Aurora expands grant funding for local small businesses

AURORA - The city of Aurora is expanding its efforts to support small businesses financially.

Through the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, two grant programs are available to eligible small business owners, with rolling application deadlines each quarter of the year. The next application deadline is Oct. 1.

The Finish Line Grant program assists property owners and tenants with completing rehabilitation projects that will enhance the economic viability of downtown Aurora. Eligible applicants can receive a grant covering a percentage of the costs for approved redevelopment projects of up to $100,000.

The Re-Start Retention Grant program is designed to assist small businesses across the city with business and operational expenses to prevent business closures and the loss of jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant matches a percentage of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $10,000.

Applications for both grant programs are reviewed and approved every quarter. All approvals are subject to available budgeted funds as approved by the city council. For more details and applications, visit www.aurora-il.org/MOEDGrants.