12/29/2022: 2023's New State Laws - ChiBlockBuilder Interactive - Googling the World - Could Your Business Tap Into the HubZone Program? - RSVP for Chicago Restaurant Week
New State Laws Effective January 1st, 2023

With the start of 2023, over 180 new laws will take effect, covering many issues affecting Illinoisans. For employers, some might mean updating Employee handbooks. The Illinois SAFE-T Act is a massive criminal justice reform legislative package that is both noteworthy and controversial.

Where to start with that many new laws? A sampling includes the minimum wage increase for Illinois workers to $13 per hour, with exceptions for those under 18 who work less than 650 hours in a year and tipped workers. The Worker's Rights Amendment gives employees the right to organize and collectively bargain over terms of employment. There's a ban on latex gloves for handling and preparing food and for emergency responders like paramedics - making it safer for people with latex allergies.
Click here for a list of new legislation by name with a short description.
Click here for a list with a live link to learn more in-depth info on the law. 
With a new year just around the corner, you need solutions
that account for the latest industry insights.
The SBA can help you find them.

Don’t Go into 2023 Without
Considering These Small Business Trends
Click here to read, but remember that the
Small Business Administration also cover a variety of topics on the SBA Learning Platform. If you’re looking to start, grow, expand, or recover your business in the new year, its funding programs can give you the lift you need. Regardless of what 2023 brings.
Per Choose Chicago...
Book Your Tables for
Chicago Restaurant Week 2023!

Chicago Restaurant Week is the City's opportunity to promote the world-class diversity of its restaurant community, which has faced countless challenges since the pandemic. The 16th annual event celebrates Chicago's acclaimed culinary scene with special prix fixe menus — $25 for brunch or lunch and $42 and $59 for dinner. Running from January 20th to February 5th, more than 300 restaurants in over 35 neighborhoods are participating - 50 making their debut - and 55 minority and women-owned concerns.
Click here to browse & make your reservations!
Or attend the kick-off event - FIRST BITES
at the Chicago Field Museum, January 19th from 6 to p PM - click for details
Several photos & logos in the issue are live links to learn more about 'something.'
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Rare High Demand Site
Jump On the Opportunity to Own!
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Click here for details & photos

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Industrial/Office/Warehouse multi-Tenant Space; Usable Lower Level
3850 W. Cortland Street, Chicago 60647
Click here for details & photos

ChiBlockBuilder is a new initiative from the City of Chicago to sell vacant, City-owned land faster and consolidate multiple land purchase programs. The brand-new website has a map of vacant lots ready for sale that users can browse and, on selecting, view its zoning, square footage, and market value. If you are interested in a lot not currently available, there's an "I'm interested" button to let the City consider including it in future rounds.
Click here to learn about the program
Click here to access the interactive map
from Google...
13 Surprising Ways We've Collected
Street View Imagery Around the World

During a coffee run in 2010, one of Google's senior mechanical engineers spotted a pedicab riding through Mountain View. Inspired, he talked with the owner, and the Google Trike was born, allowing Google to map locations previously inaccessible to its fleet of cars. From scuba divers to snowmobiles to camels, and that trike? Google has found a way to bring the world to us.
Click to see the 'distance' Google goes for us!
The HUBZone program fuels small business growth in historically underutilized business zones by awarding at least 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies yearly. If your small business is in a designated HUBZone, it may be eligible for set-aside government contracts. 
Explore the HUBZone map and learn more about the program.
Reminder!
Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
Applications opens January 9th, 2023 for the 50/50 Program on a first come, first served basis. The cost per square foot billed to property
owners is below a private contractor's charge. Senior citizens and
persons with disabilities may qualify for a discount.