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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

Are Illinois politicians supporting small businesses?

By growthzone | June 15, 2021

Illinois politicians have completed their spring legislative session. The Democrats, who hold a supermajority in both legislative chambers, proclaim their budget supports the small business community. That budget allocates $300 million for the Back to Business grant program, presumably to be awarded to small businesses struggling to recover from the pandemic. The budget also includes…

Elliot Richardson’s interview with Lauren Cohn on “Connected to Chicago”

By growthzone | June 7, 2021

The mayor wants to eliminate red tape for small businesses to help with reopening. Small Business Advisory Council President and Co-Founder Elliot Richardson joins Connected to Chicago” to discuss what can be done.   Please translate this page to the language of your choice. Supporters Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Ntiva…

SBAC President: Chicago Politicians Must Choose Small Business Over Politics

By growthzone | June 4, 2021

SBAC President Elliot Richardson writes in Crain’s Chicago Business that Chicago politicians must choose small businesses over politics and cut needless red tape now.                 Please translate this page to the language of your choice. Supporters Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Ntiva Daily Herald…

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