SBAC on the Move: Advocating for the Small Business Community
At the SBAC, we’re committed to ensuring that small businesses have a seat at the table regarding policymaking. Over the last few months, the SBAC has heavily engaged with policymakers and community leaders to advocate for small businesses. From forums to roundtables, we’ve connected with key decision-makers throughout Illinois. Our calendar of events is a great one-stop SBAC event page to stay connected and check out upcoming legislative events to attend.
Here’s a roundup of a few recent events:
Greater Wheeling Chamber Legislative Forum
The SBAC and the Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community-driven legislative forum featuring key legislators. Among those present were Congressman Brad Schneider, State Senator Adriane Johnson, and State Representatives Mary Beth Canty, Daniel Didech, and Tracy Katz Muhl. Attendees could engage directly with lawmakers, ask questions, and share concerns on issues affecting their community and businesses.
Hospitality Industry Roundtable
Our team recently participated in the Illinois Restaurant Association's monthly roundtable to discuss small business trends in the restaurant business. State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl and Julie Morrison, along with employment attorney Robert Bernstein, were among the panelists opening up a discussion about key initiatives the SBAC is pursuing at both the city and state levels. Read more about the SBAC initiatives HERE.
Skokie Legislative Forum
The Skokie Chamber of Commerce invited the SBAC to moderate their annual event. SBAC President Elliot Richardson invoked a lively discussion between Illinois legislators and local business owners. Participants could ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of small business advocacy in Illinois with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senator Villivallam, Senator Fine, Senator Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Skokie Chamber Executive Director Howard Meyer, Representative Kevin Olickal, Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, and Senior Advisor to State Treasurer Frerichs, Marty McCormack.
Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) Meeting
The Small Business Advocacy Council, alongside a dedicated coalition of stakeholders, has united with a common goal: to revitalize, empower, and connect commercial corridors within Cook County, ushering our community into a thriving economic future. This collaborative initiative is driven by grassroots engagement, impactful policy advocacy, and educational initiatives. The Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) is crucial in advancing policies that benefit small businesses across the city. To learn more about the NRC or get involved, click HERE (NRC).
Prescription Drug Affordability Board Town (PDAB) Hall
The SBAC joined policymakers and advocates at a town hall discussing legislation aimed at reducing the excessive cost of prescription drugs. High insurance premiums remain a barrier for small businesses trying to provide quality health coverage for their employees. The town hall shed light on proposed legislation that would offer much-needed relief. Representatives Nabeela Syed, Terra Costa-Howard and Senator Mary Edly-Allan were present to field questions and respond to concerns. Learn more about our work on PDAB here!
Small Business Roundtable with Senator Preston
Senator Preston invited the SBAC to participate in a community roundtable alongside Greater Englewood Chamber Executive Felicia Slaton-Young, Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation Director Carlos Nelson, and other leaders to discuss strategies, specifically the 2025 agenda and how to assist and strengthen small businesses in the 16th Senate District.
Midway Chamber Membership Meeting
The SBAC was pleased to join the Midway Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting to discuss the Chicago Small Business Package and other initiatives focused on eliminating barriers and creating new opportunities for small businesses in Chicago. Read more about the Chicago Small Business Package here.
UBC / SBAC Lunch & Learn
Tax Credits & Financial Opportunities for Small Businesses
The SBAC along with Uptown Chamber hosted an informative lunch discussion reviewing possible tax credits and other financial opportunities/incentives for small businesses. This event, moderated by the SBAC's Elliot Richardson, highlighted programs such as the tax credit for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and ways to access capital. To learn more on possible opportunities, visit the SBAC's Grant and Incentives page.