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WGN 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 MoreProposed Updates to Chicago’s Retailer and Food Vendor Rules
Visit the BACP website SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Proposed Updates to Chicago’s Retailer and Food Vendor Rules The Department of Business and Consumer Affairs (BACP) has published proposed updates to the City of Chicago’s Retailer Rules. The Department has also introduced certain rules for food vendors. BACP is accepting public comments until February 26, 2024,…
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 MoreChicago Paid Time Off Ordinance Final Rules
Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance Final Rules SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Helpful Resources: Chicago Labor Laws Educational Resources: You can find law-specific fact sheets for all Chicago Labor Laws, as well as additional resources focused on Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. Overview of Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance…
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 June 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 May 2024 April 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023…
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…
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…
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