New numbers show Illinois small businesses earned less than last year – Center Square

Noah Finley, Illinois state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said many owners are not optimistic about the upcoming year. "A net negative of 42% expect better conditions in the next six months. That's a deficient number right there...On the regulatory side, they are facing several new mandates at the federal and state levels. Here at the state level, we have the paid leave mandate that went into effect on Jan. 1, which will disproportionately impact small businesses."