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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

RISE Act 2020

R.I.S.E. Act

By growthzone | November 9, 2020

READ HB-0801 HERE READ SB-2490 HERE TAKE ACTION Recovery Initiative to Support Employment Small businesses in many industries are struggling and as a result, have no choice but to layoff valued employees. Entrepreneurs and independent contractors in the fields most impacted by the pandemic are also losing their businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has been unforgiving…

SBAC Women in Business Present Part 2 – Racial Injustice

By growthzone | November 9, 2020

Post content here. Talking Candidly About Anti-Racism   What is My Role, My Business’ Role and the Greater Community’s Role?   On July 21st, the SBAC WIB held a very well-received virtual event on better understanding racial injustice. We heard from four engaging and prominent black and brown female panelists who candidly shared their perspectives…

Michael Bempah speaks about Minority Contracting on WVON

By growthzone | November 9, 2020

Michael Bempah, SBAC Board Member and owner of Pinpoint Precision Engineering, speaks with Perri Small on WVON about minority contracting.  The SBAC is pushing forward reforms to help minority contractors receive their fair share of government contracts.  These reforms are needed now! To listen to the interview, click HERE. To learn more about our efforts,…

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