The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance Foundation (Aurora Regional Alliance Foundation; formerly Invest Aurora) offers financial assistance programs that support local business development by providing nontraditional means of project financing.
The Finish Line Grant program offers gap financing solutions to help commercial businesses and property owners complete essential property rehabilitation and improvement projects, ensuring that our local commercial spaces continue to thrive.
The Alliance Foundation is also partnering with SomerCor to support and complement Aurora’s development and redevelopment initiatives. Pairing SomerCor’s expertise in SBA 504 lending and grant administration with the Alliance’s strong local presence and focus on inclusive growth will empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and financing they need to succeed.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ABOVE PROGRAMS THROUGH THE ALLIANCE FOUNDATION
Other Grant and Loan Resources
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College is a great resource for loan inquiries. Contact Small business development coordinator Miranda Rodriguez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 630-966-4664 to learn more.
FY25 Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant Program by the Department of Labor-Women’s Bureau aims to provide technical assistance to employers and labor unions in the United States and its territories to encourage employment of women in both apprenticeable occupations and nontraditional occupations. Applicants may propose to provide technical assistance to support women’s full and effective participation in apprenticeable and nontraditional occupations. Deadline: August 8, 2025
As part of BMO’s Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life, BMO is inviting eligible U.S. small businesses to apply for one of 15 grants at $10,000 each through the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate their commitment to the advancement of women and share their high-level business growth plans. Deadline: August 19, 2025
The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or tot lots to large community and county parks and nature areas. Deadline: September 30, 2025
The purpose of the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is to assist communities in attracting or expanding private businesses. The program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to the local government for the benefit of private businesses that create or retain jobs primarily for low- to moderate-income workers. Grants may also be used to support public infrastructure improvements tosupport economic development as an indirect benefit to a private business. Deadline: Rolling
The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores. The award range possibility is $25,000 to $250,000 and is capital only (no operational expenditures). Deadline: December 15, 2025
Online Webinar
Workplace Conservation: Creating Eco-Friendly Landscapes (Connect DuPage, August 12, 10:00 a.m.) Join us for a free webinar where you’ll learn how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business’s green space.
Business Resources
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.
Resources for Illinois Black-Owned businesses
Resources for Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Business Events
Leveraging Social Capital to Elevate Your Business is a webinar (Thursday, August 28, 2-3 p.m.) that provides Black entrepreneurs and business owners with tips on how to elevate their businesses. The session will explore strategic networking, relationship-building, and community engagement as drivers for business growth. Participants will gain insights into innovative funding avenues beyond traditional grants and loans—from partnerships and pitch competitions to crowdfunding and equity opportunities.
Made for small businesses, County Connection: How to Do Business With DuPage County is a free event (September 24, 2025; 8 am-2 pm) where you can learn how to do business with DuPage County. Representatives from Procurement, Stormwater, Transportation, and Public Works will lead breakout sessions on several topics, from bidding to bonding. Also, a panel of financial professionals will discuss special financing options for minority, women, disabled, and veteran-owned businesses. This event is in-person. Attendance is free, but registration is limited. Sign up today!
Regional Job Fairs
Annual Community Job Fair at the Gail Borden Library (270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120) on Wednesday September 10, 12-2 p.m. in the Meadows Community Rooms. Perfect for job seekers to learn about job opportunities in the Elgin area. More info at http://gailborden.info/community-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.
