Advocacy
Twenty-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…
Read MoreLetter to Alders
To Members of the Chicago City Council: Chicago small businesses have faced many challenges over the past several years and encountered numerous obstacles while attempting to recover from the devastating pandemic. Disinvested communities continue struggling to fill vacant storefronts, attract businesses, and foster economic development. We ask that you refrain from passing the Chicago Paid…
Read MoreChicago 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 MoreDaily Herald Business Ledger Articles with SBAC President Elliot Richardson
Daily Herald Business Ledger Articles with SBAC President Elliot Richardson Check out all of SBAC President Elliot Richardson’s Daily Herald Business Ledger articles below 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2024 January 14, 2024 Robust engagement by the small business community paved the way for big legislative victories last year. 2023 December 10, 2023 Politicians should…
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 MoreGovernor Pritzker Signs HB 2296 into Law
Governor Pritzker Signs HB 2296 into Law! Small businesses have been crushed by the escalating costs of health insurance. The SBAC championed legislation focused on reducing premiums for small businesses and increasing transparency so policymakers and the public can better understand what drives the costs of health insurance. Governor Pritzker signed this legislation into law. …
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…
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