READ THE LATEST FROM THE ALLIANCE | | ALLIANCE NEWS & WEEKLY RECAP | | Alliance Strategic Plan Update | | |
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance has engaged TIP Strategies to assist in the development of a five-year strategic plan.
Recently, the TIP team held discussions with Aurora’s aldermen and alderwomen as well as Mayor-Elect John Laesch to gain insight into the city’s economic vision and explore ways to shape a future that aligns with the needs and aspirations of Aurora’s residents. Additional meetings are being scheduled with the remaining alderpeople in the coming weeks.
The consulting team also is finalizing the target industry analyses along with a business survey that will be launched later this month.
| | SomerCor Partners With the Alliance | | |
SomerCor and the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) are proud to announce a new partnership.
Formed in January 2025, the Alliance united four organizations—the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Invest Aurora, Aurora Downtown, and the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce—into a single entity focused on advancing economic development.
Together, SomerCor, the Alliance, and the Alliance Foundation, are focused on expanding economic opportunity throughout the greater Aurora region. By pairing SomerCor’s expertise in Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 lending and grant administration with the Alliance’s strong local presence and focus on inclusive growth, the partnership aims to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and financing they need to succeed.
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Held at Pomegranate Restaurant & Cafe, the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance April Breakfast Exchange was well-attended by members and some prospective members. While enjoying a great breakfast, attendees took advantage of introductions and networking opportunities as well as the chance to learn more about the Alliance and its progress as it moves forward. Stay tuned for next month’s meeting—exciting things are happening!
Thank you to NuMark Credit Union for being the 2025 Breakfast Exchange Sponsor.
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Alliance Seeks
VP of Operations, VP of Economic Development, & Manager of Downtown Initiatives
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance continues its first phase of hiring to hit the ground running this fall when the strategic plan is complete. The Alliance currently is hiring for a Vice President of Operations, a Vice President of Economic Development, and a Manager of Downtown Initiatives.
The role of the Vice President of Operations assists the CEO in leading key initiatives to optimize resources, streamline processes, and maintain a culture of high performance throughout the organization. The Vice President of Operations will play a key role in the implementation and oversight of the Alliance’s strategic plan and development of Alliance staff.
The Vice President of Economic Development is responsible for economic development strategy, including business attraction and retention, executing the economic development-related priorities that will be identified in the strategic plan. The VP of Economic Development will work closely with the business community, Aurora-area governments, and state and federal government agencies.
The Manager of Downtown Initiatives is responsible for managing the Aurora Downtown communications strategy as well as developing and executing content that resonates with customers, enhances brand awareness, and drives traffic to the website. In addition, the role will serve as an advocate for SSA One businesses and manage the Special Service Area (SSA) One workstream to ensure full compliance with duties and responsibilities outlined in the agreement between the City of Aurora and the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance.
Please share these job opportunities with interested candidates! We will update members as the hiring process continues.
| | Click on the links to learn more or register. | | |
Delia Nila Basile Day
Thursday, April 10
HELP WOMEN IN NEED | 4–7 p.m. | La Quinta de Los Reyes | 36 E. New York Street, Aurora | Free to Participate
RAISE A GLASS TO DEE | 6–8 p.m. |Seven Setting Suns Art Gallery | 14 W. Downer Pl., Aurora | Free to Attend
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LeadHER Speaker Series (SOLD OUT)
The Influence Edge: How Women Leaders Shape the Future
Speaker: Dr. Maria Malayter
hosted at Sage Event Space
Thursday, April 17 | 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Sage Event Space | 1167 Oak St., North Aurora | Registration Required SOLD OUT
Sponsored by Aurora Women's Empowerment Foundation, the Aurora Public Library Foundation, HaloHeat Sauna Studios, and The Alternative Board of West Suburban Chicago
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Shop for a Cause Fashion Show
In Honor of Delia Nila Basile
hosted at Wyckwood House by the Aurora Public Library Foundation
Thursday, April 24 | 6–8:30 p.m. | Wyckwood House | 80 S River St., Aurora | Registration Required
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First Fridays May
Food Truck Festival
Friday, May 2 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Downtown Aurora | Free to the Public | Maps Coming Soon
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Save the Date
May Breakfast Exchange
Wednesday, May 14 | 8:30–9:30 a.m.
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Save the Date
Women of Influence Business Development Day Honoring the legacy of the QCAACC
Thursday, May 15 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
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See a full list of Community Events here.
Do you have events or news to share?
Upload them to the Member Information Center (MIC).
Interested in getting out an E-blast?
Reach out to victoria@auroraalliance.org for more information.
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Are you a member and hiring?
Don't forget to upload your job listings to the Member Information Center (MIC).
Questions? Contact victoria@auroraalliance.org.
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Minding Our Businesses
Connect with the Alliance Economic Development team to discuss your business needs and explore how we can assist you in your growth and success. We offer:
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Strategic Guidance: Tailored advice and resources to enhance your operations
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Financial Assistance: Access to strategic rehabilitation and development financing programs
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Collaborative Opportunities: Discovering potential partnerships and networking avenues
These sessions allow us to tailor our economic programming based on insights into current trends, challenges, and growth potential within Aurora’s business landscape. Be sure to book your Business Development Session today.
We look forward to hearing from you as we shape Aurora’s economic landscape together.
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Fuel Your Manufacturing Growth with
Made in Illinois
The Made in Illinois Grant Program is a game-changing opportunity for small- and mid-size manufacturers to access up to $50,000 in matching funds to support innovation and strategic technological advancements.
This initiative is brought to life through a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and IMEC, uniting state resources and hands-on manufacturing expertise. Together, we’re here to strengthen Illinois manufacturing—one company at a time.
Applications will be accepted April 15-30, 2025.
| The Finish Line Grant program is designed to support commercial business and property owners in completing vital property rehabilitation and improvement projects. Finish Line Grants cover expenses overs a broad range of enhancements—inside and out. Receive up to 30% reimbursement for qualified expenses, ensuring your project reaches its full potential. | The Alliance is dedicated to fostering opportunities for local businesses. To ensure that we can connect you with available business services and opportunities and enhance protection for your property and our first responders, please register your business with the City of Aurora for free today. | Free Sustainability Assessments for Small Food Businesses in DuPage & Kane Counties | |
Uncover cost-saving and efficiency opportunities for your food-focused business! The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), units of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, are providing free technical assistance to 10 small for and/or non-profit entities, such as restaurants, grocers, and other food-focused businesses and organizations in DuPage and Kane Counties.
Assessments will focus on helping entities reduce costs and/or reduce environmental impacts through pollution prevention, energy efficiency, water reduction, alternatives to hazardous chemicals, and waste reduction including purchasing and disposal.
To get assessed, sign up at go.illinois.edu/FoodBusiness! Participants will be selected on a rolling basis and ISTC and SEDAC will work with participants upon selection until December 2026.
Any questions can be directed to Zach Samaras at zsamaras@illinois.edu.
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Impact and Revenue: The Power of Networking and Personal Branding featuring Purvi Shah
When: Thursday, April 17, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom (virtual)
Cost: Free
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Smart Marketing: Leveraging AI for Entrepreneurial Success
When: Tuesday, April 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom (virtual)
Cost: Free
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