Chamber of Commerce Grant HB 4993

February 2022

Dear Illinois Legislators:

Chambers of commerce provide crucial support and services to small businesses and local communities.  They promote economic development and provide forums by which local businesses can collaborate.  Chambers connect small businesses with potential customers, patrons, and clients.  They also support charitable and civic endeavors.

The Covid-19 pandemic has persisted for nearly two years and each wave has dealt a devastating blow to many chambers of commerce.  Fundraising challenges, a loss of members and other pandemic related difficulties have all contributed to their financial challenges.  Chambers continue to struggle, and prompt financial support is needed to support ongoing operations.

We are asking that legislators co-sponsor and champion HB4993.  This legislation will provide grants for chambers which have lost revenue because of the pandemic.  Specifically, the bill provides chambers with grants that total two months of lost revenue from 2019 to 2020.  These funds will be crucial to the recovery and resurgence of local chambers across Illinois.

Chambers of commerce have played a crucial role during the pandemic.  They have consistently provided critical information to their members and have helped small businesses navigate the pandemic.  Chambers remain dedicated to continuing their efforts to foster the recovery of small businesses and communities.

Please co-sponsor HB4993 and support the chambers of commerce which support our local businesses and communities.

Elliot Richardson
President & Co-Founder
Small Business Advocacy Council
Elliot@sbacil.org
Office: (312) 548-8608