After persistent support from the SBAC to legalize sandwich signs, in June 2021, Chicago Alderman voted to adopt a new policy on sandwich signs, which will go into effect NEXT WEEK. On March 1, 2022, Chicago small businesses can officially use “A-frame” or sandwich signs on the sidewalk to drive foot traffic into their stores. This win will both help local businesses attract customers and add to the overall vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Click here to learn more about permit applications and costs.
For 7 years, the SBAC and a robust coalition of business and community organizations had been fighting to reduce the time it takes for small businesses to obtain a sign or other public way use permit. And thanks to the SBAC’s tenacity, the City of Chicago answered that call. On July 21, 2021, the SBAC was able to deliver a big win to the small business community with the Chicago City Council’s decision to eliminate full city council approval for public way use permits.
PRESS RELEASE: BIG Legislation for Small Businesses
Illinois Small Business Advocates Call For Funding and an Improved Business Interruption Grant Program Illinois small businesses are fighting to recover from the pandemic. However, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reports that out of the 40,000 businesses that applied for a Business Interruption Grant, only about 9,000 received funding. Business owners hanging on…
Black And African American Owned Businesses Should Receive Their Fair Share Of State Contracts
Black And African American Owned Businesses Should Receive Their Fair Share Of State Contracts Illinois has failed many Black and African American owned small businesses because they have been unable to procure their fair share of state contracts or receive a fair share of the revenue associated with state contracts. Indeed, the failure of Black…
BIG Legislation for Small Businesses
READ H.B 1860 HERE READ S.B 1982 HERE BIG LEGISLATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES President Biden has signed The American Rescue Plan Act (H.R 1319) into law. Accordingly, the State of Illinois is expected to receive $7.549 billion in funds to foster recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. A robust coalition of small business advocates are asking that…