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Words from Our Partners: Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce

By emma@sbacil.org | June 29, 2023

The Small Business Advocacy Council and a coalition of engaged stakeholders have come together to revitalize, empower, and connect commercial corridors in Cook County in an effort to bring our community. In the Words from Our Partners Series, our coalition partners share their thoughts on our efforts to revitalize, empower and connect business districts. Dr.…

Governor Pritzker Signs HB 2296 into Law

By patti@sbacil.org | June 29, 2023

Governor Pritzker Signs HB 2296 into Law! Small businesses have been crushed by the escalating costs of health insurance.  The SBAC championed legislation focused on reducing premiums for small businesses and increasing transparency so policymakers and the public can better understand what drives the costs of health insurance.  Governor Pritzker signed this legislation into law. …

Thank you to all the participants at the 2023 SBAC Golf Outing!

By sara@sbacil.org | June 9, 2023

THANK YOU for attending our 2023 SBAC Golf Outing on June 6th! Thank you to everyone who came out to The Preserve on June 6, 2023 to play golf and celebrate the SBAC! We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did, and hopefully it was a fun way to kick off the…

SBAC Advocacy Update: Health Insurance, Government Contracts & Outdoor Dining

By emma@sbacil.org | June 7, 2023

Illinois legislators concluded their regular session. We are excited to report there were some big wins for the small business community! Health Insurance Many small businesses are struggling to afford the cost of health insurance. The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation focused on protecting small businesses from excessive premium increases and enhancing transparency so that…

City Council Expands Outdoor Dining in Chicago!

By emma@sbacil.org | June 5, 2023

Chicago’s City Council passed an ordinance that reinstates policies that expand outdoor dining in Chicago. This ordinance will permit restaurants and taverns to serve customers near the curb, on the sidewalks of adjacent buildings, and in parking areas in proper situations. The ordinance also permits street closures to support local restaurants and taverns should various…

Procurement Bidding Reform Passes both the Illinois House and Senate!

By emma@sbacil.org | May 19, 2023

Read S.B. 2192 SB 2192 FACT SHEET Increasing Access to Government Contracts for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses SB 2192 View the Press Release on SB 2192 The SBAC is excited to announce legislation that will increase access to government contracts for small, minority, and women-owned businesses has passed both the Illinois House and Senate!…

Reduce Recidivism and Grow the Workforce

By mrevis@sbacil.org | May 16, 2023

HB 3418 FACT SHEET Read H.B. 3418 Labor shortage requires unconventional hiring… Expand JPMorgan says labor shortage requires unconventional hiring, including people with criminal records PUBLISHED THU, MAR 10 20224:53 PM EST How hiring individuals with criminal records can benefit workforce… Expand How hiring individuals with criminal records can benefit today’s workforce, according to an…

Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago

By emma@sbacil.org | April 27, 2023

Download the Outdoor Dining FACT SHEET Prompt Action Needed to Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago Chicago’s neighborhood restaurants suffered greatly during the pandemic. When people were unable to gather indoors at restaurants, outdoor dining became the viable alternative. Chicago policymakers took action to provide restaurants with more flexibility and to build on the popularity of…

Legislation Focused on Reducing Health Insurance Premiums of Small Businesses

By emma@sbacil.org | April 10, 2023

View and Download the SBAC FACT SHEET Legislation Focused on Reducing Health Insurance Premiums of Small Businesses Passes! Governor Pritzker signed legislation focused on protecting small businesses from excessive premium increases and increasing transparency so that consumers can understand the cost drivers of health insurance. This legislation will apply to health insurance plans beginning in…

SBAC Legislative Agenda 2023

By patti@sbacil.org | March 4, 2023

2023 SBAC Lobby Day in Springfield SBAC Legislative Agenda 2023 The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) is laser-focused on formulating and fighting to pass policies that support small businesses and local communities. The SBAC’s 2023 agenda includes legislation that will support small businesses struggling to hire and retain employees and stabilize the costs of health…

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