Posts by emma@sbacil.org
Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance
Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance A press conference was held at City Hall to highlight concerns with the PTO ordinance and ask that changes to the ordinance be made. Hear from business owners, community advocates, and local chambers who passionately discussed their concerns and suggested possible improvements to the ordinance…
Read MoreSBAC Advocacy Update
October 10, 2023 The SBAC continues fighting for policies that will support small businesses and neighborhood business districts. Here are some updates on our efforts! Health Insurance The rising cost of health insurance continues to be a challenge for the small business community. Last spring the SBAC championed legislation focused on reducing premiums for small…
Read MoreChicago Neighborhood Revitalization Caucus
Chicago Neighborhood Revitalization Caucus This is a crucial time for lawmakers to support policies that will revitalize neighborhood business districts and support Chicago small businesses. Therefore, we have formed a neighborhood revitalization caucus where politicians from various facets of government can come together, collaborate with stakeholders, and work to revitalize local economies. We are very…
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
Reduce Vacancies in Local Communities Fact Sheet (English) Fact Sheet in Spanish Fact Sheet in Polish Fact Sheet in Arabic Fact Sheet in Vietnamese Fact Sheet in Chinese Fact Sheet in Cantonese
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…
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