Posts by emma@sbacil.org
Transforming Vacant Properties into Thriving Small Businesses
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE The SBAC is thrilled to announce an innovative and important program that will support small businesses and revitalize disinvested Chicago communities. Partnering with Allies for Community Business (A4CB), and with support from We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery, we have launched a program that will connect the owners of…
Read MoreThe SBAC Heads to Springfield to Fight for the Small Business Community
Download SBAC Lobby Day Brochure here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) is gearing up for a crucial visit to the capital on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the legislative session commences in our state capital. Building upon the successes of the previous year, we are determined to make significant strides for…
Read MoreWGN News Highlights Policy Change for Vacant Storefronts
Help Us Reduce Vacancies in Local Communities! SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE WGN News Highlights Policy Change for Vacant Storefronts Vacant storefronts litter neighborhood business districts in disinvested communities, causing blight, impacting safety, and depressing economic activity. Because of the negative impact of vacant properties in neighborhoods across the city, a robust coalition of chambers and place-based…
Read MoreThe Debate Over The Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax
Download pdf here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Register for the SBAC Informational Webinar: The Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax HERE. The Debate Over The Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax Chicago is a tremendous city with a proud tradition. Our great city, however, faces multiple challenges, including persistent economic headwinds and an increase in homelessness. Economic development…
Read MoreThe Launch of the Chamber Relief Grant Program!
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of the Chamber Relief Grant Program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program aims to provide vital support to chambers of commerce dedicated to uplifting small businesses and local communities. DCEO announced the launch of the chamber relief grant program, along with opening…
Read MoreChicago Paid Time Off Ordinance Implementation Delayed!
Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance Implementation Delayed! SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Helpful Resources: View the English webinar on Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance HERE. View the Spanish webinar on Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance HERE. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Flyer Informational Flyer View the Proposed PTO…
Read MoreJoin the Small Business Advocacy Council’s District Advocate Program!
Join the Small Business Advocacy Council’s District Advocate Program! Download the District Advocate Program One-Pager Insights Archive Insights Archive Select Month April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022…
Read MoreEmbrace the Spirit of Giving: Shop Local This Holiday Season
Embrace the Spirit of Giving: Shop Local This Holiday Season The holiday season is upon us, and as we gear up for the festivities, there’s no better way to spread joy than by supporting small businesses in our community. Chicago, with its vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, is home to a plethora of unique local shops,…
Read MoreTwenty-Eight Groups Send Letter to Chicago City Council Members on PTO Ordinance
Twenty-Eight Groups Send Letter to Chicago City Council Members on PTO Ordinance City Council has passed a PTO ordinance that provides greatly expanded paid and sick leave for Chicago employees. The ordinance, however, subjects small businesses to crushing penalties and lawsuits. Many small businesses will also be unable to comply with the mandates of the…
Read MoreEmpowering New Businesses: Illinois Launches Back to Business (B2B) NewBiz Program
Illinois Launches Back to Business (B2B) NewBiz Program The application window for the B2B NewBiz program opens on November 30, 2023, and will remain open until January 11, 2024. The Small Business Advocacy Council has advocated for a program that provides grant funding to businesses that launched in 2020 (prior to the pandemic) and in…
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