February 23, 2025

Duckworth Meets with Little Village Small Business Leaders to Discuss Economic Impacts of Trump’s Tariffs in Chicago

 

[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders from the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, local elected officials and small business owners to discuss how Trump’s tariff threats and recent deportation raids threaten the local economy. After the Magnificent Mile, Little Village’s 26th Street business district is Chicago’s second most lucrative business corridor with many businesses relying on small business loans. In her remarks, Duckworth also spoke about how Trump’s unlawful funding freeze puts critical Small Business Administration (SBA) grant programs in jeopardy. As a result of Trump’s chaotic trade policies however, local small business owners would see blanket tariffs drive up costs, disrupt supply chains and put their critical SBA loans at risk.

“Trump’s chaotic, sweeping tariffs will negatively impact Illinois entrepreneurs, workers and key industries, while harming our allies around the world,” Duckworth said. “The consequences of his needless trade wars will hurt our immigrant-owned small businesses, like the many in Little Village, and their dedicated workforce. Diversity makes our country and economy stronger—I will never stop advocating on behalf of our immigrant communities and small businesses as we push back against Trump and his one-sided political interests.”

“Little Village’s 26th Street corridor is one of the strongest economic engines in Chicago, built by hardworking immigrant entrepreneurs,” said Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Director of Little Village Chamber of Commerce. “The increased immigration enforcement actions have created an atmosphere of fear that directly impacts our small businesses, leading to fewer customers, declining revenues, and economic instability. Our business owners deserve policies that support growth, not ones that undermine the economic vitality of our community. The Little Village Chamber of Commerce remains committed to advocating for our entrepreneurs and ensuring our corridor continues to thrive.”