Posts by growthzone
Legalization of Sandwich Signs to Help Local Businesses
Legalization of Sandwich Signs to Help Local Businesses After persistent support from the SBAC to legalize sandwich signs, in June 2021, Chicago Alderman voted to adopt a new policy on sandwich signs, which will go into effect NEXT WEEK. On March 1, 2022, Chicago small businesses can officially use “A-frame” or sandwich signs on the…
Read MoreREVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Two Locally Owned Grocery Stores Underway on West Side
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Two Locally Owned Grocery Stores Underway on West Side This comes after decades of disinvestment. After decades of disinvestment, two new grocery stores are being built on Chicago’s West Side – something residents have long awaited as other grocery store chains close up shop. The SBAC and our robust collation…
Read MoreOpEd: Crains Chicago Business
OpEd: Crains Chicago Business February 08, 2022 11:34 AM A Labor Shortage Creates an Opportunity to Help the Homeless Illinois politicians should engage those leading the fight against homelessness and also engage small-business advocates to explore how to prepare homeless individuals for a return to the workforce. NELI VAZQUEZ ROWLAND ELLIOT RICHARDSON Read the…
Read MoreRevitalization in the News: Chicago Recovery Plan Funding Available!
Revitalization in the News: Chicago Recovery Plan Funding Available! There’s still funding bids available through the City of Chicago and the Chicago Recovery Plan. “The Chicago Recovery Plan invests over $1.2 billion in new and existing initiatives. Over the lifespan of the Chicago Recovery Plan, there will be frequent opportunities to partner with Chicago organizations…
Read MoreNRC Community Survey Has Been Extended!
NRC Community Survey Has Been Extended! Thriving commercial corridors and neighborhood business districts can support local communities across Chicago and Cook County. However, many commercial corridors are struggling. We are looking for your feedback and insight on how to revitalize and empower commercial corridors. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey so…
Read MoreSUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS BY REDUCING COMMERCIAL VACANCIES Struggling neighborhood business districts are often plagued by vacant properties. These commercial vacancies impact local economies, foster criminal activity and devastate communities. Local governments can reduce the property taxes owed by commercial property owners when their properties, or a portion of those properties,…
Read MoreSBAC Business Buzz – January 2022
SBAC Business Buzz – January 2022 SBAC Business Buzz – January 2022 Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new video series, SBAC Business Buzz, featuring Elliot Richardson’s update on SBAC initiatives impacting the Illinois small business community. Today’s 3-minute recap focuses on Back to Business Grants, Workforce, Occupational Insights Archive Insights Archive Select Month…
Read MorePress Release: Illinois Legislative Leaders Support a Small Business Agenda
Press Release: Illinois Legislative Leaders Support a Small Business Agenda JANUARY 18, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Patti Zikmund // 773-459-3301 // patti@sbacil.org The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC), and a coalition of 50 state-wide business organizations, is working with Illinois political leadership on multiple pieces of legislation supporting small business for the upcoming…
Read MoreREVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Illinois Announces $8.4 Million in Small Business Grants
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Illinois Announces $8.4 Million in Small Business Grants “A strong pandemic economic recovery includes recognizing that some communities have long been denied their fair share of resources,” said Governor JB Pritzker. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced on Monday, January 10th that $8.4 million in new additional…
Read MoreThe RISE Grant Program
The RISE Grant Program The RISE Grant Program The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Illinois workforce. Small businesses are still struggling to hire qualified employees which has greatly impacted their operations. Illinois policymakers will need to promptly pass forward-thinking policies to help get folks back into the workforce. The SBAC is advocating…
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