Apply for the Cook County Small Business Source Grow Grant Program!
The SBAC advocates for the small business community in numerous ways, including by disseminating important information about programs that will support small businesses. The Cook County Small Business Source Grow Grant program will provide grants to certain small businesses still struggling to recover from the pandemic.
This $25.5 million program will give $10,000 grants, as well as advising and coaching sessions, to eligible small businesses in Cook County.
Small Businesses looking to apply must meet the following criteria:
- Be located in Cook County, Illinois
- Have less than 20 employees
- Have operated and conducted business before March 2020
- Have experienced a decrease in revenue or gross receipts, increased costs, or greater financial insecurity due to COVID
Priority will be given to the following groups of small businesses
- Microbusinesses with under 10 employees
- Businesses located in suburban Cook County
- Businesses in the hardest hit sectors: Accommodation, Hospitality, & Food, Arts & Entertainment, Childcare & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Transportation & Warehousing.
- Historically excluded businesses: those owned by Black-, Latino(a)-, other people of color-, Women-, LGBQT+, Veterans-, and Persons with a Disability
Applications for the Cook County Small Business Source Grow Grant are open until October 31.
Find out more information at the Cook County website: https://cookcountysmallbiz.org/growgrant/
Letter to Alders
To Members of the Chicago City Council: Chicago small businesses have faced many challenges over the past several years and encountered numerous obstacles while attempting to recover from the devastating pandemic. Disinvested communities continue struggling to fill vacant storefronts, attract businesses, and foster economic development. We ask that you refrain from passing the Chicago Paid…
Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance
A press conference was held at City Hall to highlight concerns with the PTO ordinance and ask that changes to the ordinance be made. Hear from business owners, community advocates, and local chambers who passionately discussed their concerns and suggested possible improvements to the ordinance below. Over 30 chambers of commerce and place-based organizations sent…
SBAC Advocacy Update
October 10, 2023 The SBAC continues fighting for policies that will support small businesses and neighborhood business districts. Here are some updates on our efforts! Health Insurance The rising cost of health insurance continues to be a challenge for the small business community. Last spring the SBAC championed legislation focused on reducing premiums for small…