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Note from the Director
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Welcome to the first issue of Square Biz, your go-to resource for small business success in Aurora!
Designed with you in mind, this newsletter brings together valuable tools, insights, and support to help you start, grow, and sustain your business. Each quarter, we’ll share updates on city resources, highlight inspiring stories of local business owners, and provide practical tips to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of running a business here. We’re committed to helping our local businesses thrive and look forward to supporting your journey every step of the way!
Michele Williams-Clark
Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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Intro to EDI and Development Services
Have you heard of Business Equity for Aurora?
Business Equity for Aurora advances inclusion by expanding opportunities for minority, woman, veteran, and disability-owned businesses to grow and secure local government contracts. Increasing certified diverse businesses in city contracting fosters innovation, boosts competition, and drives economic growth through job creation.
In order to support the local business owner community, we offer the following resources
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Our network of 10+ local business development non-profits and chambers who can help meet your entrepreneurial needs.
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Monthly training, educational, and networking events hosted by the City of Aurora (available in both English and Spanish) to provide resources and professional development opportunities for local business owners.
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A connection to the City of Aurora’s Office of Economic Development, Development Services Department, and Procurement Division for opportunities to expand your business
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Aurora’s Development Services Department works to coordinate the efforts of the various city divisions involved in bringing development and businesses to life. The department provides a wide array of services for those looking to open a business in Aurora. There are several divisions within the Development Services Department to help with a variety of needs, based on where you are in your business journey:
“I’m in the Conception and Planning Phase”
Mayor's Office of Economic Development
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Initial business idea vetting and interest
- Potential incentives or agreements
Zoning and Planning
- Verification of proper location for use
- Determine site requirements and potential variances needed
“I’m in the Construction and Maintenance Phase”
Building and Permits
- Plan review for code compliance and construction permits (site and building modifications)
- Inspections to verify life safety
Property Standards
- Maintain exterior appearances
- Ensure continued interior safety
The Department of Development Services also offers FREE 1-on-1 consultations for local entrepreneurs, to help with all of your business development and project related questions. Representatives from several city divisions meet with you to assist navigating your business idea through city processes and requirements.
Request a meeting with the Development Services Team here:
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Taxes for Partnerships, LLC’s and S Corporations using a calendar year are due March 17th, 2025. Here are some helpful tips from the pros at the Taxpayer Advocate Service a division of the IRS. For the full list visit the Taxpayer Advocate Service website
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Know your limitations and know when you need to ask a professional for help: The IRS Tax Calendar has important tax dates for businesses. However, if you choose to hire a professional, it is important to choose carefully because you are trusting them with your personal information and relying on them to have the knowledge to help you file an accurate tax return. You are responsible for all the information on your tax returns, no matter who prepares them.
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Keep adequate records: Accurate recordkeeping throughout the year will save you time and help ensure your tax return is correct. Set up a system for receipts. This can be a paper file, or you can use an app to scan and store them; just make sure you are saving them in some way.
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Separate your personal and business finances: Set up a separate bank account and credit card for your business and run only business expenses through those accounts. See Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records.
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Correctly classify your business: Some business structures enjoy more tax advantages than others. It’s important to choose the business structure that best suits your business. If you’re not sure which to choose, a tax attorney or certified public accountant can help.
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Research small business tax deductions: There is a long list of tax deductions for small business owners. See Publication 535, Business Expenses. A tax deduction is an item you can subtract from your gross income to lower the amount of taxes you owe.
Resources for you:
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Kiva WBDC Kiva is a non-profit which enables passionate and determined entrepreneurs throughout the Unites States to access capital with 0% interest small business loans by working with a community of over 2 million lenders.
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Aurora’s Financial Empowerment Center Most entrepreneurs self-fund their businesses, so strong personal finances are key. Lenders often require a history of your finances when applying for loans. For free help with debt repayment and credit repair, visit Aurora’s Financial Empowerment Center.
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Stylish and Fit, founded by Tanjie Brewer, combines fitness, nutrition, and style to help women achieve health and confidence. As a certified trainer, nutritionist, and stylist, Tanjie launched the Lifestyle of Vitality Challenge, a four-month program focused on wellness and self-transformation. Her offerings include wellness events, wardrobe styling, corporate wellness days, and signature events like Grow Fit Parties and The Big Reveal. |
What she loves about Doing Business in Aurora:
I initially moved here for family. Now I realize Aurora is a growing community with so much potential and is great for making personal connections with people. I love that Aurora is a tight knit community – It reminds me of that song from the show Cheers, “where everybody knows your name”
What are the biggest challenges of being a diverse entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
As a Black female entrepreneur, getting support and buy-in can be challenging, but I’ve learned that building connections and staying proactive are key. I’ve worked hard to overcome funding hurdles and find confidence to pursue resources.
Tanjie emphasizes the importance of networking and credits local organizations, like the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and IL Minority Business Development Agency, for helping her connect with like-minded individuals.
What advice would you give for readers of this newsletter?
Trust your vision, take the first step, and stay committed. The journey has ebbs and flows, but integrity and how you operate will always set you apart. Know that the route may change, but the vision never changes. You have to be the legs of your business – Go out, build meaningful connections, and lead by example.
How can readers support your business?
Sign up for the Lifestyle of Vitality Challenge kicking off this winter, or attend the Healthy You event on January 16th at the Impact House. Learn more about my services at StylishAndFit.com
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MM Peters Construction, Inc. is a family-owned Aurora-based union business that has been operating in the region for almost 30 years, specializing in commercial concrete and large playground developments across the state. Raechel Peters is the owner. |
What do you enjoy about doing business in Aurora?
MM Peters is 5 generations old – almost everyone in my family went to West Aurora HS. Being a family business, I was exposed to construction at a young age and learned the trade in a more familial way. Proximity to Chicago presents a lot of opportunities for the business, but Aurora has the hometown feel that I like. City staff encourage us to do business in Aurora through local bidder ordinances and other efforts.
What challenges have you faced as a female entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
Construction is a male-dominated industry, with women only making up abut 10% of the workforce. The biggest challenge is representation, but both males and female will encounter challenges in the business world. Advocating for yourself and your business is the best way to overcome the gender barrier and never taking NO for an answer.
What role have local resources played in your business journey?
We are WBE and DBE certified, and this has been huge for our business – it has helped us to become subcontractors for big contracts. We are currently under contract to construct the bridge footings for IL-Tollway I-490 UPRR Bridge Project which is part of a $534 million project.
The people at the City – the mayor, the Alderpeople, etc. – have done a great job with the local contractor ordinance so that instead of us passing Chicago-based firms heading inbound on the 1-88, we can stay and work in our own communities.
What role do you think equity and inclusion play in Aurora’s business community?
It all starts with giving back. I am the Manager of Philanthropy for NAWIC’s (Natl. Assn. Of Women in Construction) Chicago chapter, and annually we host a camp, giving young girls in underprivileged areas exposure to careers in construction. It awesome to see other girls like me – wearing a bandana and work boots – light up in the classroom when they get to work with their hands. Being from Aurora its important for me to try to bring these kinds of activities to my own community so they get exposure to different opportunities like I did.
What advice would you give to readers of this newsletter?
Advocate for yourself. You can’t expect things to just happen because they should. There will be challenges for both males and females with business. But at the end you will always get that gratification. Buckle down, trust your team, and trust in yourself.
- January 30th from 10AM-2PM: Buying Plan Showcase
Learn about all 2025 contracting opportunities with the City of Aurora.
- February 20th from 11AM-12PM: Intro to Contracting Basics
Get assistance registering your business, filling out your vendor packet, navigating our procurement software, and more.
- March 20th from 10AM-12PM: How to Do Business with the City
Learn about how to become a contractor for the City, meet our development services department, and speak to procurement staff about your business.
Email us: businessequity@aurora.il.us
Register your Business: eTRAKiT
Sign up for Bid Notifications: Bids & Solicitations • Aurora, IL • CivicEngage
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