According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 97 percent of Illinois businesses have fewer than 20 employees—proving that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Yet, too often, they struggle to access the same economic incentives available to larger companies.

The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) is fighting to change that with three key bills designed to provide small businesses a fair shot at state incentives, tax relief, and job creation support. Below are some pieces of legislation the SBAC is advocating for this spring:

Small Business Economic Incentive Act (HB 1372 / SB 2005)

Allocates at least 50 percent of state tax incentives to businesses with 50 or fewer employees, ensuring small businesses are not left behind.

Small Business Job Creation Act (HB 1819 / SB 1505)

Reinstates a $2,500 tax credit for small businesses that hire new employees, fostering job growth and economic development.

Small Business Property Tax Relief (SB 0146 / HB 1361)

Provides a 10 percent tax credit (up to $1,500) to small businesses that own their commercial space, helping offset high property taxes.

These bills will level the playing field for local entrepreneurs, but we need your support to get them passed.

Take Action: Contact Your Legislators

Help us advocate for small businesses by calling or emailing your state representatives and urging them to support these bills.

Representative Hoan Huynh – hello@rephoanhuynh.com | (773) 348-3434

Representative Ann Williams – ann@repannwilliams.com | (773) 880-9082

Representative Kevin Olickal – info@repkevinolickal.com | (847) 673-1131

Senator Mike Simmons – (773) 769-1717

Senator Sara Feigenholtz – (773) 296-4141

Your voice can make a difference in securing a fairer economic future for Illinois’ small businesses. Thank you for your support.

If you'd like to get involved in advocating for these bills, please email Ian Tobin at ian@lincolnsquare.org

The movement to make Chicago a better place for small businesses is picking up steam. Small business owners and advocates for neighborhood revitalization are calling on policymakers to cut red tape, streamline processes, and reduce costs so that businesses can open, expand, and thrive.

The Chicago Small Business Package includes key reforms to:

• Streamline zoning requirements to make it easier to open a business without unnecessary delays.
• Ease sidewalk café permit renewals, making outdoor dining more accessible for restaurants.
• Eliminate outdated debt checks that prevent businesses from moving forward due to minor issues from years past.
• Ensure business owners have a dedicated advocate in City Hall to intervene when unnecessary delays impact their ability to open or operate.
• And more...

These common-sense reforms will support small businesses, drive economic growth in neighborhoods, and strengthen the local economy. Now is the time to urge city leaders to act and remove the barriers that hold small businesses back.

Learn more and take action here.

Next week, I’m heading to Springfield, stepping into the shoes of Jimmy Stewart’s Jefferson Smith—minus the filibuster (for now). Like in the classic film, I’m going with a mission: to remind lawmakers that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and deserve policies that help them grow, not hold them back.

I’ll be advocating for key legislation that will help level the playing field for local entrepreneurs:

• Small Business Economic Incentive Act (HB 1372 / SB 2005)
• Small Business Job Creation Act (HB 1819 / SB 1505) –
• Small Business Property Tax Relief (SB 0146 / HB 1361)

These bills will help increase the support for Illinois’ small business community, but we need to get them across the finish line.

I will be writing an update on the conversations I have on my trip. Interested in reading the update and staying up on the latest in advocacy? Sign up below.

-Ian Tobin

VP/Director of Community Development

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

Yesterday morning, local business owners and community leaders gathered at Wild Goose for our State of the Neighborhood Breakfast, featuring updates from Alderman Matt Martin and Alderperson Andre Vasquez on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

With COVID relief funds ending, the Alders warned of possible non-essential service cuts but stressed efforts to avoid property tax increases in the 2026 budget season this fall. On the small business front, the SBAC’s Small Business Package is gaining momentum in City Council, aiming to streamline City Hall and reduce red tape for small entrepreneurs.

Infrastructure improvements, including the Lincoln Avenue North streetscape and CTA station construction, are progressing quickly, and Ainslie Arts Plaza will play a key role in the LANA Arts District vision. Meanwhile, Lincoln Square is being considered for a pilot program to limit chain stores, helping preserve its independent business character.

To end on a lighter note, the Alders shared their favorite hidden gems in their wards. Matt Martin pointed to the parks along the Chicago River, while Andre Vasquez highlighted the diverse stretch of restaurants along Lawrence Avenue.

A big thank you to Wild Goose, our guest speakers, and everyone who attended. Your engagement helps shape the future of our business community!