Aurora is the second-largest city within the state of Illinois, with a population of over 150,000. It is known as the “City of Lights”, as it was one of the first in the United States to illuminate the streets with electric lights. It offers multifarious programs and events directed towards empowering women and possesses a rich culture. The following link offers a guide for current and future residents https://www.aurora-il.org/DocumentCenter/View/2446/City-of-Aurora-Residents-Guide?bidId=
The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce
A business association that promotes women’s business development within the region. The Chamber has over 350 business programs, services, and ventures to offer its members. It also supports the wider community of Aurora by helping individuals improve in their chosen career paths and educating them. To visit their official website, go to http://www.aurora-chamber.com/index.asp
- Small Business Advisory Council and the Small Business Center
Serves small women-owned businesses by assisting them in providing marketing strategies, business plans, insurance, and legal needs. Through the Small Business Center, women are presented with the opportunity to participate in social and business networking events, get referrals to other numerous networking opportunities, individual counseling for start-ups or businesses aiming to expand, a business growth strategy, and a professional business plan evaluation. For more information, visit http://www.aurora-chamber.com/bus_ent-resources.asp
Invest Aurora Illinois
Committed to accelerating economic opportunities for women within the city. It attracts potential businesses and assists current ones are expanding, which improves the entire economy of Aurora. Invest Aurora provides businesses with community information, land and building availability, economic resources, and other incentives. For the link to their official website, click on https://investaurora.org/
- Finish Line Grant
This program is directed towards women who own a commercial property that is in need of rehabilitation and improvement services. The ultimate aspiration of this grant is to upgrade the economic viability of the city. From 20 to 50 percent of the total rehabilitation or improvement costs are offered through the grant, without exceeding $75,000. An application form can be attained through the following link https://investaurora.org/financial-assistance/
Community Development Block Grant
Assists low to moderate-income women to escape poverty. With the assistance of this grant, Aurora has been able to provide shelters, counseling, training, legal aid, and food support to homeless individuals. The city has also finance urgent improvements to constructions, and providing residents with work training and skill development services in order to be able to participate in the city economy. For more information, visit https://www.aurora-il.org/1199/Community-Development-Block-Grant
River Edge Redevelopment Zone
Some of the main priorities of this program is to create new jobs, accelerate the local economy, and refresh important constructions, sites, and neighborhoods. The River Edge Redevelopment Zone Program was aimed at redeveloping properties that are impacted by the environmental challenges of being situated next to a river. To learn how to gain access to tax credits through the RERZ program, visit https://www.aurora-il.org/
Industrial Revenue Bonds
The City of Aurora has the ability to issue industrial revenue bonds free of tax, on part of production companies in order to finance fixed assets including estate, constructions, tools, and renovations. More information can be found on https://investaurora.org/city-of-aurora-incentives/
Mutual Ground
Welcomes victims of domestic violence and sexual violence by providing shelter, counselors, and advocates. The recovery program encompasses educating women and raising awareness to both victims and the wider community. To access the domestic violence 24-hour hotline, call 630-897-0080. The sexual violence hotline can be reached through 630-897-8383. The link to their official website is: https://www.mutualground.org/
- Medical Advocacy
Provides women with crisis intervention services, emotional support, education about their rights, and resource information. The Mutual Ground Medical Advocacy Program is in partnership with a number of hospitals, as well as local law enforcement offices. Their staff makes sure that the victim is in safe hands, and is being treated accordingly to their rights. For more information, go to https://www.mutualground.org/medical-advocacy/
Wayside Cross Ministries
- Lifespring Center
Offers single women and women with children a shelter, as well as counseling services aimed at regaining self-confidence and financial independence. Whether the woman in need is suffering from addiction, abuse, or a financial crisis, the Wayside Cross Ministries Lifespring Center is there to provide the necessary support and assistance. Some other services that are provided to women are connecting them with mentors, cooking and nutrition classes, GED tutoring, and computer skills. To access information on entering the Lifespring Program, contact: 630-952-1103. The link to the official webpage is https://www.waysidecross.org/lifespringwomenshelter
- For Children of Single Mothers – Urban Youth Ministry: After School Programs for At-Risk Youth
This is a secure organization where children are given the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of after-school activities such as baseball, after-school tutoring, and summer and winter camps. All programs come at no cost whatsoever. Most importantly, the Urban Youth Ministry provides positive alternatives to negative influences with which the youth is facing up to today. All children from the ages of 6 – 17 are welcome to participate. A free Summer Baseball League is organized each year! For more information, visit https://www.waysidecross.org/urban-youth-ministry/