Empower Stats!
Empower has been working hard… Over the past 6 months, our mentoring program has blossomed; we’ve been able to help so many Small Businesses! Since January 2023, we’ve seen a 31% increase in our outreach to those in need of help. As proud of we are as our growth, we’re even more proud of our…
Stats for Small Businesses
IL Small Businesses, Did you Know…. Did you know that according to the Illinois Small Business Association, a bit over 98% of the businesses within Illinois are Small Businesses? That means statistically, you can probably name most of the larger IL businesses off the top of your head! So, if you approach a store on…
Let’s Transform Vacant Properties Into Thriving Small Businesses
Reduce Vacancies in Local Communities Fact Sheet (English) Fact Sheet in Spanish Fact Sheet in Polish Fact Sheet in Arabic Fact Sheet in Vietnamese Fact Sheet in Chinese Fact Sheet in Cantonese
SBAC Testimonials
The SBAC has significantly impacted the small business community since 2010. From reducing LLC fees to championing legislation focused on reducing premiums for small businesses and increasing transparency to understand better what drives health insurance costs. Our mission has always been to fight alongside small business advocates to enact policies that support small businesses, their…
Words from Our Partners: Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce
The Small Business Advocacy Council and a coalition of engaged stakeholders have come together to revitalize, empower, and connect commercial corridors in Cook County in an effort to bring our community. In the Words from Our Partners Series, our coalition partners share their thoughts on our efforts to revitalize, empower and connect business districts. Dr.…
Governor Pritzker Signs HB 2296 into Law
Governor Pritzker Signs HB 2296 into Law! Small businesses have been crushed by the escalating costs of health insurance. The SBAC championed legislation focused on reducing premiums for small businesses and increasing transparency so policymakers and the public can better understand what drives the costs of health insurance. Governor Pritzker signed this legislation into law. …
Thank you to all the participants at the 2023 SBAC Golf Outing!
THANK YOU for attending our 2023 SBAC Golf Outing on June 6th! Thank you to everyone who came out to The Preserve on June 6, 2023 to play golf and celebrate the SBAC! We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did, and hopefully it was a fun way to kick off the…
SBAC Advocacy Update: Health Insurance, Government Contracts & Outdoor Dining
Illinois legislators concluded their regular session. We are excited to report there were some big wins for the small business community! Health Insurance Many small businesses are struggling to afford the cost of health insurance. The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation focused on protecting small businesses from excessive premium increases and enhancing transparency so that…
City Council Expands Outdoor Dining in Chicago!
Chicago’s City Council passed an ordinance that reinstates policies that expand outdoor dining in Chicago. This ordinance will permit restaurants and taverns to serve customers near the curb, on the sidewalks of adjacent buildings, and in parking areas in proper situations. The ordinance also permits street closures to support local restaurants and taverns should various…
Procurement Bidding Reform Passes both the Illinois House and Senate!
Read S.B. 2192 SB 2192 FACT SHEET Increasing Access to Government Contracts for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses SB 2192 View the Press Release on SB 2192 The SBAC is excited to announce legislation that will increase access to government contracts for small, minority, and women-owned businesses has passed both the Illinois House and Senate!…