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Revitalize Local Businesses and Neighborhoods

Thriving commercial corridors support local communities across Chicago and Cook County.  Prior to the pandemic, however, many corridors struggled.  As Chicago emerges from the pandemic and local communities confront a new economic landscape, a strong coalition of stakeholders is needed to advocate for policies and initiatives which will revitalize, empower and connect commercial corridors and neighborhoods.

  • Advocacy Initiatives:
    • Reduce Commercial Vacancies:  We are advocating for an ordinance that will reduce commercial vacancies in struggling Cook County commercial corridors.  One line and the ordinance
    • Encourage Local Investment: We are researching and formulating policies that will encourage local investment in local businesses and neighborhoods
    • Reduce Red Tape:  We are formulating policies to reduce red tape which impacts small businesses in struggling commercial corridors

Check out the full Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) website here.

Insights Archive

Press Release: Illinois Legislative Leaders Support a Small Business Agenda

By growthzone | January 15, 2022

JANUARY 18, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Patti Zikmund // 773-459-3301 // patti@sbacil.org The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC), and a coalition of 50 state-wide business organizations, is working with Illinois political leadership on multiple pieces of legislation supporting small business for the upcoming General Assembly. The legislation will foster the recovery of small businesses,…

REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Illinois Announces $8.4 Million in Small Business Grants

By growthzone | January 11, 2022

“A strong pandemic economic recovery includes recognizing that some communities have long been denied their fair share of resources,” said Governor JB Pritzker. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced on Monday, January 10th that $8.4 million in new additional grants will be available to small businesses and commercial corridors. This is…

The RISE Grant Program

By growthzone | January 9, 2022

The RISE Grant Program The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Illinois workforce. Small businesses are still struggling to hire qualified employees which has greatly impacted their operations.  Illinois policymakers will need to promptly pass forward-thinking policies to help get folks back into the workforce. The SBAC is advocating for the passage of…

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