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.
Daily Herald 2021 Economic Outlook Webinar
We were grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Daily Herald 2021 Economic Outlook Webinar. Elliot talked about state legislation that can help individuals, families, small businesses and local communities recover from the pandemic. To watch the webinar, visit our “In The News” section or simply CLICK HERE.
SBAC and A Safe Haven on WCPT Chicago
Elliot Richardson and Neli Vasquez-Rowland on WCPT with Joan Esposito On December 3rd, Elliot Richardson, President and Co-Founder of SBAC and Neli Vasquez-Rowland, Founder and President of A Safe Haven were hosted on WCPT Chicago with Joan Esposito discussing the situation of homelessness and small businesses in Chicago. With the pandemic affecting small businesses on…
Congress Must Provide Relief to Local Chambers and Business Organizations
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