City Grants Nearly $750K To Small Business Owners In Aurora

AURORA, IL — Mayor Richard Irvin surprised dozens of small business owners this week when he entered their shops with noise makers, cheers and a large "Aurora is Open for Business" sign.

The reason for the commotion was to deliver some relief to more than 70 small businesses in the form of monetary checks from two grant programs totaling almost $750,000, officials said.

"It's been a rough few years for all of us, and especially for our small businesses," Irvin said in a statement. "I hope these funds can provide some relief, especially as we head into the holiday season."

Officials said although business owners knew they were receiving the money, which had to be approved by Aurora City Council, many were still left speechless — and some in tears — when Irvin arrived to deliver the checks.

"This will definitely help to pay the bills," Clara Diaz, owner of Balderas Beauty Salon in downtown Aurora, said in a statement.

The funds were made possible through the Re-Start Retention Grant Program and the TIF-funded Finish Line Grant Program. Through the former, a COVID-19 relief program, funds were spread across Aurora's 10 wards, representing 56 small businesses, which received grants of up to $10,000 to remedy, in part, the loss of revenue due to the pandemic, city officials said.

The Finish Line program, which provided financial assistance of up to $100,000, helps companies complete rehabilitation programs that will enhance downtown Aurora's economic viability, according to a news release.