Aurora Chamber of Commerce launches grant program for small businesses

Eligible business owners could receive $2,500

Yorkregion.com
July 14, 2023
Laura Broadley

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce is offering a helping hand to eligible small-business owners with the launch of its grant program.

The RiseUp and ScaleUp grants are meant to offer financial support to entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses. The grants will provide $2,500 each to eligible small businesses operating in Aurora and can be used for any purpose in support of business development.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we believe that this grant program has the potential to make a difference in the lives of small business owners and the wider community," said Sandra Ferri, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

To be eligible for the RiseUp grant, small businesses must meet the following criteria: Must have an annual revenue of up to $50,000; may or may not have employees; be a for-profit business operating in Aurora; be in the startup stage and operating for fewer than two years; must have a clear mission and purpose; must demonstrate how the funds will be used to support business growth and/or development; and must demonstrate how the grant funds will have a positive impact on the business.

To be eligible for the ScaleUp grant, small businesses must have annual revenue between $51,000 and $200,000; should have at least one employee or full-time contract employee equivalent; must be a for-profit business operating in Aurora; must be operating for two years or more; must have a clear mission and purpose; must demonstrate how the funds will be used to support business growth and/or development; and must demonstrate how the grant funds will have a positive impact on the business.

The grant application process is open until Aug. 18. Small-business owners can apply by completing the application form available on the chamber website. A team will review all applications, and finalists will be interviewed and the recipients will be chosen.

The grant recipients will be announced and funds disbursed at the Business Excellence Award celebration on Oct. 18. The recipients will be asked to provide a statement of how the funds were used and the impact they have had on their business.

For more information on the grant program and how to apply, go to www.aurorachamber.on.ca.