Our Partners
Business Equity for Aurora partners with local business development agencies, not-for-profits, and chambers of commerce to share resources and avoid duplicating efforts. Our partners meet with us quarterly for a Business Equity Task Force, where we brainstorm how we can better support the local entrepreneurial community.
AREA Alliance
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) is the chamber to the greater Aurora region, including the 2nd largest city in Illinois. AREA is the voice of and the catalyst for business success. Members come from diverse backgrounds - From independent contractors, entrepreneurs, small businesses and large corporations, to family-owned, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. United, they create a single, unifying force with the power to shape the future of the Aurora region. Learn more about them here.
Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (ARHCC)
Their purpose is to facilitate access to resources that promote economic growth in the Latino marketplace. The ARHCC continues to provide increased services to members, increasing visibility, networking opportunities, guest speakers, and a strengthened pride for participants in our Latino marketplace. Learn more about them here.
Illinois APEX Accelerator
The Illinois APEX Accelerator advisors guide businesses on how to expand into new markets and navigate the maze of federal, state and local governmental contracting. Expertise includes the bid opportunity system, certification assistance, proposal preparation assistance, and more. Learn more about APEX here.
IL Black Chamber of Commerce
The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce was created to connect with statewide businesses and legislators, access funding resources, and grow your network. They frequently host development opportunities, networking events, and other workshops primarily in the Chicagoland area, but expanding across the state. Learn more about them here.
IL Commission on Equity and Inclusion (IL CEI)
The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) was created to expand access to state contracts for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans and assist the state in enhancing equity and inclusion throughout its workforce. Learn more about CEI here.
IL CEI hosts the BEP program, where your MWBE can become certified. Learn more abut the BEP certification program here.
IL Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (IL DCEO)– Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3)
The Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Through targeted programs, resources, and outreach and promotional activities, OE3 aims to create an inclusive and strong business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth. Visit their site here: About Us | Illinois MBDA Business Center
IL Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The Illinois Minority Business Development Agency (IL MBDA) Business Center is operated by Strategic Exceptions Professional Consulting Inc. under the leadership of President and CEO, Terrie Simmons. The IL MBDA Business Center is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Minority Business Development Agency. They promote the growth and global competitiveness of small businesses through development and capacity building. Visit their site here.
IL Muslim Chamber of Commerce
The Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce serves to strengthen our members’ businesses, stimulate the local economy, encourage entrepreneurship, increase job opportunities, and promote Muslim values and culture in the areas we operate. Learn more about them here.
IL Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Waubonsee
The SBDC helps small business owners recognize growth opportunities through planning, promotion and profitability. They help new entrepreneurs assess the viability of their ideas and navigate the steps to getting their business up and running. Services are no-cost, and provided by experts who have years of experience running a small business. Learn more about them here.
Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is a 501(c)(3) nationally recognized leader in the field of women’s business development and economic empowerment that was founded in 1986. The WBDC’smissionis to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women but serving ALL business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy. Learn more about them here.