Elliot/Bempah
Signing - pens
Patti/Omari/Scott
Lobby Day 2023
Reduce Vacancies
Frerichs
Testifying
Pritzker signing
Bllomberg article
Elliot RLB
Lobby Day - Members
Lobby Day 2022
Natalia & Omari
Natalia - NRC
Slaughter
Speaker Welch
NRC cut red tape
springfield 2024
springfield 2024 1
alder and elliot
SBAC POLICY AGENDA 2025
Current Initiatives:
The small business community and advocates for neighborhood revitalization are calling on policymakers to cut red tape, streamline processes, and reduce the costs of launching and expanding Chicago businesses. The following reforms will support small businesses, foster economic growth in neighborhoods, and improve the Chicago economy.
Sometimes, people who have lost their jobs are ready to become small business owners rather than trying to find another position at a new employer. Other states permit newly unemployed individuals to focus on starting a business while still receiving unemployment benefits. Illinois should join New York, Oregon, and other states in fostering economic growth by supporting these entrepreneurs.
SB0146: The SBAC is championing a tax credit for small businesses that own the commercial space they operate from, to offset the costs of high property taxes. This legislation provides a tax credit that is equal to 10% of an eligible small business’ annual property taxes, with a $1,500 cap.
The SBAC is committed to championing new measures to eliminate unnecessary occupational licensing barriers. Our efforts will focus on providing legislators with timely and important information before licenses are enacted and refining rules to ensure that licensing is done effectively and equitably.
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Securing a state contract can be a game changer for a small business. However, the State does not meet its goals regarding awarding contracts to small businesses nor provides enough opportunities to entrepreneurs in disinvested communities. The SBAC will be working to bring transparency to the process through a standardized scorecard and Request for Proposals process.
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The SBAC is working to fully implement this Act, ensuring that state agencies analyze and consider the impact new rules have on small businesses. This will also provide business owners and advocates a greater chance to be heard. Preventing the imposition of burdensome red tape will help small businesses thrive and create a stronger Illinois economy.
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Business owners may want to encourage employee engagement or transition their companies to employees. Illinois established the Center for Business Ownership Succession and Employee Ownership to educate business owners on this business model. However, it still needs funding. The SBAC will push to establish and activate this center so businesses can remain open and support communities even through an ownership transition.
The reinstatement of a popular $2,500 tax credits for small businesses (50 or less employees) that hire net new employees. These tax credits will create jobs, foster economic development, and provide incentives to businesses otherwise unable to access economic incentives.
This legislation paves the way for small businesses to have greater access to state tax incentives by allocating at least 50% of them to businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Let’s provide opportunities to all Illinois businesses!
Small businesses struggle to afford quality health insurance. Indeed, the high cost drains their cash reserves and makes it difficult for them to recruit and retain employees. The rising cost of health insurance is unsustainable, and establishing a PDAB is one way to reduce premiums for small employers.
We are working with the state government to standardize economic impact analyses. By developing a standard template, government departments will no longer have to devise their own version. Having a standard template for departments to follow will not only make this requirement easier and quicker for them to fulfill but will also ensure all rule proposals consider the impacts on the small business community.
Chicago Small Business Package
Advocates for neighborhood revitalization are urging Chicago policymakers to cut red tape, streamline processes, and reduce costs for launching and expanding businesses. Key reforms include simplifying zoning requirements, improving process efficiency, expediting debt checks, enhancing communication, and more.
2024 Wins:
The SBAC has a successful track record of member-driven, nonpartisan advocacy. Our advocacy efforts have positively impacted all small businesses. Check out our past wins and see how we've assisted you and the small business community in Illinois.
SBAC POLICY SUGGESTIONS
The SBAC prides itself on being a member-driven, nonpartisan organization. In fact, most of our policy ideas originate from concerned IL business owners and engaged SBAC members. Submit your policy proposal below to have your voice heard!
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Join The SBAC Today
Joining the SBAC will give you the opportunity to immediately get engaged in our organization through the following offerings:
- Advocacy efforts
- Policy committees and subcommittees
- Informational webinars and town halls
- Networking events
- And many more!
Do not miss out on your opportunity to work towards improving the small business environment in your community! We look forward to working with you!
