Business Resources

Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
Provisions of the recently enacted Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) are now going into effect. The law fundamentally changes the way health care benefits are provided. Employers will be required to offer health benefits or face a penalty. Some small employers will be able to offer coverage through an online health care exchange rather than sponsor their own plan. In addition, individuals must purchase coverage or pay a fine. Changes how benefits are reported to the IRS will be enforcement mechanism for the system.  Below are some links to documents created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that will help you understand the implementation timeline of the law and your responsibilities:

Critical Employer Issues in the Patient Protection and Affordable Act

Implementation Timeline of Health Care Reforms 

One Page Chart of Health Care Reform Implementations by Year

US Chamber Library of Articles for Employers on Health Care Reform

Economic Opportunities

The Chamber serves as a resource and sponsor for many of the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grants for new and minority businesses.

The Chamber also offers a complete guide to the workings of a local TIF District (Tax Increment Financing).

Please contact Deborah Lakamp, Executive Director at 483-6450 regarding these programs specifically, economic opportunities in general.

Other website resources: