Revitalize Local Businesses and Neighborhoods
Thriving commercial corridors support local communities across Chicago and Cook County. Prior to the pandemic, however, many corridors struggled. As Chicago emerges from the pandemic and local communities confront a new economic landscape, a strong coalition of stakeholders is needed to advocate for policies and initiatives which will revitalize, empower and connect commercial corridors and neighborhoods.
- Advocacy Initiatives:
- Reduce Commercial Vacancies: We are advocating for an ordinance that will reduce commercial vacancies in struggling Cook County commercial corridors. One line and the ordinance
- Encourage Local Investment: We are researching and formulating policies that will encourage local investment in local businesses and neighborhoods
- Reduce Red Tape: We are formulating policies to reduce red tape which impacts small businesses in struggling commercial corridors
Check out the full Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) website here.
The Delta Variant and the Small Business Community
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…
The Back to Business Grant Program
Supporting Struggling Small Businesses The pandemic and Covid-19 mitigations began inflicting immense damage to many small businesses in March of 2020. Thousands of small businesses initially applied for Illinois Business Interruption Grants. While these grants helped some small businesses, approximately 80% of eligible small businesses which applied were not awarded a grant. Subsequently, Illinois received…
SBAC Advocacy Newsletter 8.13.21
Dear Small Business Advocates, We understand that the Delta variant is causing increasing concern and uncertainty for the small business community. Rest assured, we will continue fighting for policies that proactively address the challenges presented by the resurgence of the pandemic. Click on the link below to read more on our work on: Back to…
