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SBAC Advocacy Update

October 10, 2023

The SBAC continues fighting for policies that will support small businesses and neighborhood business districts. Here are some updates on our efforts!

Health Insurance

The rising cost of health insurance continues to be a challenge for the small business community. Last spring 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. This legislation passed and will apply to health insurance plans in 2026. This is a big win for small businesses struggling to provide affordable, quality health insurance to employees. Learn more about the bill here.

You can hear SBAC President Elliot Richardson speak about the legislation here!

Property Taxes

The SBAC is formulating its 2024 state agenda and property taxes will be a big priority. We will be advocating for legislation focused on reducing property taxes and providing relief for small businesses. More to come shortly!

Neighborhood Revitalization Caucus

Neighborhood business districts are struggling in Chicago’s disadvantaged communities. We can revitalize neighborhoods by reducing barriers for small businesses and improving the process for entrepreneurs who want to open or grow a business in Chicago.

We are forming a legislative caucus focused on neighborhood revitalization and asking every politician in Chicago to participate. To see which policymakers have already expressed an interest in the caucus click here!

This caucus will focus on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and fostering economic growth in Chicago.

Please reach out to get involved in the SBAC!

Insights Archive

Policymakers must focus on reducing property taxes in 2022

By growthzone | December 17, 2021

Property taxes are a huge burden on Illinois residents and small businesses. Politicians on both sides of the aisle understand they are oppressive and drive people out of Illinois. Politicians throughout the state, and all levels of government, acknowledge that solutions must be put forth and moved forward to stabilize property taxes.   In his…

Byline Bank Recognizes Small Business Saturday with Small Business Advocacy Council Contribution

By growthzone | November 25, 2021

Byline Bank Recognizes Small Business Saturday with Small Business Advocacy Council Contribution CHICAGO, IL (November 2021) – This Small Business Saturday, November 27, Byline Bank, Illinois’ top Small Business Administration lender, is recognizing the work of the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) of Illinois with a $5,000 sponsorship contribution. The SBAC is a nonpartisan member-driven…

Chicago businesses are feeling the effects of supply-chain slowdowns

By growthzone | November 24, 2021

“Small businesses are just having a tremendously difficult time getting the supplies that they need to run their business, and, of course, this is even more concerning with the holiday season approaching,” said Elliot Richardson, president of the Small Business Advocacy Council in Chicago. He said the supply-chain problems are impacting all kinds of retailers.…

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