Invest Aurora

The application period for the State of IL Back 2 Business NewBiz program opened today, November 30. Applications will be accepted through January 11, 2024.

As a State of Illinois Community Navigator partner, Invest Aurora is available to assist your business through every step of the NewBiz application process.

Have questions? Contact us today to get started 📞 (630) 256-3164.

Visit www.b2bnewbiz.com to learn more and apply.

Opening a small business during a pandemic is a tough project to tackle. That is why the State of Illinois has launched another round of Back to Business grant funding targeting businesses which opened during the height of the pandemic (2020-2021) to support their recovery from adverse economic impacts.

Applications open this week November 30. Prepare in advance by reviewing application step-by-step guidelines and frequently asked questions that are available for reference on our website.

Visit www.investaurora.org/back2business for details and information on how to connect with Invest Aurora to receive application assistance.

On November 16th, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced another round of Back to Business relief grant funding.

The Back to Business New Business Grant (B2B NewBiz) Program will provide a total of $25 million in grant funds to businesses which opened during the height of the pandemic, to support their recovery from adverse economic impacts. Applications will open November 30.

You supported your community through the pandemic, and now we’re here to support you. Invest Aurora's personalized program guidance can help you be sure that no required application information is missing—and get your application on its way to faster review and potential funding.

Contact us today to receive application assistance. 📞 (630) 256-3164

Back To Business (B2B) Grants Program | Invest Aurora Illinois Back to Business Phase 2 grants provide critical financial assistance to hotels, restaurants and creative institutions facing adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Invest Aurora and partners from the Waubonsee Community College Small Business Development Center (Waubonsee SBDC) for our first Pathways Business Education Program webinar.

Online Registration: https://bit.ly/pathwaysprogram_Nov01webinar

We'll offer insights and provide guidance on how to access the necessary resources for your business development.

- Discover local and state-level Financial Resources beyond traditional banking options
- Master the art of crafting an effective Business Plan
- Learn how to access crucial Data to drive your business forward

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with experts in the field and learn how to navigate the pathway to success. Register today!

Pathways Program | Invest Aurora Empowering Business Education and Success | Our Pathways Business Educational Program is a series of informative workshops crafted to address several of the most pressing challenges faced by businesses by creating connections to the people, training, and resources that will help their business grow....

Welcome to Aurora, President Rivera-Mills!

The City of Aurora, IL, Government is committed to strengthening Aurora's incoming and existing workforce through continued partnerships with local colleges and universities, including AU.

DuPage County's 2029 Strategic Planning process is underway. Share your insights and ideas!

The completed strategic plan will function as a blueprint for future county governance. Guided by the input of residents, business owners and community stakeholders, the plan will outline the County's mission, vision and goals for the next 5 years and will propose a realigned budget prioritizing mission-critical activities.

Learn more about the strategic planning process, complete a survey identifying your priorities, and provide additional notes on the plan through the County's plan portal -

DuPage County, IL Landing page for DuPage County, IL

Small business owners, we need your input!

As a business owner your insight is critical to the success of Invest Aurora's upcoming Pathfinder business education series and we invite you to take a few moments to complete our survey.

Online Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/32TNCCJ

Invest Aurora, in coordination with our partner organizations, is developing the series geared toward providing necessary resources and information to small businesses in the Aurora region.

Your survey answers will provide us with a fundamental understanding of current business needs and the most impactful way in which to host the series.

City of Aurora, IL, Government | City of Aurora Mayor's Office of Economic Development | Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce | Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce | Waubonsee SBDC

The City of Aurora, IL, Government is updating the Downtown's FoxWalk Overlay District Design Guidelines.

These guidelines are intended to honor Aurora’s architectural history while encouraging innovative and imaginative redevelopment projects within Aurora's Downtown and immediate surrounding neighborhoods in order to establish the area as a pedestrian-friendly, commercially-viable, destination district.

Stop by City's Open House on May 25th from 5:30-7:30 pm at the David L. Pierce Art & History Center to share your comments, questions and concerns on the District Guidelines and thoughts on how it could be improved.

Comments can also be shared online here: https://tinyurl.com/foxwalkdg/

Are you exploring opening or expanding your restaurant business? Consider Downtown Aurora. The newly renovated restaurant space on the ground level of the City's historic Terminal Building is available.

Mayor Irvin, along with representatives from the City of Aurora Mayor's Office of Economic Development and Urban Equity Properties will be on site answering questions and providing insights into doing business in Aurora.

Register Online: https://2nbroadwayopenhouse.eventbrite.com/

Registration is required to attend. Space is limited; RSVP today!

IL B2B grant applications must be submitted online by Wednesday, May 10th!

Questioning your eligibility? Need help applying? Contact us.
📞 (630) 256-3164

Apply online > https://ilgrant.communitydevelopmentfund.org/submit

Next week on May 18th, Aurora residents curious about Hollywood Casino's move from the Downtown to the Farnsworth I-88 exit are invited to attend an informal, community open house hosted by the City of Aurora and PENN Entertainment project representatives.

Stop by the Aurora Police headquarters building between 5:30-7:30pm to receive answers to your questions and updates about the project.

City of Aurora, IL, Government Welcome to the official page of the City of Aurora, Illinois’ second largest city!

Have questions about the Illinois B2B grants program?

Join Invest Aurora and State representatives from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity for a free Q&A webinar session to dive deeper into your questions about the IL B2B grant program requirements and application process.

If you'd prefer to discuss your questions privately, contact us to schedule a one-on-one advisory meeting.
📞 (630) 256-3164
🌐 www.investaurora.org/back2business/

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: 2023 IL B2B Grants: Program Q&A with Invest Aurora. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Join Invest Aurora for a free Q&A webinar to discuss the IL B2B grant program requirements and application process. Following a brief B2B program introduction, an open question and answer (Q&A) session will be led by Invest Aurora B2B program manager, Christopher Faber. Attendee's are encouraged to....

The application deadline for B2B grants is approaching. Completed applications must be submitted to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for consideration by May 10.

Don't question your eligibility!
Invest Aurora is here to help you through the application process from start to finish. Contact us directly via phone or email to get started.
📞 (630) 256-3164

Head to our website for more information about B2B grants or to apply online: https://investaurora.org/back2business/

When business succeeds, Aurora succeeds.

Last week, business industry leaders, City representatives and regional planning experts gathered at Gripple USA manufacturing facility in Aurora, IL for the launch of Invest Aurora’s 2023 Leadership Breakfast series.

Organized in partnership with Industrial Association and the City of Aurora, IL, Government Mayor’s Office, the first breakfast welcomed leaders in Aurora’s Manufacturing and Distribution industry to an open dialog on the future of manufacturing and distribution at local, State and Federal levels.

Leaders noted the following about manufacturing and distribution in Aurora:
▪ It is a stable industry with many businesses celebrating 40+ years in the community
▪ The industry relies on data driven solutions which the City and Invest Aurora have tools to support
▪ The industry workforce is increasingly more qualified and available as we progress into 2023
▪ New federal funding programs should and will be explored for utilization in the Aurora area

It is through collaboration and open dialog between these leaders that we can best assess industry needs and develop informed strategies that will further advance economic and business prosperity throughout Aurora.

Thank you to our 2023 Series Sponsor, ComEd, for helping bring event likes these to our business community.

Grant Application Open through May 10! Apply online today.

The program will provide Illinois creative arts and cultural businesses and non-profit organizations up $50 million in total grant funding.

Grant awards range from $5,000 to $250,000 based on eligibility.

Visit our website for detailed grant eligibility and a review of frequently asked questions.
📞 Contact us to receive one-on-one, personalized application assistance.

Grant Application Open through May 10! Apply online today.

$50 million in state grant funding is available for businesses' in Illinois' food & beverage industry through grants program.

Industry grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 based on eligibility.

Visit our website for detailed grant eligibility and a review of frequently asked questions.
📞 Contact us to receive one-on-one, personalized application assistance.

Grant Application Open through May 10! Apply online today.

Through , $75 million in State grant funding is available for:
- Hotels
- Motels
- Lodging sites

Eligible businesses can apply to receive receive up to $1,500 per room.

Visit our website for detailed grant eligibility and a review of frequently asked questions.
📞 Contact us to receive one-on-one, personalized application assistance.

❗ ICYMI ❗ A recording of Invest Aurora's B2B Program & Grant Application Webinar is available to view and download on your website.

Click here to watch: www.investaurora.org/back2business/

If you weren't able to attend our Live informational webinar, you can now watch the recording at your leisure to better understand the program and how to apply for each grant.

Topics reviewed include:
- Grants eligibility / ineligibility
- Navigating the application portals
- Preparing required documents
- The State's application review process

The online application portal for the grants program is open April 05 - May 10

Have questions about the program? Need assistance preparing your application? Contact us today. Invest Aurora staff is available to help you navigate the process.

❗ Assistance is available in English and Spanish.

Back To Business (B2B) Grants Program | Invest Aurora Illinois Back to Business Phase 2 grants provide critical financial assistance to hotels, restaurants and creative institutions facing adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The online application portal for the grant programs opens tomorrow, April 05!

Better understand the application process by attending our FREE informational webinar on Thursday, April 06.

❗️ Find more details and register at https://bit.ly/B2BGrantsWebinar6 ❗️

Assistance is targeted toward businesses within Illinois' restaurant, hotel & creative arts industries.

Invest Aurora program representatives will walk you through everything you need to know about applying online:
- Understanding the application process
- Navigating the application portal
- Preparing required documents
- Application review process

The grant application is opening soon for Illinois restaurant, hotel & creative arts industries. Need help preparing your application or determining your businesses eligibility? Attend our FREE informational webinar on Friday, March 31.

Invest Aurora program representatives will walk you through everything you need to know:
- Program and Priority Funding Terms
- Grant eligibility
- Accessing application preparation assistance

Find more details and register for free at https://bit.ly/B2BGrantsWebinar

The City of Aurora is currently accepting applications for both Finish Line & Re-Start Retention Grants

Small businesses struggling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and those needing property rehab should consider applying.

Learn more about available small business development grants and apply online by visiting www.aurora-il.org/MOEDGrants

❗️ Complete applications must be submitted by Monday, April 3!

On March 21, Illinois Gov. Pritzker announced $175 Million in available grant funding for Restaurants, Hotels and Creative Arts Businesses through the Back to Business (B2B) Program.

Funding provided through the following 3 grants will help offset losses and support job retention in the States hardest-hit industries:
- Hotel Jobs Recovery Grant
- Illinois Creative Recovery Grant
- Restaurant Employment and Stabilization Grant

Additional information, including program eligibility, is available on our website at www.investaurora.org/back2business or at www.illinois.gov/B2B

Be sure to follow us for program updates and additional business resources!

Celebrating Another Aurora Business Success!

Invest Aurora is proud to highlight yet another local business who was able to achieve their goals because of the hard work of our team and the award from the EDA Revolving Loan Fund. With our assistance, Crystal House has been able to overcome hardships and create a pathway for impressive business growth. Find out how they were able to make their dreams a reality: https://investaurora.org/2023/01/10/crystal-house-sees-substantial-growth-with-eda-loan-invest-aurora/

The EDA Revolving Loan Fund creates financing opportunities for businesses who do not qualify for a traditional bank loan, bringing them new hope for a secure future. To learn more about qualifying or applying directly through our team, reach out to us at 630-256-3160.

Crystal House Sees Substantial Growth with EDA Loan & Invest Aurora Invest Aurora is spotlighting one of our most recent success stories: Crystal House is another proud recipient of an EDA Revolving Loan Fund award.

Shop locally this holiday season and treat your friends and family to something special.

Be sure to add these stops to your trip when you're headed out in search of the perfect gift:

🎄 Fox Valley Mall - https://www.shopfoxvalleymall.com/hours
🎄 Chicago Premium Outlet Mall - https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/chicago
🎄 Downtown Aurora -
https://auroradowntown.org/
🎄 Downtown Aurora - Holiday Art & Market Dec. 10 & 17, 9-1PM, Location: Society 57
https://auroradowntown.org/
🎄 Christkindlmarket Aurora -
https://www.christkindlmarket.com/aurora/
🎄 Pacifica Square - https://pacificasquare.com/

Visit downtown Aurora the next two Saturdays for lots of holiday happenings. Holiday Saturdays on December 10 and 17 🎄

✨ Art and Market Aurora will be open both Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Society 57, 100 S. River St. The indoor market will feature two dozen local makers at each market. It’s free to enter. The market will feature gifts and treats for the holidays as well as local artists.

✨ Ride a festive Downtown Holiday Trolley from noon to 3:30 p.m. the next two Saturdays with stops throughout downtown and at the Aurora Transportation Center. The trolley is free to ride and features holiday decor and music. Sponsored by Invest Aurora.

✨ Photos with Santa at the Gazebo will be on Dec 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Millennium Plaza gazebo, 21 S. Stolp Ave. Free photos will be available for download the following week on Aurora Downtown’s page. The event is open to all ages and abilities. Weather pending, Tredwell Coffee will join the event with complimentary hot beverages.

✨ View Holidays Around the World storefronts throughout downtown. This year, 20 businesses decorated their windows in the theme. Ballydoyle Irish Pub won the window decorating contest presented at Winter Lights.

✨ The Sound of Music will continue at Paramount Theatre through January 15. A Christmas Carol is being performed over the next two weekends at The Riverfront Playhouse.

✨ Christkindlmarket will continue at RiverEdge Park through December 24.

✨ Downtown shops and restaurants will be open for holiday shopping and dining.

✨ Downtown museums will be open: G.A.R. Memorial Museum, Aurora Historical Society & Aurora Regional Fire Museum

For more information and a downtown directory, visit www.auroradowntown.org.