Cutting Red Tape in Zoning: Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition
How can we cut red tape for small businesses through zoning? In the City of Chicago, every business license, location expansion and change of location application needs to be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals before a business license application can be processed. For a business owner to submit proper documentation, they…
Neighborhood Development and Investing with Community Investment Corp. & Woodlawn
Please join the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce and the Community Investment Corporation (CIC) via Zoom to discuss targeted investments and working with the organization. Hear about community investment ideas. Learn about the Woodlawn – specific lending program. Understanding steps to work with CIC. Register here: https://www.ticketfalcon.com/e/cic/ SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul…
Our Annual SBAC Golf Outing is BACK!
IT’S OFFICIAL! WE’RE GOING GOLFING! We are thrilled to announce that registration for the 13th Annual SBAC Golf Outing is NOW OPEN! The annual golf outing is a chance to relax and have fun with fellow SBAC members and guests! And it’s in-person! So invite your golf buddies and join us on Wednesday, June 29, 2022…
Legalization of Sandwich Signs to Help Local Businesses
After persistent support from the SBAC to legalize sandwich signs, in June 2021, Chicago Alderman voted to adopt a new policy on sandwich signs, which will go into effect NEXT WEEK. On March 1, 2022, Chicago small businesses can officially use “A-frame” or sandwich signs on the sidewalk to drive foot traffic into their stores.…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Two Locally Owned Grocery Stores Underway on West Side
This comes after decades of disinvestment. After decades of disinvestment, two new grocery stores are being built on Chicago’s West Side – something residents have long awaited as other grocery store chains close up shop. The SBAC and our robust collation of partners are committed to revitalizing, empowering, and connecting local business districts across…
OpEd: Crains Chicago Business
February 08, 2022 11:34 AM A Labor Shortage Creates an Opportunity to Help the Homeless Illinois politicians should engage those leading the fight against homelessness and also engage small-business advocates to explore how to prepare homeless individuals for a return to the workforce. NELI VAZQUEZ ROWLAND ELLIOT RICHARDSON Read the FULL OpEd HERE SPONSORS…
Revitalization in the News: Chicago Recovery Plan Funding Available!
There’s still funding bids available through the City of Chicago and the Chicago Recovery Plan. “The Chicago Recovery Plan invests over $1.2 billion in new and existing initiatives. Over the lifespan of the Chicago Recovery Plan, there will be frequent opportunities to partner with Chicago organizations and we look forward to these partnerships.” The…
NRC Community Survey Has Been Extended!
Thriving commercial corridors and neighborhood business districts can support local communities across Chicago and Cook County. However, many commercial corridors are struggling. We are looking for your feedback and insight on how to revitalize and empower commercial corridors. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey so we can better understand the needs…
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS
SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICTS BY REDUCING COMMERCIAL VACANCIES Struggling neighborhood business districts are often plagued by vacant properties. These commercial vacancies impact local economies, foster criminal activity and devastate communities. Local governments can reduce the property taxes owed by commercial property owners when their properties, or a portion of those properties, are vacant. While most…
SBAC Business Buzz – January 2022
SBAC Business Buzz – January 2022 Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new video series, SBAC Business Buzz, featuring Elliot Richardson’s update on SBAC initiatives impacting the Illinois small business community. Today’s 3-minute recap focuses on Back to Business Grants, Workforce, Occupational SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Ntiva Daily…