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Empowering 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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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…

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SBAC 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…

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Chicago 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…

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Town 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…

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Words 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…

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SBAC 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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City 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…

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Reduce Recidivism and Grow the Workforce

Reduce Recidivism and Grow the Workforce HB 3418 FACT SHEET Read H.B. 3418 Labor shortage requires unconventional hiring… Expand JPMorgan says labor shortage requires unconventional hiring, including people with criminal records PUBLISHED THU, MAR 10 20224:53 PM EST How hiring individuals with criminal records can benefit workforce… Expand How hiring individuals with criminal records can…

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