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.
The SBAC Small Business Package
THE SMALL BUSINESS PACKAGE Many small and local businesses have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois unemployment rate remains high. Illinois politicians can partner with the small business community to enact policies that will help small businesses through this pandemic, reduce unemployment in our state, grow the Illinois workforce and generate revenue. There…
Conversation on Property Taxes with Commissioner Cabonargi
Conversation on Property Taxes with Cook County’s 2nd District Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi The SBAC hosted Cook County’s 2nd District Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi and his Chief of Staff Roland Lara to discuss property assessments and tax appeals. It is important to remind small business owners of their right to appeal…
Thank you to all Participants at the SBAC Golf Outing!
Thank you to all who came out to celebrate the SBAC on August 18th, 2021 at Cog Hill. We all had a great time. Miss it? Or just want to relive some memories? Take a gander at our lovely Digital booklet highlighting our volunteers and sponsors. AND – Check out our FB page for all…