resources whenever possible when producing their wares. Example: A furniture maker using wood from an Illinois forest, or a chef who sources her ingredients from local farmers.
  • The more history behind your business, the better.
  • There are many artisan communities in Illinois. Illinois Made seeks to profile the most unique creators in each community while demonstrating how artisans of every stripe help support the vibrant culture all throughout Illinois.
  • We will look for Illinois companies intertwined with other Illinois businesses. Example: An Illinois cheese maker whose cheese is served at local breweries, pizza places, and wineries.
  • We will look for artisans and businesses who purposely chose to headquarter in Illinois for a specific reason or natural resource. i.e. The fine wine-making terroir of Southern Illinois or the community in which they grew up.
  • If the nominated business did anything to help the greater good during the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to hear about it! Please include any relevant details in your submission as well as outline all updated operating hours and procedures upon reopening. 

The Illinois Office of Tourism will carefully review all nominations and select those that best meet the criteria. Inclusion in the Illinois Made program is at the sole discretion of IOT and its partners.