Skip to content

SBAC News

WGN News Highlights Policy Change for Vacant Storefronts

By growthzone | February 27, 2024

Help Us Reduce Vacancies in Local Communities! SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE WGN News Highlights Policy Change for Vacant Storefronts Vacant storefronts litter neighborhood business districts in disinvested communities, causing blight, impacting safety, and depressing economic activity. Because of the negative impact of vacant properties in neighborhoods across the city, a robust coalition of chambers and place-based…

Proposed Updates to Chicago’s Retailer and Food Vendor Rules

By growthzone | February 19, 2024

Visit the BACP website SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Proposed Updates to Chicago’s Retailer and Food Vendor Rules The Department of Business and Consumer Affairs (BACP) has published proposed updates to the City of Chicago’s Retailer Rules. The Department has also introduced certain rules for food vendors.   BACP is accepting public comments until February 26, 2024,…

The Debate Over The Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax

By growthzone | February 5, 2024

Download pdf here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Register for the SBAC Informational Webinar: The Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax HERE. The Debate Over The Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax Chicago is a tremendous city with a proud tradition. Our great city, however, faces multiple challenges, including persistent economic headwinds and an increase in homelessness. Economic development…

The Launch of the Chamber Relief Grant Program!

By growthzone | January 16, 2024

SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of the Chamber Relief Grant Program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program aims to provide vital support to chambers of commerce dedicated to uplifting small businesses and local communities. DCEO announced the launch of the chamber relief grant program, along with opening…

Phil Gafka – Insights & Blogs

By growthzone | January 11, 2024

Phil has been a mentor with us for a minute now and he’s always willing to help where there is need. Perhaps you joined us last summer when he hosted our first ever Lunch-and-Learn on leadership, a quality he demonstrated well then. Phil’s also a writer, and he frequently updates his website with blogs he’s…

Scroll To Top