February 2022
Dear Illinois Legislators:
Chambers of commerce provide crucial support and services to small businesses and local communities. They promote economic development and provide forums by which local businesses can collaborate. Chambers connect small businesses with potential customers, patrons, and clients. They also support charitable and civic endeavors.
The Covid-19 pandemic has persisted for nearly two years and each wave has dealt a devastating blow to many chambers of commerce. Fundraising challenges, a loss of members and other pandemic related difficulties have all contributed to their financial challenges. Chambers continue to struggle, and prompt financial support is needed to support ongoing operations.
We are asking that legislators co-sponsor and champion HB4993. This legislation will provide grants for chambers which have lost revenue because of the pandemic. Specifically, the bill provides chambers with grants that total two months of lost revenue from 2019 to 2020. These funds will be crucial to the recovery and resurgence of local chambers across Illinois.
Chambers of commerce have played a crucial role during the pandemic. They have consistently provided critical information to their members and have helped small businesses navigate the pandemic. Chambers remain dedicated to continuing their efforts to foster the recovery of small businesses and communities.
Please co-sponsor HB4993 and support the chambers of commerce which support our local businesses and communities.
Elliot Richardson
President & Co-Founder
Small Business Advocacy Council
Elliot@sbacil.org
Office: (312) 548-8608
The 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…
The Launch of the Chamber Relief Grant Program!
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of the Chamber Relief Grant Program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program aims to provide vital support to chambers of commerce dedicated to uplifting small businesses and local communities. DCEO announced the launch of the chamber relief grant program, along with opening…
Phil Gafka – Insights & Blogs
Phil has been a mentor with us for a minute now and he’s always willing to help where there is need. Perhaps you joined us last summer when he hosted our first ever Lunch-and-Learn on leadership, a quality he demonstrated well then. Phil’s also a writer, and he frequently updates his website with blogs he’s…
*Heading*
Post content here.
Proposed Chicago Ordinances That Will Impact Small Businesses (Camera & Sign)
Proposed Chicago Ordinances That Will Impact Small Businesses June 24, 2025 Chicago’s small and local businesses drive the city’s economy, foster economic development, create jobs, and support local communities. This blog highlights two proposed ordinances that will impact the small business community. There is a recently filed ordinance that will require all licensed businesses…
Proposed Ordinance Supports Outdoor Dining
City Council Passes Ordinance Supporting Chicago Outdoor Dining and Reducing Red Tape Chicagoans love to eat outdoors, and the Chicago City Council just passed an ordinance that will support the restaurants that make it happen. The Chicago City Council has passed an ordinance that will offer two-year sidewalk café permits to reduce red tape for…
Job Creation Tax Credit Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee
Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee The small business community scored a big win when the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act advanced out of the House Revenue and Finance Committee. This legislation will support small businesses by establishing $2500.00 tax credits for businesses with 50 or fewer employees that hire…
