Current SBAC Blog:
City Council Passes Ordinance Supporting Chicago Outdoor Dining and Reducing Red Tape
Chicagoans love to eat outdoors, and the Chicago City Council just passed an ordinance that will support the restaurants that make it happen. The Chicago City Council has passed an ordinance that will offer two-year sidewalk café permits to reduce red tape for restaurants. It will also allow establishments to have 2 rather than 1 pool table and 4 arcade machines instead of 3 without needing a Public Place of Amusement License. Alderman Matthew J. Martin championed this ordinance, which is strongly supported by the Small Business Advocacy Council. You can see the full ordinance here: Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance
This ordinance will go into effect on December 1, 2025. These types of reforms are exactly what is needed to support local businesses and communities!
Advocacy Blogs
City Council Passes Ordinance Supporting Chicago Outdoor Dining and Reducing Red Tape
Chicagoans love to eat outdoors, and the Chicago City Council just passed an ordinance that will support the restaurants that make it happen. The Chicago City Council has passed an ordinance that will offer two-year sidewalk café permits to reduce red tape for restaurants. It will also allow establishments to have 2 rather than 1 pool table and 4 arcade machines instead of 3 without needing a Public Place of Amusement License. Alderman Matthew J. Martin championed this ordinance, which is strongly supported by the Small Business Advocacy Council. You can see the full ordinance here: Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance
This ordinance will go into effect on December 1, 2025. These types of reforms are exactly what is needed to support local businesses and communities!
The small business community scored a big win when the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act advanced out of the House Revenue and Finance Committee. This legislation will support small businesses by establishing $2500.00 tax credits for businesses with 50 or fewer employees that hire a net new employee. These tax credits will help businesses grow, create jobs, and support local communities. The process for procuring these tax credits will not be complex, so small businesses will not have to expend considerable time and money to navigate the process.
The tax credits created through the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit program will create 20,000 new jobs over five years, foster economic development, and generate revenue for the state. Reinstating this program will be a big win for the small business community.
The next step is for this legislation to pass the Illinois House and move to the Senate. We would like to thank Assistant Majority Leader Curtis Tarver for being the Chief Sponsor of this bill and Representative Barbara Hernandez, Representative Kevin John Olickal and Representative Martin McLaughin for co-sponsoring this legislation.
Read the Fact sheet HERE
Why is the small business community well-positioned to push through the noise? Because small business owners know how to communicate, negotiate, compromise, and solve problems.
Small business owners understand that listening to many points of view is often necessary to achieve their objectives, even when everyone does not agree.
READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE: The Small Business Community Can Bring People Together
Each year, we hope politicians will prioritize and enact policies that support the small business community. Over the past few years, we have scored victories by partnering with legislators who care about small businesses' success. However, this year much more must be done to create a better climate for small and local businesses.
We strongly encourage Illinois politicians to include these among their New Year’s resolutions.
READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE: Politicians should embrace these New Year’s resolutions
There are 132 occupational licenses in Illinois. Let’s reflect on that for a moment and consider whether there are ways to protect the safety, welfare, and health of the public without needlessly hurting entrepreneurs and small businesses. The red tape associated with monitoring and enforcing all these licenses also costs the state money. It is time we take a pause to re-assess.
The Small Business Advocacy Council and IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship are working together to pass legislation that will put a one-year pause on new occupational licenses. The bill also provides that more information will be made available for legislators before they decide on changing and enacting occupational licenses.
We look forward to working with bill sponsors Representative Michael Crawford and Senator Willie Preston on getting this legislation passed in 2025. We can protect the public without unnecessarily burdening entrepreneurs and stifling the workforce!
SBAC ACTION CALL: Contact Your Legislators on Economic Incentives
Please consider reaching out to your legislators and asking them to sponsor the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act and Small Business Property Tax Relief Act. Below are current sponsors of this legislation, so if you reach out to them, it can be to thank them. We have also included the link to find your legislators below and the individual fact sheets for this legislation.
A telephone call to your legislators’ offices or an email letting them know you support this legislation and asking them to sponsor these bills (unless they are already sponsors) will be extremely helpful.
Please note: Sponsors may be added as the session continues. We will update as needed, but you may check sponsors quickly by clicking on the bill number link below.
NAME
Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit
House Sponsors
Rep. Curtis Tarver
Rep. Barbara Hernandez
Rep. Kevin Olickal
Rep. Martin McLaughlin
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Willie Preston
Sen. Adriane Johnson
Sen. Mattie Hunter
Sen. Laura Fine
Sen. Bill Cunningham
Small Business Property Tax Relief Act
Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin
Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
Rep. Kevin Olickal
Sen. Bill Cunningham
Sen. Javier Cervantes
Sen. Adriane Johnson
Sen. Cristina Castro
Sen. Willie Preston
Sen. Julie Morrison
Sen. Seth Lewis
Sen. Laura Fine
Sen. Mattie Hunter
Here is the link to find your legislators: https://bit.ly/CTCLegislatorIL. You can scroll to the bottom of the page to find your state legislators.
Here are the fact sheets for the bills:
Let’s come together to support the small business community!
Shop Small, Shop Local: Support Chicago’s Neighborhood Businesses This Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to consider the impact of where we shop. Supporting small, local businesses not only helps fuel Chicago’s economy but also strengthens our communities.
This year, make a commitment to shop small and explore the diverse businesses across our city. Whether you're searching for a unique gift, delicious holiday treats, or one-of-a-kind experiences, local shops offer something for everyone on your list.
To make holiday shopping even easier, check out Block Club Chicago’s Ultimate Guide To Shopping Local In Chicago For The Holidays 2024. This comprehensive guide allows you to shop by neighborhood, showcasing hundreds of gift ideas from local businesses across the city.
Let’s make this holiday season one of community, connection, and support for the small business owners who make Chicago vibrant!
Endorsed By:
Alderman Anthony Beale
Alderman Felix Cardona
Alderman Peter Chico
Alderwoman Angela Clay
Alderwoman Ruth Cruz
Alderman Derrick Curtis
Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes
Alderman James Gardiner
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
Alderman William Hall
Alderwoman Michelle Harris
Alderman Brian Hopkins
Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
Alderman Tim Knudsen
Alderman Dan LaSpata
Alderman Bennett Lawson
Alderman Matt Martin
Alderwoman Emma Mitts
Alderman David Moore
Alderman Anthony Napolitano
Alderwoman Julia Ramirez
Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
Alderman Lamont Robinson
Alderman Mike Rodriguez
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez
Alderman Nicholas Sposato
Alderwoman Silvana Tabares
Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor
Alderman Gilbert Villegas
Alderman Andre Vasquez
Alderman Scott Waguespack
Alderman Desmond Yancy
SBAC on the Move: Advocating for the Small Business Community
At the SBAC, we’re committed to ensuring that small businesses have a seat at the table regarding policymaking. Over the last few months, the SBAC has heavily engaged with policymakers and community leaders to advocate for small businesses. From forums to roundtables, we’ve connected with key decision-makers throughout Illinois. Our calendar of events is a great one-stop SBAC event page to stay connected and check out upcoming legislative events to attend.
Here’s a roundup of a few recent events:
Greater Wheeling Chamber Legislative Forum
The SBAC and the Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community-driven legislative forum featuring key legislators. Among those present were Congressman Brad Schneider, State Senator Adriane Johnson, and State Representatives Mary Beth Canty, Daniel Didech, and Tracy Katz Muhl. Attendees could engage directly with lawmakers, ask questions, and share concerns on issues affecting their community and businesses.
Hospitality Industry Roundtable
Our team recently participated in the Illinois Restaurant Association's monthly roundtable to discuss small business trends in the restaurant business. State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl and Julie Morrison, along with employment attorney Robert Bernstein, were among the panelists opening up a discussion about key initiatives the SBAC is pursuing at both the city and state levels. Read more about the SBAC initiatives HERE.
Skokie Legislative Forum
The Skokie Chamber of Commerce invited the SBAC to moderate their annual event. SBAC President Elliot Richardson invoked a lively discussion between Illinois legislators and local business owners. Participants could ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of small business advocacy in Illinois with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senator Villivallam, Senator Fine, Senator Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Skokie Chamber Executive Director Howard Meyer, Representative Kevin Olickal, Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita, and Senior Advisor to State Treasurer Frerichs, Marty McCormack.
Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) Meeting
The Small Business Advocacy Council, alongside a dedicated coalition of stakeholders, has united with a common goal: to revitalize, empower, and connect commercial corridors within Cook County, ushering our community into a thriving economic future. This collaborative initiative is driven by grassroots engagement, impactful policy advocacy, and educational initiatives. The Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) is crucial in advancing policies that benefit small businesses across the city. To learn more about the NRC or get involved, click HERE (NRC).
Prescription Drug Affordability Board Town (PDAB) Hall
The SBAC joined policymakers and advocates at a town hall discussing legislation aimed at reducing the excessive cost of prescription drugs. High insurance premiums remain a barrier for small businesses trying to provide quality health coverage for their employees. The town hall shed light on proposed legislation that would offer much-needed relief. Representatives Nabeela Syed, Terra Costa-Howard and Senator Mary Edly-Allan were present to field questions and respond to concerns. Learn more about our work on PDAB here!
Small Business Roundtable with Senator Preston
Senator Preston invited the SBAC to participate in a community roundtable alongside Greater Englewood Chamber Executive Felicia Slaton-Young, Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation Director Carlos Nelson, and other leaders to discuss strategies, specifically the 2025 agenda and how to assist and strengthen small businesses in the 16th Senate District.
Midway Chamber Membership Meeting
The SBAC was pleased to join the Midway Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting to discuss the Chicago Small Business Package and other initiatives focused on eliminating barriers and creating new opportunities for small businesses in Chicago. Read more about the Chicago Small Business Package here.
UBC / SBAC Lunch & Learn
Tax Credits & Financial Opportunities for Small Businesses
The SBAC along with Uptown Chamber hosted an informative lunch discussion reviewing possible tax credits and other financial opportunities/incentives for small businesses. This event, moderated by the SBAC's Elliot Richardson, highlighted programs such as the tax credit for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and ways to access capital. To learn more on possible opportunities, visit the SBAC's Grant and Incentives page.
Calling all employers: Third Fair Chance Hiring Cohort launching in Winter 2025!
Join the Fair Chance movement and a growing network of business leaders that recognize the benefit of hiring justice-impacted individuals.
What we do: We work with companies to hire, retain, and advance justice-impacted talent (who represent 1 in 3 working-age Americans). We get to know each company's current policies, share best practices, and provide hands-on support to help your organization decide where and how to take action to pursue fair chance hiring.
Why us? Our nine-month programming brings together business leaders, for best practices, customized coaching, and peer learning to support companies on their fair chance journey. We cover topics ranging from revisiting your background check process to recruiting strategies and partnerships, to launching and scaling fair chance hiring pilots - and more.
Who should join? If your company wants to pursue fair chance hiring and is looking for support to bring this goal to life, this cohort is for you! We ask that employers come ready and eager to (1) share their goals, successes, and challenges with each other and (2) actively identify and drive HR and organizational changes to hire this talent pool.
Want to learn more? Reach out to Steph Dolan (steph.dolan@corpcoalition.org) and Liana Bran (lbran@carachicago.org) to hear why businesses are pursuing fair chance talent and learn more about our program, opportunities to take action, and results from our previous cohorts. You can also learn more here.
Breaking Barriers: How Tax Incentives Empower Employers to Hire Reentry Populations and Transform Communities
"The passage of the $1,500-$7500 tax incentive for employers to help subsidize hiring people from reentry populations is a great way to help integrate people who are highly motivated populations excited to get their lives back on track who are ready to become productive members of society in a meaningful way. As a lifelong champion for the cause and pioneering partner with state and county criminal systems in providing housing, and services including workforce training and employment for tens of thousands of reentry populations since 1994, this tax incentive will undoubtedly help overcome one of the biggest barriers they face to mainstreaming back into our communities - landing a job. As an employer, who has hired hundreds of people with criminal justice backgrounds during my time as a nonprofit employer serving the homeless, I believe that the work ethic, enthusiasm, and eagerness they bring to their jobs to help their customers and employers grow will in most cases break the stigma associated with reentry populations and even surpass expectations of almost every employer willing to take a chance on taking advantage of this program. It's a win/win/win and I believe that over time the data will show that perhaps this tax incentive will serve as one of the most important missing links needed to close the gap and solve the root causes of crime and violence and the high recidivism and costs associated with these issues happening in our cities".
-Neli Vazquez Rowland, President of GOLZ, LLC and Co-Founder and former President of A Safe Haven Foundation.
Learn more about this tax credit here!
SBAC Insights Search
Insights Archive
For media and PR inquiries, please contact River Strategies.
Email: Tslutzkin@riverstrategies.com