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 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!
The Delta Variant and the Small Business Community
The small business community was increasingly optimistic this summer. The pandemic was waning, restrictions disappeared and customers were coming back in droves. Vaccinated individuals gathered without masks. While many businesses struggled to find qualified employees, their prospects for recovery looked good. Then the Delta variant came and COVID cases started to significantly increase. That optimism…
The Back to Business Grant Program
Supporting Struggling Small Businesses The pandemic and Covid-19 mitigations began inflicting immense damage to many small businesses in March of 2020. Thousands of small businesses initially applied for Illinois Business Interruption Grants. While these grants helped some small businesses, approximately 80% of eligible small businesses which applied were not awarded a grant. Subsequently, Illinois received…
SBAC Advocacy Newsletter 8.13.21
Dear Small Business Advocates, We understand that the Delta variant is causing increasing concern and uncertainty for the small business community. Rest assured, we will continue fighting for policies that proactively address the challenges presented by the resurgence of the pandemic. Click on the link below to read more on our work on: Back to…
