Posts by growthzone
The Small Business Package
The Small Business Package Many small and local businesses have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois unemployment rate remains high. Illinois politicians can partner with the small business community to enact policies that will help small businesses through this pandemic, reduce unemployment in our state, grow the Illinois workforce and generate revenue. There…
Read MoreSBAC Action Call: Time For Policymakers To Deliver a Small Business Package
SBAC Action Call: Time For Policymakers To Deliver a Small Business Package 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…
Read MoreTake the Community Survey!!
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…
Read MoreAdvocating for disadvantaged commercial corridors
Advocating for disadvantaged commercial corridors 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. WATCH HERE: https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/988007 Insights Archive Insights Archive Select Month November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 May 2024 April 2024…
Read MoreBLOCK CITY CHICAGO REPORTS on Commercial Corridor Revitalization
BLOCK CITY CHICAGO REPORTS on Commercial Corridor Revitalization BLOCK CITY CHICAGO REPORTS HYDE PARK, WOODLAWN, SOUTH SHORE Some Landlords Keep Their Storefronts Empty For Years — And Get Tax Breaks For It. Business Leaders Want To Change That Small business advocates want to limit the tax breaks property owners can get on vacant storefronts. On…
Read MoreFunding For Local Chambers of Commerce
Funding For Local Chambers of Commerce HB4993 -> 1 Pager & Endorsements Chamber Relief Grant Program Local chambers of commerce provide important support and services to small businesses.  They connect small businesses to potential customers and play a pivotal role in fostering commerce in local communities. However, many chambers have been devastated by the pandemic. …
Read MoreOccupational Licensing Reform
Occupational Licensing Reform Occupational Licensing Reform Occupational licenses are often necessary to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, when these licenses are revisited by legislators, it is important they have accurate and unbiased information before determining whether and how to maintain such a license. Regulatory Sunset Review – HB5576 This legislation…
Read MoreIllinois policymakers need to allocate rescue plan grants to help struggling businesses.
Illinois policymakers need to allocate rescue plan grants to help struggling businesses. The SBAC is advocating to ensure struggling and qualified businesses across Illinois have access to Back to Business grants. This means making sure the grant program is adequately funded. Read Elliot’s article in The State Journal-Register here. Insights Archive Insights Archive Select Month…
Read MoreCalling for IL Occupational Licensing Reform
Calling for IL Occupational Licensing Reform Occupational licenses should protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Unfortunately, some occupational licenses are unnecessary and burdensome. They create unwarranted barriers for Illinois entrepreneurs and those interested in working in new professions. Needless occupational licenses also keep people from moving to Illinois. Needless occupational licenses, or…
Read MoreLaws You Should Know About
Laws You Should Know About Baking Good Legislation On August 27, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Home-to-Market Act. The Home-to-Market Act allows producers of home-based food products to sell their goods directly to customers. This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2022. This will foster the growth of home-based entrepreneurs, known as…
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