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October 10, 2023

advocacy update

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 businesses and increasing transparency so policymakers, and the public, can better understand what drives the costs of health insurance. This legislation passed and will apply to health insurance plans in 2026. This is a big win for small businesses struggling to provide affordable, quality health insurance to employees. Learn more about the bill here.

You can hear SBAC President Elliot Richardson speak about the legislation here!

Property Taxes

The SBAC is formulating its 2024 state agenda and property taxes will be a big priority. We will be advocating for legislation focused on reducing property taxes and providing relief for small businesses. More to come shortly!

Neighborhood Revitalization Caucus

Neighborhood business districts are struggling in Chicago’s disadvantaged communities. We can revitalize neighborhoods by reducing barriers for small businesses and improving the process for entrepreneurs who want to open or grow a business in Chicago.

We are forming a legislative caucus focused on neighborhood revitalization and asking every politician in Chicago to participate. To see which policymakers have already expressed an interest in the caucus click here!

This caucus will focus on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and fostering economic growth in Chicago.

Please reach out to get involved in the SBAC!

Insights Archive

SBAC Action Call: Time For Policymakers To Deliver a Small Business Package

By growthzone | November 1, 2021

SBAC Action Call: Time For Policymakers To Deliver a Small Business Package Many small and local businesses closed during the pandemic while others continue fighting to keep their doors open. The small business community has galvanized around a package of policy proposals. These policies will provide crucial support to small businesses and local communities. They…

Take the Community Survey!!

By growthzone | October 27, 2021

Click Here to take the Community Survey! 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…

Advocating for disadvantaged commercial corridors

By growthzone | October 11, 2021

SBAC President Elliot Richardson discusses a policy that will reduce vacant properties in struggling neighborhood business districts.  Replacing commercial vacancies with small businesses will support local communities. Supporters Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Ntiva Daily Herald Tandem HR Interprenet Signature Bank Lexitas Empower Korey Richardson Open One Solutions Freeborn and Peters…

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