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…
Giving Tuesday
As we move into 2024, we would be honored to have you engaged with EMPOWER as one of our supporters. Thank you again for your unwavering support; we look forward to staying connected in the future!
Small Business Grants in Illinois
It’s tough to run a small business. We know that funding is always top of mind at all times. In an effort to keep our small business owners informed of possible grants as they become available, we will list some as they become available and the criteria for applying. We encourage you to take advantage…
Letter 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…
SBAC 2023 Holiday Party
The Small Business Advocacy Council invites you to celebrate the holidays at the George Street Pub on December 14th. Join us for this wonderful opportunity to connect with small business owners, professionals, small business advocates and our SBAC Board of Advisors. Registration is free for SBAC Business Supporters or $10pp for guests. Event includes light appetizers and…
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 below. Over 30 chambers of commerce and place-based organizations sent…
GRCC & SBAC Empower | Business Development Program
A New Program w/ The Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce Just this morning – as of writing – SBAC Empower, Andrea Reed of The Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Lautenslager of Get Looped LLC finalized our discussion on the future Mentoring and Business Building program coming to the GRCC in the Near Future!…
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…
SBAC Oktoberfest ’23
Oktoberfest war ganz Spaß! (Oktoberfest was really fun!) If you missed our event and would like to contribute to the SBAC, please click on the button to the right. The SBAC works diligently to advance policies that support small businesses, their employees and the revitalization of neighborhoods. ***The Small Business Advocacy Council has been determined…
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 thankful to the following…