1. Create valuable connections and professional relationships
morning, noon and night
With seven chapters including Chicago, there are nearly 40 networking events each month throughout the Chicagoland area including breakfasts, lunches and cocktail hours. The SBAC also supports a dynamic culture where members support one another through shared wisdom, connections and referrals.

2. Make your voice heard on the issues that impact your business
The SBAC has established itself as a strong and effective voice for small business, successfully obtaining authorization to establish a healthcare cooperative in Illinois and championing a law that sets a goal for 10% of all state procurement contracts to be issued to small businesses. As a member of the SBAC, you’ll join the collective voice of tens of thousands of advocates across our coalition to fight for legislation and regulations that support small business.

3. Reduce overhead through cost-savings programs
The SBAC can help reduce your overhead costs with the Office Depot member discount program and the more than 60 strategic partners offering reduced rates on products and services every business needs to thrive.

4. Find financing, equity and crowd funding options at SBAC Connects
The SBAC Connects platform provides members with a variety of options to grow your business, including debt financing through member banks or alternative lending sources, equity partners for members who prefer investment over traditional financing, and crowd funding using the group’s extensive community to assist in funding small to mid-size projects.

5. Expand your knowledge and grow your business
The SBAC offers numerous educational events throughout the Chicagoland area, with a range of topics from networking skills to marketing to business financing. Learn everything you need from the experts to successfully run your business.

6. Use free shared office space across the Chicagoland area
Whether you work out of your home or are traveling away from your office for a day, the SBAC’s Office Sharing program features free professional office space, including conference rooms, across the city and suburbs.

Please go to our member application page to join us today!