
The Small Business Advocacy Council has been working with a strong coalition on efforts to revitalize neighborhood business districts in Chicago. As part of these efforts, we are advocating to reduce fees for small businesses that want to open in Chicago. We are thrilled to report that we have worked with Alderman David Moore to file an ordinance that will cut fees for Chicago special use permits in half! A special use permit creates an exception to zoning regulations that may prohibit innovative businesses from opening.
The special use permit will still need to be approved by the Chicago zoning board of appeals. This simply makes it more affordable for certain small businesses to open in Chicago. The fee will be reduced from $1000.00 to $500.00 for businesses with 100 or fewer employees.
We look forward to engaging with politicians to get this ordinance passed!
Proposed Ordinance Supports Outdoor Dining
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…
Job Creation Tax Credit Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee
Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee 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…
Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth To: Illinois Legislators From: Small Business Advocacy Council Date: March 10th 2025 Subject: Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth Introduction Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) programs have proven to be a valuable tool in supporting unemployed individuals who seek to establish their own…