Business Resources

 Business Resources

E-Certificates of Origin: Sign up today and get electronically, chamber-stamped certificates of origin and export related documents—anywhere, anytime. Electronic certificates of origin provide easier, faster, and more secure customs clearance and productivity gains for companies. 

City of Aurora Business Registration: The City of Aurora has developed this program to provide the city with key data points that enable city staff to quickly and accurately reach out to business owners and operators with new support resources and respond effectively to situations that may arise. By registering your business, you are contributing to the continued success and safety of your employees, patrons, and fellow businesses. The registration process is fast and easy; simply visit the City of Aurora’s online portal to complete the 10-minute, FREE application.

Choose DuPage has partnered with the DuPage County Environmental Division to connect local leaders to resources that promote sustainable practices. Find out more at Sustainable DuPage: Incentives, Information, and Other Resources for Responsible Business Practices. 

Cut Costs, Boost Efficiency, and Reduce Your Environmental Impact by downloading the Green Business Checklist by Choose DuPage for helpful tips and best practices for everything from energy consumption to transportation and more.

Central Region Industrial Labor Report (Q3 2025 Overview): This report highlights 14 key metropolitan areas with major industrial markets in the Central Region, including Chicagoland. It looks at the interplay between the supply and demand for industrial labor in the warehouse and manufacturing sectors and the supply and demand for industrial space in the region. Download the report.

 Events & Workshops

Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Bootcamp: Hosted by the Quad County Urban League, this bootcamp is designed to cover key fundamentals: business strategy, operations, marketing, and financials. The weekly focus areas have practical tasks and outcomes. All sessions are free and offered in-person or virtually. Learn more and sign up for a session. September 18: Financial Statements. September 25: Access to Capital. October 2: Retirement Planning for Business Owners. 

Doing Business with the City of Aurora is happening Thursday, September 25, in the City Hall - Council Chambers (44 E. Downer Pl., 2nd Floor) from 10 am-12 pm. This comprehensive, FREE seminar is designed to help local businesses connect with new opportunities. You will learn about the City’s procurement process, steps to become a registered vendor, the bidding process, upcoming City projects, how to get MWBE certified, and what business resources are available. Register to attend.

U.S. Congressman Bill Foster is hosting a Job & Career Fair on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Waubonsee Community College. The event is at the Waubonsee COmmunity College Sugar Grove campus at the Academic and Professional Center from 10 am-1 pm, with the option of a professional workshop: How to Work for the State of Illinois (11 am). Employers have the opportunity to meet job seekers face-to-face, showcase career opportunities, and fill open positions with top talent from our community. Register HERE to set up a booth. Deadline: September 18, 2025.

The Illinois Tollway is hosting a Contracting with Government Event to educate small businesses on becoming certified to work with state agencies on October 23, 2025, at The Matrix Convention Center (808 Route 59, Naperville, IL). Register today.

Illuminate Career Pathways is an event where local business and industry partners can host an interactive booth to reach freshman from East Aurora, West Aurora, Batavia, and Kaneland High Schools as they explore careers in the greater Aurora area. Sign up to host an interactive booth! The event is October 24, 2025, from 7:30 am-2 pm at the Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove campus.

 Resources for (and for Supporting) Illinois Black-Owned Businesses 

 Regional Job Fair

St. Charles Public Library Career Fair Thursday, September 18, 2025, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Meet with major regional employers at the St. Charles Public Library (1 A. 6th Ave., St. Charles, IL). More information at the link.