Resource Hub
The City of Aurora's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Division has created a database of small business grant funding opportunities to support and stay connected with diverse business owners in the City. Although we strongly encourage you to apply, please note that the City of Aurora is not affiliated with any of the grant opportunities listed. All questions relating to specific grants should be directed to the respective sponsoring organization.
Certifications Cheat Sheet(PDF, 6MB)
Capability Statement Template(PDF, 90KB)
Search Databases:
Grants.gov is a centralized website of the U.S. federal government featuring federal government agencies’ grant opportunities. View their website to browse a variety of opportunities.
State of Illinois Catalogue of State Financial Assistance
Listings of Grant and funding opportunities throughout all state agencies.
The SBAC is a non-partisan, member driven organization that promotes the success of small business through political advocacy, support services and educational programs. They keep a database of economic incentives that might be available for your business.
Specific Private Grants:
Wish Local Empowerment Program
Wish Local is a series of programs that allows small businesses to partner with Wish, through a $500-$2,000 Grant, and access to the Wish Local community and resources.
Grant Amount: $500-$2,000
Eligibility: black-owned business; brick-and-mortar shop
App Close Date: running year-round
Application Link: Wish Local Empowerment Program
National Association for the Self Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Members of NASE can apply to receive $4,000 for their small business through the NASE Growth Grants Program. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities, and other specific business needs.
Grant Amount: up to $4,000
Eligibility: must become a member of NASE
Application Close Date: running year-round
Application Link: $4,000 Business Grant (nase.org)