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SBAC Advocate Partners

SBAC Advocate Partners: Harnessing the Power of Critical Mass

The small business community is stronger when it speaks with a unified voice. This program brings together organizations to advocate for small businesses and policies that will foster the growth of local economies.

Advocate Partners will be provided tools to help their members and networks make their voices heard. They will receive valuable policy updates and information that will support the small business community. To highlight our partners, we have also created a landing page for their events. 

Thank you, Advocate Partners, for your unwavering commitment to the success and growth of small businesses and local communities. We are all-in for the small business community and all-in this together.

Since 1985, the Chicago Southland Chamber has proudly served as the voice for five counties spanning Illinois and Indiana, encompassing over 85 communities in the vibrant Chicago Southland area. As an advocate partner of the Small Business Advocacy Council, the Chamber is dedicated to fostering regional leadership, advancing advocacy initiatives, forging strategic alliances, and implementing impactful programs that foster unity and growth among its members and the broader business community.

The Greater Bridgeport & South Loop Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1990 with the primary objective of encouraging principles of ethical business and professional practices, while improving and assisting in development of the business community in the general “South Loop/ Bridgeport” area. Today the Chamber, with approximately 100 members, continues it’s original mission to beautify and revitalize the 35th Street Business District.  It offers services such as identifying potential sites for redevelopment, assistance with city services, while providing technical assistance and advertising opportunities.

At the heart of the Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry's mission is a dedication to offering resources and fostering an environment that promotes the success of its member businesses. The Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry envisions the local area as a highly innovative and business-friendly region. Their goal is to attract and retain businesses and intellectual capital, contributing to the overall prosperity of the community. Guided by a set of values, the Chamber emphasizes its status as a member-driven organization. Their focus revolves around implementing programs and services that directly contribute to the success of their members. They firmly believe in creating member value, ensuring that investments of resources, time, and participation yield effective returns for all involved.

The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce is driven by a clear vision: to be an indispensable resource for business success in the Highland Park area. Their mission is rooted in fostering the prosperity of all their member businesses. They achieve this by offering a range of programs and services designed to stimulate business development through promotion, advocacy, connections, and education. Their values define who they are and guide their actions. They are membership-focused, recognizing the importance of their members in driving their collective success. Actively involved in their community, they understand the significance of building strong local connections.

The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce is a community of entrepreneurs working together to create a stronger neighborhood and business environment through advocacy, networking, and education. Originally founded in 1951 as the Lincoln Belmont Ashland Business Association, the Chamber is a leader in supporting businesses with valuable resources, programming, and services that advance the success of the Lakeview and Roscoe Village business community. The Chamber serves as the sole service provider of Special Service Area (SSA) 27, a local taxing district in Lakeview that supports additional programs and services to supplement city services, including neighborhood promotion and public space enhancements.

Founded in 1948, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (LSRCC) is a not-for-profit association of approximately 250 local businesses, institutions, and professionals in Chicago’s Lincoln Square and Ravenswood neighborhoods. The LSRCC supports local business with a variety of community events, educational workshops, consumer incentive programs, and more. The LSRCC also acts as service provider for the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Improvement Program, an engine for economic development that beautifies and unifies Lincoln Square’s busiest retail corridors. Using these tools, the LSRCC seeks to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in its two neighborhoods.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) stands as the influential voice for 12 million women business owners across the nation. Within the expansive network of NAWBO's 60-plus chapters, NAWBO Chicago emerges as the largest hub. Established in 1978, NAWBO Chicago dedicates itself to empowering women business owners through leadership, education, and valuable networking opportunities within a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs. It serves as a vocal advocate for its members, addressing a multitude of economic, social, and public policy issues.

Since their establishment in 1971, the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association (OTMRA) has served as the voice of the Old Town community advocating city services for businesses and residents. Working in partnership with local aldermen, the OTMRA addresses issues concerning development in the neighborhood, streetscape maintenance, business development, and promotion of the neighborhood as a destination in Chicago. The OTMRA also hosts regular social events, informational workshops, business roundtables, and the Wells Street Art Festival every June.

Established in 1958 as a non-profit corporation, the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to fostering business growth within the community. From its humble beginnings with just 14 members, the Chamber has flourished, now boasting a robust membership of over 600 businesses and organizations. As a pivotal resource, the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in supporting both businesses and the local community, contributing to their growth and prosperity.

Dedicated to advancing the interests of businesses, professionals, and service organizations in the Village of Skokie and the Greater Chicagoland area, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce has been a cornerstone of community support since 1925. As a non-profit association, the chamber relies on membership dues and support to continue its mission. With a membership base exceeding 2,200 businesses in the Village of Skokie, the Skokie Chamber of Commerce offers a range of valuable benefits.

Since 1923, the Uptown Chamber of Commerce has been the driving force behind Uptown's thriving business community. Committed to fostering a strong, unified business environment, promoting economic development, and enhancing community bonds, they employ a multifaceted approach. Through marketing, advocacy, technical assistance, special events, and business training, they work diligently to maintain Uptown as the top choice for residents, visitors, consumers, and investors. The Uptown Chamber’s influence extends across the entire Uptown community, from Irving Park Road to Foster Avenue, Lake Michigan to Ravenswood Avenue. Inextricably linked to Uptown's history, the Chamber has played a pivotal role in shaping the neighborhood. 

Established in 2011 through the merger of the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce and the Northfield Chamber of Commerce, the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce has a clear mission: to foster economic growth, development, and active participation in the local business and civic communities. With a membership exceeding 350 and continually growing, the Chamber provides its members with enhanced services, a broader presence, and a more robust voice in the community. Spanning diverse districts such as Hubbard Woods, West Elm, East Elm, Indian Hill, and Northfield, their members take pride in delivering quality, value, expertise, and personalized customer service.

Advocate Partner Upcoming Events

Join us in the Advocate Partner program, and let's work together to make a real difference in the world of small businesses and local communities. If you are interested in becoming an Advocate Partner or learning more about the program, email Natalia at natalia@sbacil.org!

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