Get Involved With Advocacy
Please join the NAWBO Chicago Advocacy Committee on the first Friday of each month on Zoom from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm to learn about current issues and policy work impacting our professional lives, and what you can do to help effect change. Together we can make a difference!
Email committee co-chairs Cathie Van Wert at cathie@doubletakedesign.com and Melissa McAtee at melissa@elbecreativepartners.com for more information, to visit a virtual meeting, or to join our committee. Learn more about our committee here.
ACTION ITEMS
Sign SBAC’s Petition To Support Outdoor Dining In Chicago
NAWBO Chicago asks you to please support efforts by our friends at the SBAC to support outdoor dining in Chicago by signing their petition — they are asking for just your name and zip. And time is of the essence!
Sign the petition here: bit.ly/ChicagoOutdoorDining
We are working on an important initiative, and we need your help! Everyone anticipates warm weather. And the chance to eat outside makes for an incredible brunch, lunch or dinner. Outdoor dining is always in high demand in the summer and fall months in the city.
Last summer policymakers proactively implemented policies that allowed restaurants to maximize their capacity to accommodate outdoor dining. It does not appear these policies have been reinstated, leaving restaurants and local communities uncertain about outdoor dining this year.
Please sign this petition and urge policymakers to:
• Permit restaurants to expand outdoor dining to adjacent storefront sidewalks in appropriate situations.
• Permit restaurants to expand outdoor dining to parking lots and other neighboring private property when appropriate.
• Reduce the sidewalk café permit fee by 75%, as was done in 2022.
• Provide clarity on street and curb closure programs in local communities.
Thanks in advance for your support!
UPCOMING EVENTS
NAWBO National 2023 Advocacy Days
June 6-7, 2023
Washington, D.C.
This year’s Advocacy Days will focus on 4 core policy areas. You can learn more about these policy areas by visiting the 2023 NAWBO National Advocacy Agenda
- Addressing the Needs of the "Microbusiness" and Encouraging Emerging Entrepreneurs
- Hiring Squeeze
- Implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act: Broadband Expansion
- Accessing Capital through Increased Financial Literacy Education
Register for Advocacy Days Here
U.S. Small Business Administration — FREE Virtual Loan Clinic
Learn about SBA's leading role and how to prepare a request for capital. Come to this FREE monthly loan clinic to understand credit requirements, interest rates, collateral terms, and amounts available. Find sources of money to start or grow your business. Learn how to approach a lender, find bankers interested in your needs, and improve your chances of success. This program covers regular 7a lending and programs.
- Registration is not required
- When: First Wednesday of every month
- Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am (Phoenix, AZ time)
- This is a webinar held via Microsoft Teams - click below:
+1 202-765-1264 United States, Washington DC (Toll)
Conference ID: 837 909 022#