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Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance Final Rules

By growthzone | January 2, 2024

SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Helpful Resources: Chicago Labor Laws Educational Resources: You can find law-specific fact sheets for all Chicago Labor Laws, as well as additional resources focused on Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. Overview of Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance Webinar – May 22, 2024 Descripción General…

Join the Small Business Advocacy Council’s District Advocate Program!

By growthzone | January 2, 2024

Download the District Advocate Program One-Pager PARTNERS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Interprenet Signature Bank Lexitas Korey Richardson Open One Solutions Byline DoorDash RockyTop Insperity SpeedPro Chicago Loop CVS Empower Next Previous

SBAC 2023 Holiday Party

By growthzone | December 14, 2023

Did you miss it? We had  a great time at George Street Pub for the SBAC’s annual Holiday party. Wow – what an incredible turnout – busting out the venue with almost 100 folks!  Thank you for coming to celebrate the SBAC and its work in the Illinois communities.  We are excited to watch 2024…

Embrace the Spirit of Giving: Shop Local This Holiday Season

By growthzone | December 11, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, and as we gear up for the festivities, there’s no better way to spread joy than by supporting small businesses in our community. Chicago, with its vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, is home to a plethora of unique local shops, each offering a special touch to your holiday shopping experience.…

Twenty-Eight Groups Send Letter to Chicago City Council Members on PTO Ordinance

By growthzone | December 1, 2023

City Council has passed a PTO ordinance that provides greatly expanded paid and sick leave for Chicago employees. The ordinance, however, subjects small businesses to crushing penalties and lawsuits. Many small businesses will also be unable to comply with the mandates of the ordinance by the end of the year. This is an open letter…

Empowering New Businesses: Illinois Launches Back to Business (B2B) NewBiz Program

By growthzone | November 28, 2023

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

By growthzone | November 27, 2023

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!

Letter to Alders

By growthzone | November 8, 2023

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…

Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance

By growthzone | November 6, 2023

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…

SBAC Advocacy Update

By growthzone | October 14, 2023

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…

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