Is Chicago a good place to start a business? Are there enough investors?

I'd say Chicago is a great place for businesses, even though quite a few good opportunities are out West. I think people tend to think of the West coast as better, and there are (I admit) some good reasons for this, but at the same time I've seen some businesses take off in Chicago (Groupon for one) that were really able to benefit from the city's good opportunities and eager investors. I think you'll find plenty of opportunity if you work hard.