Opening and expanding business can be a difficult process, especially trying to determine where you start. We work with our partner organizations to help you get your business up and running from the ground, up. Rest assured knowing that there are many local resources specifically designed to help your business grow and prosper.
1. Setting Up Shop
Launching a successful brick-and-mortar business requires a thorough business plan and a substantial time investment. Throughout the process, different players will use your business plan and supplemental materials to assess your readiness and qualifications.
Follow the steps outlined in the International Council of Shopping Center’s (ICSC) “Setting Up Shop” Guidebook to establish your business, plan ahead and hire the right people.
Setting Up Shop: A Commercial Space Readiness Contents:
- Laying the Groundwork: Creating Your Business Strategy
- Managing Capital: Estimating Costs, Budget and Securing Funding, Financing
- Narrowing The Search: Identifying the Right Real Estate
- Building the Vision: Designing and Constructing Your Space
- Getting to Launch: Marketing your Business
2. Finding a Business Location
Choosing a business location is perhaps the most important decision a new business owner will make, so it requires precise planning and research. It involves looking at demographics, assessing your supply chain, understanding your competition, staying on budget, and much more.
Invest Aurora’s Site Selection Services can help you identify the ideal location for your new or expanding business.
Schedule a site selection consultation with one of our Economic Development Specialists, today.
3. Planning Your Opening Strategy
Opening a new business or expanding your current operation can be a daunting task involving multiple organizations and city departments. Developing the right opening strategy for your business can mean the difference between success and failure.
Invest Aurora’s Economic Development Specialists are here to help you develop the most effective opening/expanding strategy possible to get you up and running as quickly and effectively as possible.
Please contact us to set up a Business Opening Strategy Consultation with one of our Economic Development Specialists.
4. Obtaining City Approvals
Once you have identified a possible location for your new or expanding business, and before you sign a lease, you will need to understand if your location is zoned properly for your type of business, and what, if any, your build-out and approval requirements may be.
The City of Aurora’s Development Services Team (DST) is available to provide you with a one-stop-shop process to obtain all the information you will need to quickly and efficiently open your business. Simply request a DST Meeting, provide all the information requested, and you will be on your way.
The Development Services Team is comprised of representatives from the following city departments:
- Planning & Zoning
- Engineering/Public Works
- Building and Permits
- City Clerk
- Invest Aurora
DST Meeting Preparation Documents
We recommend that you have the following available for your DST Meeting:
- A detailed overview of your business plan including potential location, business model, hours of operation, number of employees.
- A site plan with as much detail as possible. While architectural drawings are not required at this point, the more detail you can give to the team the more detailed the feedback you will be given.
- Cut Sheets or details of equipment that will be installed (POS equipment details not required at this point).
Restaurants & Liquor Sales
- A detailed site plan is required at this point as it will have a direct impact on your liquor licensing
- A detailed menu of food service anticipated.