In 2010, Elliot Richardson, the owner of a small Chicago-based law firm, was frustrated with the uphill battle faced by many small business owners in Illinois. He felt this community had no voice and no representation in Springfield. Elliot wanted to be part of the solution and launched The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) to provide small businesses in Illinois with every opportunity to succeed.
A key aspect of the SBAC’s success has been our role as a non-partisan organization. Avoiding preconceived beliefs associated with partisan politics creates open dialogue across the aisle and the most impactful policy solutions. Over the past several years, the SBAC has achieved notable victories, marking a series of milestones in our advocacy journey.
In 2017, the SBAC successfully reduced registration fees for limited liability corporations (LLCs). The SBAC gained support from legislators spanning the political spectrum and from more than 50 trade and business organizations. This united effort resulted in a substantial reduction in LLC registration fees, lowering the barrier for aspiring entrepreneurs from $500 to $150. Annual report fees dropped from $250 to $75. This reform not only eased the financial burden on small business owners but also fostered an environment conducive to new business ventures, catalyzing economic growth in the state.
In 2021, the SBAC founded the Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC), a collaborative platform that advocates for policies to reinvigorate, empower, and connect commercial corridors in Cook County. This initiative represents yet another testament to the SBAC’s commitment to creating a thriving ecosystem for small businesses.
In 2023, the SBAC secured a significant triumph with the enactment of crucial health insurance legislation. This legislation focused on stabilizing premiums for small businesses and increasing transparency, allowing policymakers and the public to understand the drivers of health insurance costs.
The SBAC is a full-service advocacy organization and empowers our members in four distinct ways.
- We offer members a non-partisan and effective voice on their behalf in Washington, Springfield, and Chicago.
- We connect entrepreneurs with other members to foster relationships within the community and generate mutually beneficial strategic partnerships.
- We provide educational programming to promote best business practices and encourage growth.
- We give exclusive benefits to our members to help lower the costs of operating a business.
To learn more about our current initiatives, please visit our Advocacy page. To get involved with the SBAC, visit our Contact Us page or email our Policy and Engagement Coordinator (aidan@sbacil.org).
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