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SBAC Advocacy Update

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 businesses and increasing transparency so policymakers, and the public, can better understand what drives the costs of health insurance. This legislation passed and will apply to health insurance plans in 2026. This is a big win for small businesses struggling to provide affordable, quality health insurance to employees. Learn more about the bill here.

You can hear SBAC President Elliot Richardson speak about the legislation here!

Property Taxes

The SBAC is formulating its 2024 state agenda and property taxes will be a big priority. We will be advocating for legislation focused on reducing property taxes and providing relief for small businesses. More to come shortly!

Neighborhood Revitalization Caucus

Neighborhood business districts are struggling in Chicago’s disadvantaged communities. We can revitalize neighborhoods by reducing barriers for small businesses and improving the process for entrepreneurs who want to open or grow a business in Chicago.

We are forming a legislative caucus focused on neighborhood revitalization and asking every politician in Chicago to participate. To see which policymakers have already expressed an interest in the caucus click here!

This caucus will focus on revitalizing underserved neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and fostering economic growth in Chicago.

Please reach out to get involved in the SBAC!

Insights Archive

Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth

By patti@sbacil.org | March 17, 2025

SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth To: Illinois Legislators From: Small Business Advocacy Council Date: March 10th 2025 Subject: Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth Introduction Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) programs have proven to be a valuable tool in supporting unemployed individuals who seek to establish their own…

Occupational Licensing

By patti@sbacil.org | March 2, 2025

SBAC INITIATIVES PAGE Occupational Licensing Reform Resources & Fact Sheets Expand PRIOR ACT Download One-Pager View House Bill Language  View Senate Bill Language    APPRENTICESHIP ACT Download One-Pager View House Bill Language  Find and Contact Your Elected Officials HERE!

Phil Gafka – LEAP Coaching | Latest Blogs

By Nic | February 21, 2025

Blogs from Phil Gafka – LEAP Enterprises Phil Gafka of LEAP Coaching has long been a mentor with us here at SBAC Empower, and has provided wonderful insight to the many mentees that he’s worked with and mentored through our program. Here, we collect some of his blogs that he writes for his own website.…

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