Aug. 28--Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday is set to announce the formation of a Small Business Advisory Council tasked with developing pro-business reforms in a city long accused of having an inhospitable regulatory climate.
The council, which currently has 20 members, is to present a report by mid-December detailing a strategic plan for small business growth, focusing on four priority areas: reducing red tape, expanding access to capital, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and increasing support resources.
Members include a mix of neighborhood business owners, nonprofits and local chambers of commerce. Among them are former 41st Ward Ald. Mary O'Connor, who owns catering company Unforgettable Edibles and O'Connor's Deli and Market; Omar Duque, CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; John Flavin, executive director of the Chicago Innovation Exchange; Ty Fujimura, owner of Arami sushi restaurant; and fashion designer Maria Pinto.
aelejalderuiz@tribpub.com
