Welcome to the SBAC

Championing Small Businesses Across Illinois

A nonpartisan, member-driven voice that represents small business interests.

Join Our Community Advocacy Award Nominations

Two SBAC members laughing together at a holiday reception

Our Advocacy

Our Focus Areas

View our full advocacy agenda

Reducing Health Insurance Costs

Health insurance costs are a major challenge for small businesses and their employees. We are pursuing reforms that make it easier for small businesses to offer affordable healthcare coverage.

Cutting Unnecessary Red Tape

A buildup of unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic hurdles has made it harder for small businesses to open their doors and grow. We are working to eliminate red tape at the state and local levels.

Fostering Shared Ownership

Local ownership keeps wealth in communities and strengthens neighborhoods. We are asking the state to increase its investment in employee ownership and in shared ownership of commercial property.

Leveling the Playing Field

Small businesses deserve a fair shot to succeed. We are fighting to give small businesses access to affordable capital and meaningful opportunities to compete for public dollars.

SBAC advocates with Leader Robyn Gabel at the Illinois State Capitol — Advocates at the Capitol

SBAC advocacy in Chicago and Cook County — Chicago and Cook County

SBAC in the community

Out in Chicago neighborhoods with small business owners

Two SBAC advocates speaking at a legislative committee hearing in Illinois — Talking policy

SBAC volunteers running a community outreach table with a ring-toss game under tents — Neighborhood outreach

Community members shaking hands at an SBAC outreach event — Meeting our members

SBAC members with the Governor at SBAC 2025 Advocacy Day — SBAC 2025 Advocacy Day

11/12

Advocacy Awards

Congrats to all of our nominees!

Join us at the Advocacy Awards Celebration as the SBAC honors the champions of small business in Illinois.

Event details Advocacy Award Winners

Events

Upcoming Events

See all upcoming events

11/12

FeaturedAdvocacy Awards

Advocacy Awards Celebration

Join us as the SBAC honors the champions of small business in Illinois. Congrats to all of our nominees!

Thursday, November 12, 2026 · 6:00–9:00 PM
Ovation, 2324 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60612
$150 per person · no tuxedos, no gowns, no fuss

Oct

AdvocacyNetworking

WNG Chamber Annual Meeting

Elliot Richardson, President of the Small Business Advocacy Council, is the keynote speaker. Breakfast, 7:30 to 9:00 AM.

Sunset Ridge Country Club, 2100 Sunset Ridge Rd, Northfield, IL

Event details

Oct

Networking

SBAC Connects! at the Metropolitan Club

A joint networking lunch with the Metropolitan Club on the 67th Floor. Open to everyone. 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM. $25 plus tax per person, paid on event day.

Metropolitan Club, 233 S Wacker Dr, 67th Floor, Chicago, IL. Bring a valid ID to check in at the Security Desk.

Oct

YPGNetworking

Fall YPG Happy Hour

An evening with Chicago’s young professionals. 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Advance registration required. Lite bites provided, cash bar.

Emerald Loop, 216 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL

See the full events calendar

The Bite-Sized Business Journal

Keeping small business owners and advocates informed on the issues impacting small and local businesses across Illinois.

Read The Bite-Sized Business Journal

Young Professionals Group

The next generation of small business leaders

The SBAC Young Professionals Group (YPG) brings together Chicago’s young professionals to build relationships, grow their networks and connect with the Illinois small business community.

Join the YPG See YPG events

Media