Thank you to our Annual Gold Sponsors
The SBAC is a nonpartisan, member-driven Illinois organization advocating for small businesses in Chicago, Springfield, and Washington since 2010.
We believe that small business success is a critical component of our nation’s economic well-being. To ensure a level playing field, small businesses must have a powerful and unified voice at the local, state, and federal levels. Through cooperative networking, idea sharing, and education, small businesses can flourish.
The SBAC champions the interests of Illinois’ small business community.
We connect entrepreneurs with other members to foster relationships within the community and generate mutually beneficial strategic partnerships.
Small businesses must have a powerful and unified voice at the local, state, and federal levels.
On Sept. 23, 2026, Chicago City Council passed legislation that sets the stage for dramatic improvements in small businesses’ ability to navigate city government. Alderman Matt Martin’s Order (SOr2026-0025473) directs the Business, Economic & Neighborhood Development (BEND) Team from the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) to develop an implementation plan for a “One-Stop Shop Business Licensing and Permitting Portal” through which small businesses can:
The Order’s passage marks an important step toward modernizing Chicago’s business licensing and permitting system, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, and making it easier for entrepreneurs to open and grow businesses throughout the city.
“Reforms like this one produce meaningful results,” said SBAC President Elliot Richardson. “Pennsylvania developed a unified business licensing portal that reduced the time required to obtain an initial corporate license from eight weeks to two days.”
The SBAC is incredibly grateful to Alderman Martin for his leadership on this important issue. We are also proud to have worked with 48 organizations to advance this Order.
In 2023, the SBAC secured a significant triumph with the enactment of crucial health insurance legislation. This legislation focused on stabilizing premiums for small businesses and increasing transparency, allowing policymakers and the public to understand the drivers of health insurance costs.
In 2021, the SBAC founded the Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC), a collaborative platform that advocates for policies to reinvigorate, empower, and connect commercial corridors in Cook County. This initiative represents yet another testament to the SBAC’s commitment to creating a thriving ecosystem for small businesses.
We offer members a nonpartisan and effective voice on their behalf in Washington, Springfield, and Chicago.
We connect entrepreneurs with other members to foster relationships within the community and generate mutually beneficial strategic partnerships.
We provide educational programming to promote best business practices and encourage growth.
We give exclusive benefits to our members to help lower the costs of operating a business.
The SBAC is a nonpartisan, member-driven organization that promotes the success of small businesses through political advocacy, support services, and educational programs. It has advocated for Illinois small businesses since 2010.
Our work spans the local, state, and federal levels in Chicago, Springfield, and Washington.
In 2021, the SBAC founded the Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) to advocate for policies that reinvigorate commercial corridors in Cook County. In 2023, the SBAC secured the enactment of health insurance legislation that stabilizes premiums for small businesses and increases transparency. In 2026, Chicago City Council passed an Order directing the City to develop a One-Stop Shop Business Licensing and Permitting Portal.
We offer members a nonpartisan and effective voice on their behalf in Washington, Springfield, and Chicago. We connect entrepreneurs with other members, provide educational programming to promote best business practices and encourage growth, and give exclusive benefits to help lower the costs of operating a business.
To get involved with the SBAC, visit our Join Our Community page or email our Policy and Engagement Coordinator at aidan@sbacil.org.
