Just like many communities across the country, Aurora businesses are suffering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses in Aurora have closed their doors in our collective effort to keep individuals safe during this public health crisis. Even as the city begins to reopen, businesses will need to reconsider how they operate. In this time of uncertainty, including the rash of damage to downtown Aurora storefront windows and inside-business looting Sunday, the Aurora Public Library (APL) is providing resources and programs to help businesses in our community navigate this crisis.
The Library will be host to a virtual panel discussion by Thrive Collaborative Center at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25. The Thrive Collaborative Center is an initiative of the city government of Aurora’s Innovation Department and is supported by the city government’s commitment to foster growth and stability of local social service organizations. The panel will discuss business and nonprofit management strategies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration is required for this program. Please visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events for more information and to register. Registrants will receive further information for joining the Zoom meeting by E-mail.
Adult Services librarian Cailín Cullen said, “The community looks to the Library to provide access to resources and information, especially during this time of crisis. Being partners with Thrive Collaborative Center is a great opportunity for the Library to provide our customers with expertise on an important topic.”
In the meantime, visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-crisis-assistance-for-businesses to view an all-in-one information resource for small business assistance, including grants, loans, and best practices. The webpage includes detailed information on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Act (CARES) Act, including the key elements of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program, and SBA Loan Forgiveness.
There is plenty of Federal and State resources related to small business assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include both financial assistance programs, such the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, as well as comprehensive guidance for establishments that are closed, open, or planning to reopen developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department Public Health (IDPH).
Thrive Collaborative Center has compiled a list of resources and programs designed to provide relief to entities impacted by COVID-19. Visit www.thrivecollaborativecenter.org/covid-19-resources for further details.
• For more business-related programs, tune in to the virtual presentation by SCORE Fox Valley, Buying and Selling a Business, Tuesday, June 23 at 7 p.m.. The workshop will discuss how and why to buy a business, along with information on the top legal issues. Please register at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events.