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
Byline Bank Recognizes Small Business Saturday with Small Business Advocacy Council Contribution
Byline Bank Recognizes Small Business Saturday with Small Business Advocacy Council Contribution CHICAGO, IL (November 2021) – This Small Business Saturday, November 27, Byline Bank, Illinois’ top Small Business Administration lender, is recognizing the work of the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) of Illinois with a $5,000 sponsorship contribution. The SBAC is a nonpartisan member-driven…
Funding For Local Chambers of Commerce
HB4993 -> 1 Pager & Endorsements Chamber Relief Grant Program Local chambers of commerce provide important support and services to small businesses. They connect small businesses to potential customers and play a pivotal role in fostering commerce in local communities. However, many chambers have been devastated by the pandemic. For that reason, we are asking…
Laws You Should Know About
Baking Good Legislation On August 27, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Home-to-Market Act. The Home-to-Market Act allows producers of home-based food products to sell their goods directly to customers. This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2022. This will foster the growth of home-based entrepreneurs, known as the cottage food businesses. Prior…
*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…
