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.

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.

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.

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.

State lawmakers passed a bill allowing local governments to waive licensing fees and registration costs for businesses harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it won’t spare them from state taxes.

More small businesses have closed in Illinois than in any other Midwestern state, except Michigan. Taxing them more as they struggle is the wrong move.

The pandemic has affected everyone, but the economic fallout has been especially devastating for specific groups. In addition to retailers, restaurant owners and other small business owners, women, working mothers and Black Illinoisans suffered the worst in terms of job losses.