Posts by emma@sbacil.org
Chamber Relief
Chamber Relief The SBAC was thrilled that policymakers enacted a program to support Illinois chambers of commerce still struggling to recover from the pandemic. Here is the link to our initial blog about this program and the corresponding appropriation of funding allocated in the budget. Here is the latest information we have received from the…
Read MoreTown Halls to Support Local and Small Businesses
Town Halls to Support Local and Small Businesses We’re excited to announce a series of free community town halls focusing on policies that help revitalize neighborhood business districts and support small businesses. These town halls are designed to be informative, and interactive, and to bring communities together. Members and business owners are encouraged to further…
Read MoreLet’s Transform Vacant Properties Into Thriving Small Businesses
Let’s Transform Vacant Properties Into Thriving Small Businesses Reduce Vacancies in Local Communities Fact Sheet Navigate Action Calls Advocacy CCRC Empower Events Information Lawyers Corner Member Communities Member Relations Premier Advocates SBAC News Small Business Package Uncategorized Archives Archives Select Month September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023…
Read MoreWords from Our Partners: Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce
Words from Our Partners: Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce The Small Business Advocacy Council and a coalition of engaged stakeholders have come together to revitalize, empower, and connect commercial corridors in Cook County in an effort to bring our community. In the Words from Our Partners Series, our coalition partners share their thoughts on our efforts…
Read MoreSBAC Advocacy Update: Health Insurance, Government Contracts & Outdoor Dining
SBAC Advocacy Update: Health Insurance, Government Contracts & Outdoor Dining Illinois legislators concluded their regular session. We are excited to report there were some big wins for the small business community! Health Insurance Many small businesses are struggling to afford the cost of health insurance. The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation focused on protecting small…
Read MoreCity Council Expands Outdoor Dining in Chicago!
City Council Expands Outdoor Dining in Chicago! Chicago’s City Council passed an ordinance that reinstates policies that expand outdoor dining in Chicago. This ordinance will permit restaurants and taverns to serve customers near the curb, on the sidewalks of adjacent buildings, and in parking areas in proper situations. The ordinance also permits street closures to…
Read MoreProcurement Bidding Reform Passes both the Illinois House and Senate!
Procurement Bidding Reform Passes both the Illinois House and Senate! Read S.B. 2192 SB 2192 FACT SHEET Increasing Access to Government Contracts for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses SB 2192 View the Press Release on SB 2192 The SBAC is excited to announce legislation that will increase access to government contracts for small, minority, and…
Read MoreSupport Outdoor Dining in Chicago
Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago Download the Outdoor Dining FACT SHEET Prompt Action Needed to Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago Chicago’s neighborhood restaurants suffered greatly during the pandemic. When people were unable to gather indoors at restaurants, outdoor dining became the viable alternative. Chicago policymakers took action to provide restaurants with more flexibility and to…
Read MoreLegislation Focused on Reducing Health Insurance Premiums of Small Businesses
Legislation Focused on Reducing Health Insurance Premiums of Small Businesses View and Download the SBAC FACT SHEET Legislation Focused on Reducing Health Insurance Premiums of Small Businesses Passes! Governor Pritzker signed legislation focused on protecting small businesses from excessive premium increases and increasing transparency so that consumers can understand the cost drivers of health insurance.…
Read MoreProcurement Bidding Reform
Procurement Bidding Reform View and Download the SBAC FACT SHEET Legislation Focused on State Procurement Contracts Passes! The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation focused on helping small businesses receive their fair share of state procurement contracts. This legislation is important for job creation and the success of the state’s small businesses. This legislation will: Require…
Read More