Baking Good Legislation
On August 27, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Home-to-Market Act. The Home-to-Market Act allows producers of home-based food products to sell their goods directly to customers. This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2022. This will foster the growth of home-based entrepreneurs, known as the cottage food businesses.
Prior to the passage of the Home-to-Market Act, cottage food producers were only allowed to sell their products at farmer's markets. They were prohibited from selling at fairs or festivals, and online. Compared to other states, Illinois has one of the most restrictive regulations governing the cottage food industry. This new act will open the door for a vast increase in sales and provide cottage producers the opportunity to start or grow their businesses. The Home-to-Market Act comes at the perfect time as many of these home-based food businesses and farms were hit hard by the pandemic. During the pandemic, many farmer's markets delayed their openings, leaving cottage food producers unable to sell their products. The new bill will especially benefit women-owned businesses, as 77% of cottage food businesses are owned by women.
The SBAC is a strong advocate for home-based businesses. Check out our most recent win regarding HBBs.
Job Creation Tax Credit Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee The small business community scored a big win when the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act advanced out of the House Revenue and Finance Committee. This legislation will support small businesses by establishing $2500.00 tax credits for businesses with 50 or fewer…
Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth To: Illinois Legislators From: Small Business Advocacy Council Date: March 10th 2025 Subject: Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth Introduction Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) programs have proven to be a valuable tool in supporting unemployed individuals who seek to establish their own…
Occupational Licensing
SBAC INITIATIVES PAGE Occupational Licensing Reform Resources & Fact Sheets Expand PRIOR ACT Download One-Pager View House Bill Language View Senate Bill Language APPRENTICESHIP ACT Download One-Pager View House Bill Language Find and Contact Your Elected Officials HERE!
