Town Halls to Support Local and Small Businesses
We’re excited to announce a series of free community town halls focusing on policies that help revitalize neighborhood business districts and support small businesses. These town halls are designed to be informative, and interactive, and to bring communities together. Members and business owners are encouraged to further learn how the SBAC and a coalition of…
5/3 Bank – Informational Articles
Fifth Third Bank – Commitment to Small Business SBAC partner Fifth Third Bank is committed to the success of small businesses. Because “small” is a misnomer for driving the economy and creating jobs in local communities as they have a “big” impact. Fifth Third partners with small businesses to provide the lending, lines of credit,…
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
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. …
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…
Reduce Recidivism and Grow the Workforce
HB 3418 FACT SHEET Read H.B. 3418 Labor shortage requires unconventional hiring… Expand JPMorgan says labor shortage requires unconventional hiring, including people with criminal records PUBLISHED THU, MAR 10 20224:53 PM EST How hiring individuals with criminal records can benefit workforce… Expand How hiring individuals with criminal records can benefit today’s workforce, according to an…
Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago
Download the Outdoor Dining FACT SHEET Prompt Action Needed to Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago Chicago’s neighborhood restaurants suffered greatly during the pandemic. When people were unable to gather indoors at restaurants, outdoor dining became the viable alternative. Chicago policymakers took action to provide restaurants with more flexibility and to build on the popularity of…
Small Business Mayoral Forum Recap
The Small Business Advocacy Council and a robust number of chambers and organizations hosted a small business mayoral forum. This was a lively discussion about each candidate’s visions for supporting small businesses and neighborhood business districts. We want to thank all of the local chambers of commerce that partnered with us on this important forum.…
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