Help SBAC recognize the advocates, entrepreneurs, policymakers, organizations, and community leaders making Illinois a better place to start, grow, and sustain a small business.
Small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and shape the character of communities. But too often, the policies that affect them are made without their voices at the table. Meaningful progress happens when advocates, business leaders, and policymakers work together to create opportunity.
These awards honor those who:
Congratulations to this year's honorees, selected from the nominees below for their impact on Illinois' small business community.
Advocate of the Year
Diane Burnham
Executive Director, South East Chicago Commission (SECC)Recognized for her commitment to community development, economic growth, and advocacy supporting businesses and neighborhoods throughout Chicago's South Side.
SECC is a nonprofit organization focused on neighborhood development, economic growth, placemaking, and community partnerships on Chicago's South Side. www.secc-chicago.org
Small Business Media Award
DC Crenshaw
Fete Lifestyle MagazineHonored for amplifying small business stories and elevating entrepreneurial voices throughout the region.
Fete Lifestyle Magazine highlights business, culture, entrepreneurship, and community stories that inspire and inform readers throughout the Chicagoland area. www.fetelifestylemagazine.com
Next Gen Award
Kylie Ruscheinski
Uptown Chamber of CommerceRecognized as an emerging leader creating new opportunities for businesses while helping strengthen one of Chicago's most vibrant commercial districts.
The Uptown Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses through advocacy, community engagement, economic development initiatives, and neighborhood promotion. www.exploreuptown.org
Economic Impact Award
Patricia Aguilar
FourStar BrandingRecognized for helping businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy through entrepreneurship and business leadership.
FourStar Branding provides brand strategy, brand identity, and content design, including websites and print, to help small businesses in underserved communities grow through its El Poder de la Marca® program. www.fourstarbranding.com
Community Connector Award (Tie)
Peter Layton & Meg Schmitz
Tallgrass GroupRecognized for building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities that strengthen the small business ecosystem.
Tallgrass Group specializes in business growth, franchising, strategic partnerships, and connecting entrepreneurs with resources for success. www.tallgrassgroup.com
Susie Goldschmidt
Byline BankHonored for her exceptional work bringing people, resources, and organizations together to support business growth and community engagement.
Byline Bank provides community-focused banking services, commercial lending, and financial solutions designed to support businesses at every stage of growth. www.bylinebank.com
Coalition Builder Award
Amiel B. Harper
The Morpheus Consultancy, LLCRecognized for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and helping unite diverse voices around initiatives that benefit small businesses and local communities.
The Morpheus Consultancy provides strategic advisory services in strategy, finance, government relations, communications, operations, and marketing to help businesses and mission-driven organizations grow. www.morpheusconsults.com
Small Business Champion Awards
Alderman Gilbert Villegas
Public Sector · 36th Ward, City of ChicagoRecognized for his ongoing advocacy and support of Chicago's small business community.
Alderman Villegas has been a leading advocate for entrepreneurship, economic development, and policies that help businesses grow and succeed. 36thward.org
Sarah Austin
Private Sector · The Scratch PantryRecognized for her leadership and commitment to supporting fellow entrepreneurs and strengthening the small business community.
The Scratch Pantry makes clean-label chicken Italian sausage and chicken chorizo for restaurants, private clubs, and other foodservice customers. www.thescratchpantry.com
Small Business Catalyst Awards
Kristi Dula-Ferguson
Public Sector · Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)Honored for advancing initiatives that support entrepreneurs and drive positive business outcomes.
DCEO drives economic growth throughout Illinois by supporting entrepreneurship, workforce development, business attraction, and community investment. www.dceo.illinois.gov
Jason Jacobsohn
Private Sector · Founder Institute ChicagoRecognized for inspiring meaningful change and creating opportunities that help small businesses succeed.
Founder Institute is one of the world's largest startup accelerators, helping entrepreneurs launch and scale innovative businesses. www.fi.co
Red Tape Cutter Award (Tie)
Amy Masters
BOMA ChicagoRecognized for helping eliminate barriers and streamline processes impacting small businesses.
BOMA Chicago represents commercial real estate professionals and advocates for policies that support property owners, managers, and local businesses. www.bomachicago.org
Beth Kregor & Noah Bazis
Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship, University of Chicago Law SchoolHonored for their efforts to reduce unnecessary obstacles and champion practical solutions that make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, grow, and operate their businesses.
The IJ Clinic provides legal advocacy and policy solutions that advance economic opportunity and remove unnecessary barriers for entrepreneurs. www.ij.org/ij-clinic-on-entrepreneurship
Advocate of the Year – Elected Officials
State Senator Chris Balkema
Recognized for championing policies that support entrepreneurship and economic growth.
State Senator Laura Murphy
Honored for her leadership and commitment to advancing legislation that strengthens Illinois' small business community.
Alderman Desmon Yancy
5th Ward, City of ChicagoRecognized for his advocacy on behalf of local businesses and efforts to promote economic opportunity within Chicago neighborhoods.
Select any category to read the full description, the nomination questions, and everyone nominated so far.
This award honors an individual or organization that demonstrates unwavering commitment to advancing the success of small businesses across Illinois. The Small Business Champion consistently shows up—advocating, supporting, and elevating small business needs through leadership, action, and long-term dedication. Their work strengthens the business environment and sets a statewide example.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award recognizes a person, organization, or initiative that sparked meaningful change for Illinois small businesses. Whether through innovation, new programs, or impactful problem-solving, the Catalyst Award honors those who ignite progress and introduce solutions that drive meaningful improvements for small business owners.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award highlights a nominee whose work has significantly contributed to the economic vitality of Illinois communities. Recipients demonstrate measurable outcomes—such as job creation, business support, investment attraction, or community revitalization—that strengthen the small business ecosystem and fuel long-term economic growth.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award honors an individual who has been a leading voice for small business interests in Illinois. Through policy advocacy, community engagement, and leadership, this person helps address challenges, amplify business concerns, and drive actionable solutions in support of Illinois entrepreneurs.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award recognizes an elected official who has demonstrated a strong, consistent record of supporting small businesses in Illinois. From championing legislation to engaging with business owners directly, this leader advances a pro-small-business agenda and works to create a healthier business environment.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award celebrates individuals or agencies that have significantly reduced regulatory or administrative burdens for Illinois small businesses. These champions streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary barriers, and help make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, manage, and grow a business.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award honors a nominee who excels at connecting small businesses with resources, partners, and opportunities. Through relationship-building and strategic collaboration, the Community Connector strengthens the ecosystem and ensures business owners can access the support they need to thrive.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award recognizes a nominee who brings together stakeholders to pursue a shared goal that benefits small businesses. Through collaboration, coordination, and strategic leadership, this individual or organization builds strong alliances that drive meaningful, collective impact.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award highlights emerging leaders—young professionals, new entrepreneurs, or rising advocates—who are shaping the future of small business in Illinois. These nominees bring innovation, modern strategies, and early impact that signal long-term influence in the small business landscape.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
This award honors journalists, media outlets, or content creators who elevate Illinois small businesses through meaningful storytelling. Their coverage informs the public, influences policy discussions, and helps amplify the voices and experiences of entrepreneurs across the state.
Questions to consider
Who's been nominated
By submitting a nomination for the SBAC Advocacy Awards, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
