Aurora Downtown’s Business Attraction and Retention (BAR) Committee announced its grant program for 2023 to help support established businesses, property owners, and initiatives taking place in the downtown special service area (SSA One). 

Grant applications are due on May 1.

For a third year, Aurora Downtown’s BAR Committee will provide two types of grants in areas that assist small businesses and contribute to the growth of downtown.

The downtown organization will offer grants for events that provide a new attraction for the area as well as improvement grants that enhance downtown. 

Businesses can apply for either up to $2,500 to support a special event, or for up to $5,000 to support permanent improvements on the exterior or interior of a space including signage. Only one grant application per grant cycle will be considered.

See applications below for more information. Only businesses located within SSA One will be considered.

2022 BAR grant recipients include Kathryn’s Place, The Perch, The Venue, Ballydoyle, Aurora Historical Society, JH Real Estate, Nuna Ceramics (pictured), Yetee Station, Crystal House, Premil, and Society 57. 2021 BAR grant recipients include The Yetee, QT3 Fitness, JH Real Estate Partners, The Perch, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and Fox Valley Music Foundation.

Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2023. It is highly encouraged that applications be turned in prior to April 1 to be reviewed by the BAR committee for completeness.