The Agenda for Illinois’ Entrepreneurs

Small Business Majority’s Illinois policy agenda outlines policies that advance and promote equitable pathways for entrepreneurship while ensuring small businesses are key to a thriving and inclusive economy. The state’s 1.2 million small businesses employ 2.5 million people (about 45% of the private workforce), with firms of fewer than 20 employees creating the largest net job gains.  Yet, Illinois small businesses continue to face setbacks stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Small Business Majority’s research has found that even as economic conditions have improved for some small businesses, small businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color disproportionately lag behind white-owned businesses. 

To advance an equitable recovery and promote an inclusive economy, it is critical to prioritize the smallest businesses and those from communities that have faced racial, ethnicity and gender-based discrimination, as well as other underserved business owners who are both socially and economically disadvantaged.