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Invest Aurora

Economic Development and Business Resources for Aurora IL

COVID-19 Business Resources

Invest Aurora is dedicated to maintaining the vitality of our local business community. This page provides the latest information on Federal, State and Local financial relief programs available to Illinois businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Business owners are encouraged to regularly check back on this page, as information is updated as program announcements are released.

Reopening Guidelines & Insights

Illinois Mask Mandate

Restore Illinois

VIEW PLAN

CARES Guide Act

Complete guide to federal, COVID19 relief programs
DOWNLOAD GUIDE

Financial Relief Programs

Back To Business Grant

State of Illinois
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced a $2 million dollar "Back To Business" relief grant for small businesses.
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Paycheck Protection
Program

U.S. Small Business Administration
"First Draw" PPP loans are available through SBA qualified lenders, to first-time applicants seeking funds to keep workers on payroll. "Second Draw" PPP Loans are now available for those who have exhausted their initial loan and are still in need of support.
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Targeted
EIDL Advance

U.S. Small Business Administration
The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses located in low-income communities who previously received an EIDL Advance for less than $10,000 or no funds at all due to lack of available funding.
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Restaurant Employee
Relief Fund

Illinois Restaurant Association
The Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation (IRAEF) has organized a fund to provide one-time, $500 grants to restaurant employees facing unforeseen hardships due to COVID-19. Grants will be provided on a most-needed basis.
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Economic Injury
Disaster Loan

U.S. Small Business Administration
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners experiencing a temporary loss of revenue are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) up to $10,000.
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)

U.S. Small Business Administration
This program will provide restaurants and similar businesses with grant funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, up to $10 million per business.
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Shuttered Venue
Operators (SVO) Grant

U.S. Small Business Administration
Established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, the Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program will provide a total of up to $15 billion dollars in grants to shuttered venues.
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Debt Relief Program

U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration will automatically pay principal, interest and fee's of current 7(a), 504, and mircoloans for a period of 6 months. Including loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
View Program

Learn more about applying for multiple SBA, COVID-19 programs in their newly released
“Cross-Program Eligibility” guidelines.

You and your business are a vital part of the Aurora Community and our team is committed to being here now and throughout this unprecedented time to assist you with all questions or concerns you may have. 
If you have questions about, or need assistance in applying for COVID-19 relief  loans, please contact:
 
Loretta Daly, Economic Development Specialist
630.256.3163
 

Para asistencia en español con las solicitudes de subveciones y préstamos, contacto:
la Cámara de Comercio Hispana Regional de Aurora al: 331-442-1617.

Additional Resources

City of Aurora – Business Registration

In order to promote the safety and well-being of all city residents, as well as city businesses and their patrons, and to aid the efforts of law enforcement, fire personnel, and other first responders in the event of an emergency, all entities conducting business activities in the city must register with the city.

Business owners interested in applying for a CERF grant must be registered before submitting the application.

Click below to complete the free, online registration process through theCity of Aurora’s eTRAKiT portal.

Register your business

ComEd’s Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible [ComEd] small business customers, whose service has not been disconnected, with a one-time grant equal to 30% of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000).

The grant would be applied to any past due balance with the then remaining account balance being broken down into a monthly repayment plan for up to six months.

CALL TO APPLY: (877)-426-6331

As the state reopens, getting employees back on the job safely and effectively is a top priority. To make that happen, the Illinois Department of Labor is launching Back to Business Illinois, a free, voluntary service that connects small businesses of 250 employees or less with consultants who will help them address workplace safety and health issues related to the coronavirus and create a plan to ensure a safe, healthy and productive environment for employees and visitors. The department also offers a free “Back to Business” self-certification option for businesses who have already implemented COVID-19 safety plan that follows federal and state safety regulations.

Self-certification
Request Consultation

Federal & State Resources

Community Resource Partners

City of Aurora

The City of Aurora remains in consistent contact with health experts regarding COVID-19 and continues to take proactive action to prepare for the well-being of our residents.

Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce has compiled a listing of grants, loans, and other funds that are available to businesses within Aurora. The Chamber continues to advocate for its members and the entire Aurora community.

Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce works to facilitate access to resources for latin(x) and minority businesses which promote economic growth in Aurora's Latin(x) marketplace. They continue to share important and helpful information regarding COVID-19 resources on their media and website.

Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce

COVID-19 has dramatically changed the landscape for African American-owned businesses and OUR communities. The QAACC is encouraging the community to join together to keep our businesses alive. They have converted a portion of their website to provide COVID19 resources pertinent to your business.

Small Business Development Center

Through the SBDC, small business owners, both prospective and existing, can obtain essential management, marketing and financial coaching, which is now more than ever needed to navigate this unprecedented time. They are offering no-cost, one-on-one coaching and a wide variety of assistance programs dedicated to helping your business move forward. Visit their website for more information.

Womens Business Development Center

The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is taking all possible proactive measures to support and assist our clients with the economic impact on their businesses from necessary COVID-19 containment measures. The WBDC is actively advocating for grant and loan solutions to ensure the financial sustainability of our clients. Find more information on their COVID19 resource webpage.

Aurora Downtown

Find more resources available for your business on their website.