Small Business
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Illinois needs spending restraint to help businesses thrive in 2026Jan 17, 2026 11:53 am - The Illinois General Assembly has returned for the 2026 session, and lawmakers already are debating subsidizing the Chicago Bears’ new stadium, making changes to Tier 2 pensions, addressing energy concerns and data centers, and even proposing new progressive income taxes.
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After HoursJan 17, 2026 11:26 am - Send photos of business events to afterhours@dailyherald.com.
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Elgin mayor stresses ‘stability’ in annual State of the City addressJan 15, 2026 2:45 pm - Elgin Mayor David Kaptain told business leaders this week that the city’s focus on financial and governmental stability over the past 10 years will help them navigate the next 10.
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McHenry GameStop among several closed in northern Illinois
Jan 14, 2026 11:49 am - McHenry’s GameStop is among several of the gaming and collectibles stores across Illinois that have closed in recent days or are about to be shuttered.
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Why do we have bad times at restaurants?Jan 14, 2026 8:40 am - I have written many articles critical of restaurant owners and staff. It is important to understand that things happen, and it’s not always the restaurants’ fault.
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Lake County farm aims to provide fresh, chemical-free produce to restaurants and homesJan 12, 2026 2:50 pm - Mother-son duo Diana and Nic Geudtner own and operate Living Roots Farm in Fox Lake that provides fresh produce to residents and restaurants in the region, and will be opening their storefront in February.
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The Biz Week That Was: New tap and coffee houses, grocer revival and subdued hiringJan 10, 2026 1:45 pm - ‘Tall mugs of beer’: Fatpour Tap Works wooing Mount Prospect Downtown Mount Prospect could soon welcome a new player on its tavern scene south of the Metra station —...
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Tips to make this your best business year yet: How smart planning sets you up for successJan 10, 2026 1:30 pm - It’s the start of a new year, a perfect moment for small businesses to hit refresh and set the stage for growth.
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‘Til debt do us part: Planning for your business to not go as plannedJan 10, 2026 12:45 pm - Across suburban Chicago, many people will start new businesses this year, and many of them will have more than one owner. While starting a business is relatively easy, keeping it free of conflict is much more difficult. That is why taking affirmative steps to protect both the owners and the company is paramount.
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Commercial real estate in 2026: How the market is taking shapeJan 10, 2026 12:30 pm - As the new year begins, the commercial real estate sector is continuing to take shape amid shifting economic conditions and evolving business needs.