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.
RESTORE ILLINOIS
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 3, 2021
The City of Aurora’s Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) is a direct response to the economic injuries sustained by local businesses including, but not limited to, eating and drinking establishments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting social-distancing measures. Totaling $1.2M in available funding, this program allows the City to offer grants to reimburse a portion of business losses suffered as a direct result of the public health crisis and assist as they adjust to the resulting business demands.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Payments to qualified businesses will be distributed as a one-time grant
- Grant amounts are determined by total documented losses and will range from $2,000 – $15,000 based on sales under/over $1M
- A business’s compliance with the COVID 19 directives from the IDPH and the applicable local Departments of Health will be taken into consideration
WHO QUALIFIES?
- All Aurora small businesses who have experienced a decrease in revenue due to the pandemic – with some exceptions listed here
Businesses must be registered with the City of Aurora to qualify for CERF
Applications can be emailed to:
mmartinez@aurora-il.org
Applications can also be dropped off at:
City of Aurora, Development Services Center
77 S. Broadway, Aurora, IL.
Monday to Friday – 8am to 5pm
City of Aurora - Business Registration
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
Restaurant Employee
Relief Fund
Paycheck Protection
Program
Commerce and Economic Opportunity
(DCEO)
Economic Injury
Disaster Loan
Debt
Relief
Program
Targeted
EIDL Advance
Shuttered Venue
Operators (SVO) Grant
Para asistencia en español con las solicitudes de subveciones y préstamos, contacto:
la Cámara de Comercio Hispana Regional de Aurora al: 331-442-1617.
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.
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
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.