Opening or expanding your business can be a daunting process. We are here to help you develop the most efficient road map to get you open as quickly as possible.
Opening a Business
Opening and expanding business can be a difficult process, especially trying to determine where to start. We work with partner organizations to help you get your business up and running from the ground up. Rest assured in knowing about 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.
Setting Up Shop: A Commercial Space Readiness
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. Download Guidebook. Contents include:
- 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. Whether you’re looking to expand your operations in Aurora with an additional facility or to establish a new presence in Illinois, the Aurora Alliance can connect you with the property or site you need.View Available Properties to begin your search for the ideal location of your new or expanding business.
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. We are here to help you develop an effective opening/expanding strategy to get you up and running as quickly and effectively as possible.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up a Business Opening Strategy Consultation.
4. Obtaining City Approvals
So you have identified a possible location for your new or expanding business. Before you sign a lease, you need to understand whether 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 includes representatives from the following city departments:
- Planning & Zoning
- Engineering/Public Works
- Building and Permits
- City Clerk
- Aurora Alliance
DST Meeting Preparation Documents
We recommend that you have the following available for your DST Meeting:
- Detailed overview of your business plan, including potential location, business model, hours of operation, and number of employees.
- 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 time).
Restaurants & Liquor Sales
- A detailed site plan is required at this time because it will have a direct impact on your liquor licensing.
- A detailed menu of anticipated food service is required.
