Small Business
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Better Business Bureau marks its centennial, shares bold vision for the next 100 yearsMay 02, 2026 12:43 pm - This year, the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois celebrated its 100th anniversary.
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After HoursMay 02, 2026 12:29 pm - Send photos of business events to afterhours@dailyherald.com.
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In the age of AI, small business fundamentals still matter mostMay 02, 2026 11:53 am - Over the last few years, the artificial intelligence boom has taken every industry by storm, and with this wave of innovation, many small business owners are feeling overwhelmed. If they’re not using it yet, are they going to be left behind?
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Chicago-area small and mid-sized businesses are growing this year. Here’s how.May 02, 2026 11:39 am - Bank of America’s latest Business Owner Report confirmed what we see every day from entrepreneurs across the Chicago region: cautious yet determined optimism.
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Building stronger communities through small business supportMay 02, 2026 11:28 am - From restaurants and retailers to contractors and professional services, small businesses help shape the identity of a community while keeping local economies moving forward.
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The case for conducting ergonomic risk assessments in the officeMay 02, 2026 10:47 am - The makeup of the American workforce is changing, and these changes have not made physical work any easier. Employees are older, obesity rates continue to climb, and across many industries employers find it difficult to hire workers with the same level of physical conditioning that may have been common a generation ago.
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How to protect yourself from moving scamsApr 30, 2026 2:10 pm - This year’s moving season could be the best yet for scammers — and the worst yet for families — because AI is improving con artists’ techniques. “With AI, the fraudsters are very convincing and effective,” said Steve J. Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “The phony websites look genuine, the wording is professional, and the online reviews are excellent, but fake.”
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Illinois retailers celebrate early successes of state-funded apprenticeship program
Apr 30, 2026 1:43 pm - A first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program in Illinois launched by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association provides online college coursework and real-life experience. The program, announced earlier this year, provides management training and experience, usually for employees already working for a company. Employers who enroll current or future employees in the program can receive up to $5,000 in tax credits per apprentice.
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Huntley’s Shops on Main opens for first full season on FridayApr 29, 2026 8:59 am - Huntley’s Shops on Main retail incubator program kicks off its first full operating season on Friday. The 10 storefronts located in the heart of downtown at 11879 Main St. will welcome visitors every weekend through Dec. 20.
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‘A consummate networker’: Elgin Chamber of Commerce president to retireApr 28, 2026 2:31 pm - Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carol Gieske this week announced her retirement after years of leadership and service to the business community.