In an effort to help Aurora’s small businesses grow, the city of Aurora is encouraging its entrepreneurs to enroll in an innovative free training and support program.

Offered through a partnership with the Women’s Business Development Center in Aurora, Scale Up Aurora, is a program that helps develop “entrepreneurship ecosystems” — communities that assist high-potential and growth-oriented entrepreneurs, both male and female, who run small businesses with annual revenues between $150,000 and $750,000 to expand successfully.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating in Scale Up Aurora must apply by Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

The program consists of intensive free training, technical assistance and business planning.  After entrepreneurs complete the 12-week course, they can then access capital loans to use in expanding their businesses.

Beginning on March 11, classes are offered once a week for three hours each and use a proven entrepreneurial education curriculum for growth-oriented business owners. A variety of technical assistance will be provided, including individual counseling sessions, workshops, mentoring and CEO round tables. In addition, the experience will give entrepreneurs opportunities to build peer networks and connect to other business resources.

To qualify, entrepreneurs interested in becoming a part of the Scale Up Aurora cohort must have businesses that earn revenues between $150,000 to $750,000 annually; have at least two employees, including contractual (1099) employees; and have been in business at least two years.  Additionally, entrepreneurs must commit to attending the Scale Up Aurora class three hours a week for 12 weeks.

Offered to both male and female entrepreneurs, this unique program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The Women’s Business Development Center has the opened an office in Aurora to support economic growth and job creation alongside the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Seize the Future foundation.

Applications are available at www.wbdc.org.  For more information, contact Judy Dawson, Scale Up coordinator, at 630.896.3101 or jdawson@wbdc.org.

Download the Scale Up Aurora Informational Sheet 

SUCCESS STORIES

SOURCE: www.wbdc.org

Paula Interiors, Paula Rodriguez

Paula Rodriguez, owner of Paula Interiors, learned of the Small Business Center (SBDC) at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in November of 2013 through Starting a Business in Illinois, a workshop that explores the legal, licensing and general requirements of business ownership…full story>

Flirtatious Lingerie Boutique, Yovette Drake

Yovette Drake, owner of Flirtatious Lingerie Boutique, first accessed the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) through a Business Plan Critique Clinic, a small group setting that provides expert advice and precise feedback along with practical strategies to develop your business plan…full story>

Brush Architects, Mary Brush

After working fifteen years in the preservation architectural field under various firms, Mary Brush launched her own architecture firm specializing in the restoration and design of existing buildings.  Brush Architects focuses on the envelope of a building, or the exterior including: doors, windows, paneling and more.  Mary explains that Brush Architects began because of an opportunity which presented itself that she couldn’t turn up...full story>

Evelyn Engert and Sarah Wilcox, My Health and Money

As patients become more and more responsible for the cost of their healthcare, they need to find affordable services that don’t compromise quality. Whether you are an employer of a large company or the sole-provider for a family, it’s imperative you know how to choose the best options for you and the people you care about.  The founders of My Health and Money foresaw the crisis that could come from an uninformed community of healthcare consumers, and quickly sought to fill this need. The company focuses on guiding healthcare consumers on how to make informed and financially beneficial choices about their future..full story>

Linda Quarshie, Art of Athletics

Linda Quarshie, has always believed fitness and exercise are necessary for a happy and healthy life.  She also wants women to be stylish and comfortable when enjoying any fitness activities, which is why she founded Art of Athletics, a clothing company that produces stylish active wear and accessories for women…full story>