Report: 40% of Illinois small businesses behind on November rent

By Patrick Andriesen

12/01/2022

A new survey found Illinois reported the third-highest increase in small business rent delinquency nationwide during November, with 40% of respondents unable to pay rent on time or in full.

TAGS: small business

Small businesses led Illinois’ COVID-19 jobs recovery

By Bryce Hill

11/23/2022

Small Business Saturday offers a reason to be extra thankful: businesses with fewer than 20 employees were the only ones to grow payrolls since COVID-19 hit.

TAGS: COVID-19, small business

Illinois ranks No. 2 in nation for small business layoffs

By Patrick Andriesen

09/12/2022

Illinois ranked No. 2 in the nation for number of small businesses planning to lay off employees in the coming months. A majority of entrepreneurs have already put a freeze on new hires. Amendment 1 threatens Illinois’ business climate even more.

TAGS: small business

Illinois small business owners brace for higher taxes under Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

08/09/2022

New business taxes added by the Pritzker administration plus Illinois’ high property taxes are making it hard for a Chicago-area bar owner to stay in business. Now a government union push for more property taxes is creating a new threat.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Illinois, small business, taxes

Illinois slices into family deli’s bottom line

07/25/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker added $650 million in taxes and fee hikes for small businesses in his last budget. Voters will decide Nov. 8 if Illinois’ business climate will get tougher, yet, through Amendment 1.

TAGS: Illinois, inflation, small business, tax burden

Oak Lawn may boost businesses by waiving $600,000 in licensing fees

By Dylan Sharkey

06/27/2022

A tough economy and an Illinois Policy Institute report has Oak Lawn considering waiving business license renewal fees for a year. Giving up $600,000 in fees is expected to attract new businesses and help older ones.

TAGS: licensing fees, Oak Lawn, small business

Illinois last in nation for growth in businesses that create jobs

By Bryce Hill

02/28/2022

Lots of businesses tried to get started during 2021 in Illinois, but the ones that create jobs had a tough time launching. That’s why Illinois unemployment remains high and salaries depressed during a national labor shortage.

TAGS: Illinois, job creation, small business

Illinois 3rd-most regulated state in U.S.

By Bryce Hill, Jim Royal

02/09/2022

Illinois has the nation’s third-highest number of state regulations and double the U.S. average. Regulations make life hard for Illinois’ small businesses, where most Illinois jobs are created.

TAGS: employment, Illinois, regulations, small business

Illinois gains small businesses, but restaurants still slow to rebound

11/24/2021

This Small Business Saturday, Illinois has more entrepreneurs than before the COVID-19 pandemic. But the recovery has been uneven as some types of small businesses struggle and many jobs are missing as Illinois lags the national rebound.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, small business

Two Black women small business owners thrive despite pandemic in Illinois

11/19/2021

Two groups most hurt by pandemic closures, women and Black Illinoisans, have been the quickest to turn to owning small businesses as a way to recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, small business