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The Delta Variant and the Small Business Community

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The small business community was increasingly optimistic this summer. The pandemic was waning, restrictions disappeared and customers were coming back in droves.

Vaccinated individuals gathered without masks. While many businesses struggled to find qualified employees, their prospects for recovery looked good.

Then the Delta variant came and COVID cases started to significantly increase. That optimism that defined the small business community has been replaced with concern and uncertainty.

How significant will the spike in Illinois be? What, if any, mitigation measures will be put into place? How will the resurgence of the pandemic impact consumer behavior?

The trajectory of the pandemic may shift again before this article is published. It seems the only thing that remains certain during this pandemic is uncertainty.

Policymakers must be ready to support the small business community should the new surge threaten the viability of small businesses. This includes promptly getting Back to Business grants to as many struggling small businesses as possible. Policymakers have allocated about $300 million for these grants. The onset of the Delta variant makes it crucial to swiftly provide this funding to as many small businesses as possible.

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Insights Archive

Daily Herald 2021 Economic Outlook Webinar

By patti@sbacil.org | December 11, 2020

We were grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Daily Herald 2021 Economic Outlook Webinar. Elliot talked about state legislation that can help individuals, families, small businesses and local communities recover from the pandemic. To watch the webinar, visit our “In The News” section or simply CLICK HERE.

SBAC and A Safe Haven on WCPT Chicago

By steve@sbacil.org | December 11, 2020

Elliot Richardson and Neli Vasquez-Rowland on WCPT with Joan Esposito On December 3rd, Elliot Richardson, President and Co-Founder of SBAC and Neli Vasquez-Rowland, Founder and President of A Safe Haven were hosted on WCPT Chicago with Joan Esposito discussing the situation of homelessness and small businesses in Chicago. With the pandemic affecting small businesses on…

Congress Must Provide Relief to Local Chambers and Business Organizations

By jamie@sbacil.org | December 4, 2020

Congress Must Provide Relief to Local Chambers and Business Organizations Local chambers of commerce and business organizations provide crucial support to the small business community.  It is imperative that Congress provide them with the support needed so they can make it through these unprecedented times and help local businesses recover from the pandemic.  Over 50…

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