Small Business Advocacy Council President Elliot Richardson said he appreciates that Johnson is focusing on cutting red tape.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, small businesses have waited far too long for real action. Every Chicago politician should champion and prioritize process improvements so small businesses can open, operate and grow without facing costly, burdensome and time-consuming red tape,\u201d Richardson said. \u201cThey should act now and make meaningful, common-sense reforms that will support the small businesses that support local communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city outlined a number of goals to cut bureaucracy, create transparency and give more access to small-business education and resources. They included digitizing licensing and permitting processes; developing guidance on prelicensing inspections; streamlining the debt check process; creating an online zoning map to show business activities allowed at specific locations; and breaking down information silos between city departments.<\/p>\n
The announcement also included broader plans for support, including launching digital literacy initiatives targeting entrepreneurs with insufficient resources; working with City Colleges of Chicago to offer education programs for entrepreneurs; using storytelling to promote neighborhood tourism; and exploring new regulation for emerging industries.<\/p>\n
The initiative follows the city\u2019s plan, unveiled in spring 2024, to cut red tape related to residential and commercial development<\/a>.<\/p>\n One example of red tape for small businesses that the Small Business Advocacy Council highlighted last year was the onerous zoning process. It also asked the city to improve communication by explaining license denials in writing.<\/p>\n The city\u2019s red tape-cutting initiative comes at a time when many small businesses in Chicago are struggling with higher costs due to inflation, tariffs, labor and health care. Weaker consumer demand and aggressive raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a> agents this fall also hurt many of them.<\/p>\n Last month, nearly 20 businesses attended a roundtable discussion with U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., at beauty store Mojo Spa in Wicker Park to discuss their challenges. They included Volumes Bookcafe, Taxim Greek Restaurant, Oro Chocolate, Wicker Park Inn and others.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything that streamlines operations and reduces bureaucracy is a win for small businesses and encourages entrepreneurship,\u201d Mojo Spa owner Amanda Kezios said.<\/p>\n
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