Jobs + Growth

Sami Lavi: Midwest Pro Sound

Sami Lavi: Midwest Pro Sound

"I just always help people out because people helped me, so I want to help other people."

Tabitha Hardin

Tabitha Hardin

"The weekend we reserved our U-Haul, there was a record number of one-way rentals out of Illinois."

Larry Roberts Jr.: Larry’s Barber College

Larry Roberts Jr.: Larry’s Barber College

“There are professional licenses that need to be obtained by people who want to begin a career in this industry. But there are also arbitrary policies in place that disincentivize them from pursuing those licenses and their dreams.”

Hollowed out: Small businesses reflect on one year into a pandemic

Hollowed out: Small businesses reflect on one year into a pandemic

The pandemic has affected everyone, but the economic fallout has been especially devastating for specific groups. In addition to retailers, restaurant owners and other small business owners, women, working mothers and Black Illinoisans suffered the worst in terms of job losses.

By Hilary Gowins

Ali Conrad

Ali Conrad

“The compact license could help afford me the opportunity to contribute to fighting the pandemic and sharing my skills and knowledge at other hospitals without the headache of obtaining new licenses for every different state I travel to.”

David Halpern: 4 Entertainment Group

David Halpern: 4 Entertainment Group

“I am co-founder of 4 Entertainment Group with my business partners Ben Klopp, Bob Deck and Dan Cronican. We operate 20 bars, including five in Chicago – with another under construction – 14 in Ohio and one in Kentucky. I live in Glenview with my wife and our four children, 7 [twins] to 14.” “For...