Baking Good Legislation
On August 27, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Home-to-Market Act. The Home-to-Market Act allows producers of home-based food products to sell their goods directly to customers. This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2022. This will foster the growth of home-based entrepreneurs, known as the cottage food businesses.
Prior to the passage of the Home-to-Market Act, cottage food producers were only allowed to sell their products at farmer's markets. They were prohibited from selling at fairs or festivals, and online. Compared to other states, Illinois has one of the most restrictive regulations governing the cottage food industry. This new act will open the door for a vast increase in sales and provide cottage producers the opportunity to start or grow their businesses. The Home-to-Market Act comes at the perfect time as many of these home-based food businesses and farms were hit hard by the pandemic. During the pandemic, many farmer's markets delayed their openings, leaving cottage food producers unable to sell their products. The new bill will especially benefit women-owned businesses, as 77% of cottage food businesses are owned by women.
The SBAC is a strong advocate for home-based businesses. Check out our most recent win regarding HBBs.
Chicago businesses are feeling the effects of supply-chain slowdowns
“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.…
IACCE Conversation with Speaker of the House, Chris Welch
The SBAC’s Elliot Richardson had the distinct pleasure of moderating the IACCE – Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives call with Emanuel Chris Welch and Office of State Representative Carol Ammons last Friday. Watch the entire conversation addressing issues such as Back to Business Grants Workforce Development Unemployment Trust Fund Child Care Tax Credit/Grant…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS : South Shore
REVITLIZATION IN THE NEWS Residents in the South Shore are taking revitalization into their own hands, revitalizing vacant spaces in their community. Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including neighbors taking a redevelopment project into their own hands and more. …
