Secretary of State Candidate Forum
Thank you State Representative Brady, City Clerk Anna Valencia, and Alderman David Moore for joining us last week at our Illinois Secretary of State Candidate’s Forum! The Secretary of State’s office provides important services to small businesses and can help improve the confidence the small business community has in our government. Hear opening statements from…
Cook County Assessor Candidate Forum
SBAC Presents: Cook County Assessor Candidate Forum 2022 The SBAC and a robust number of business organizations held a candidate forum for Cook County Assessor. You can watch the forum and hear from Cook County Assessor Friz Kaegi, Commissioner Kari Steele and Mr. Tsatsoulis the individuals running for Cook County Assessor here! We have marked…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Outdoor Dining Along Glenwood Avenue in Rogers Park Kicks Off Friday As Part Of Chicago Alfresco Program
“The program could be renewed for up to three if this run is successful,” Hadden wrote. Dining in the streets returns Friday to Rogers Park on Glenwood Avenue. This is a part of the Chicago Alfresco initiative, which seeks to create opportunities for long term community public spaces across Chicago. Small businesses are an integral…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: City Leaders Announce 15,000 Jobs for Teens and Young Adults
New summer opportunities available for Chicago’s teens and young adults. Jobs, volunteer opportunities and arts programs will be available at Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Libraries and other city agencies. This comes after the pandemic has sidelined these programs over the past two years. These programs making a return provide a…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: City Announces New Ways to Partner with the City on Improving Public Safety
“Through these bold new initiatives, all of our residents can play a critical role in keeping our communities safe,” said Mayor Lightfoot. The City of Chicago on Monday announced new city-led initiatives designed to aid residents and businesses in promoting safety within their communities and the city. The initiatives include a Home and Business Protection…
General Assembly Passes Occupational Licensing Reform!
General Assembly Passes Occupational Licensing Reform Occupational licenses can create unnecessary barriers for Illinois residents looking to start new jobs. Occupational licenses can also create roadblocks for entrepreneurs that would like to start new businesses. House Bill 5576 unanimously passed the Senate and will go to the Governor! This legislation builds on the current licensing…
Regulatory Sunset Act Amendment to Help Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs
We did it! Legislation amending the Regulatory Sunset Act passed the Senate unanimously! This bill lowers barriers for licensed applicants while still addressing genuine public safety concerns. After passing in the House – it now moves on to the Governor. Click here to read more about the bill. SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: West Garfield/Chatham Pop!
“The activation of underutilized West and South side properties is a key strategy to revitalize neighborhood commercial corridors with active, people-oriented activities,” Commissioner Cox said. The City of Chicago announced on Thursday, the creation of two new public plazas located in West Garfield Park and Chatham. These projects are a part of the Department of…
You’re Invited to The Rebound!
The SBAC and A Safe Haven are thrilled to invite you for a LIVE and IN-PERSON evening you won’t forget! It will be our first big live event of the year, and with the mask mandate now lifted, we hope to see many of you face-to-face once again. Join us to celebrate the culmination…
Back to Business Grants Action Call
Illinois Policymakers Should Support Small Businesses The pandemic and COVID-19 mitigations began inflicting immense damage to small businesses in March 2020. Thousands of small businesses initially applied for Illinois Business Interruption Grants. While these grants helped some small businesses, approximately 80% of applicants were not awarded a grant. Illinois then received over $8 billion in…