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Comprehensive Licensing Information to Minimize Barriers Legislation

Comprehensive Licensing Information to Minimize Barriers Legislation Occupational licensing requirements, intended to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare, now affect over 400 professions in Illinois. These requirements make it difficult for anyone wanting a new profession or moving to Illinois who needs a license to continue in their current profession. These requirements also make…

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Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago

Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago Sing the Petition to Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago Download the Outdoor Dining FACT SHEET Prompt Action Needed to Support Outdoor Dining in Chicago Chicago’s neighborhood restaurants suffered greatly during the pandemic. When people were unable to gather indoors at restaurants, outdoor dining became the viable alternative. Chicago policymakers took…

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Relief for Small Businesses

Relief for Small Businesses West Side First – Business Start-Up Training for Early-stage Businesses in Illinois: Training programs play a crucial role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs on their path to success. By providing foundational knowledge, helping navigate legal requirements, facilitating networking opportunities, and enhancing entrepreneurial skills, these programs empower individuals to confidently launch their businesses…

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Small Business Mayoral Forum Recap

Small Business Mayoral Forum Recap The Small Business Advocacy Council and a robust number of chambers and organizations hosted a small business mayoral forum.  This was a lively discussion about each candidate’s visions for supporting small businesses and neighborhood business districts. We want to thank all of the local chambers of commerce that partnered with…

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SBAC Women in Business: Roundtable on Small Businesses and Child Care

SBAC Women in Business: Roundtable on Small Businesses and Child Care The SBAC Women in Business hosted a virtual roundtable with Chairman Edgar Gonzalez Jr. to discuss accessibility to affordable child care and small businesses.  It was an insightful conversation and we sincerely thank Chairman Gonzalez for taking the time out of his busy schedule…

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Childcare Tax Credit

Childcare Tax Credit Authors:   Minna Pomeroy, Leverage People Leslee Cohen, All Rise Legal Counsel Employers across our state are struggling to find enough employees to support their businesses. Indeed, some businesses have been forced to scale back their operations because of a lack of employees in the workforce. The Small Business Advocacy Council is championing…

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Back to Business Grants Action Call

Back to Business Grants Action Call Illinois Policymakers Should Support Small Businesses The pandemic and COVID-19 mitigations began inflicting immense damage to small businesses in March 2020.  Thousands of small businesses initially applied for Illinois Business Interruption Grants.  While these grants helped some small businesses, approximately 80% of applicants were not awarded a grant. Illinois…

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Legalization of Sandwich Signs to Help Local Businesses

Legalization of Sandwich Signs to Help Local Businesses After persistent support from the SBAC to legalize sandwich signs, in June 2021, Chicago Alderman voted to adopt a new policy on sandwich signs, which will go into effect NEXT WEEK. On March 1, 2022, Chicago small businesses can officially use “A-frame” or sandwich signs on the…

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The RISE Grant Program

The RISE Grant Program The RISE Grant Program The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Illinois workforce. Small businesses are still struggling to hire qualified employees which has greatly impacted their operations.  Illinois policymakers will need to promptly pass forward-thinking policies to help get folks back into the workforce. The SBAC is advocating…

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Funding For Local Chambers of Commerce

Funding For Local Chambers of Commerce HB4993 -> 1 Pager & Endorsements Chamber Relief Grant Program Local chambers of commerce provide important support and services to small businesses.  They connect small businesses to potential customers and play a pivotal role in fostering commerce in local communities.  However, many chambers have been devastated by the pandemic. …

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