Small Business Majority facilitates ecosystem building work by co-directing the Chicago Inclusive Growth Coalition (CIGC) alongside Allies for Community Business (formerly known as Accion in Illinois and Northwest Indiana). As part of this work, Small Business Majority facilitates impact measurement for local business assistance providers and reviews policy efforts and program investments to improve small business services in underserved neighborhoods. A key component of this effort includes the development and dissemination of the Inclusive Growth Toolkit for Business Service Organizations. This is a set of sensible measures, templates and guidance for non-profit business service organizations to help them assess the progress and impact of their services in traditionally under-resourced communities.
Resources
Additionally, as part of the Chicago Inclusive Growth Coalition, Small Business Majority convened stakeholders and small business owners in different industries to address solutions for growth, job creation and economic development. Small Business Majority led workgroups in the development of a report to provide recommendations in the industries of construction, transportation and delivery, food and beverage service, manufacturing, and the creative industries in the City of Chicago.
This pocket guide is for use by policy advocates, lawmakers, and program administrators to review whether a proposed policy or program advances equity, specifically racial equity, to help reduce the racial wealth gap. Prioritizing racial equity creates inclusive economic prosperity, especially for economically and socially disadvantaged individuals, families, and small businesses in underserved areas affected by systemic oppression.
Content adopted from Pocket Guide developed by Financial Inclusion for All Illinois (FIAI) and the following organizations: FIAI Steering Committee and Racial Wealth Gap Committee: Heartland Alliance, Small Business Majority, LISC Chicago, COFI (Community Organizing and Family Issues), POWER-PAC IL, JARC Chicago (Jane Addams Resource Corporation), Legal Action Chicago, Woodstock Institute