Square Biz: Your Go-To Resource For Small Business Success In Aurora!

Aurora, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/14/2025 08:00 AM CDT

Note from the Director

As we step into spring—a season of renewal and growth—we’re reminded of how important it is to stay adaptable and keep moving forward. Spring is the time for new beginnings, a time to embrace change, seek opportunity, and cultivate the seeds we've planted.

The Business Equity Team started the year strong. We hosted our first ever hands-on contracting workshop, where we helped entrepreneurs register their business and create a profile in our e-procurement site. We also represented Aurora at the Apex Accelerator Government Contracting Summit and the IL MBDA Energy Summit.

We wrapped up the quarter with our First Reverse Vendor Fair, hosted at Waubonsee Community College. It was a huge success with 35 exhibitors and over 150 attendees. All of these events brought together innovators and entrepreneurs in a way that sparked fresh ideas and laid the foundation for the months ahead.

Missed it? Don't worry, view our recaps in this quarter's newsletter. We will be hosting ore events like these in the future, so stay tuned.

Quarter 1 reinforced a key lesson: growth is not just seasonal--it's intentional.

I invite you to reflect on your goals for this quarter and consider how you're preparing to nurture the next phase of your business journey. Let's make this season on eof strategic action and sustainable growth.

Michele Clark
Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Capability Statement

In business, first impressions matter. Whether you're meeting potential clients or bidding on a project, you need more than ambition. You need a tool that tells your story and shows your value. That tool is a capability statement.

A good capability statement is more than a document—it’s a clear snapshot of who you are, what you do, and why it matters. It highlights your strengths and shows that you’re ready to grow.

Growth doesn’t happen by chance. It takes preparation and purpose. A capability statement shows you’ve done the work. It tells decision-makers you’re serious, professional, and ready to deliver.

What Makes a Capability Statement Stand Out?

Think of it as your business’s voice—honest, confident, and to the point. While every company is different, the best capability statements include:

Company Overview - Name, logo. mission, and a quick intro to your business
Core Competencies - What you're best at - your main services or products
Differentiators - What sets you apart (certifications, unique services, or creative solutions)
Past Performance - Highlights from past projects or client wins

Opportunities don't just happen - they're created through preparation. A capability statement is more than a marketing tool; it's a strategic investment in your business's future.

Growth comes from action - and a belief in your ability to deliver.

So be bold. Be prepared. Be seen. Be heard. BE chosen. Let your capability statement open the door to that next big opportunity.

Take a look at what we've been up to...

We hosted a Reverse Vendor Fair in April, connecting businesses to local entrepreneuers.

Check out our Recap Video on YouTube!

Emergency & Disaster Preparedness for Businesses

Natalie Wiza, Aurora Emergency Management Coordinator

About 1 in 4 businesses never reopen after a major disaster (U.S. Small Business Administration). Preparation makes all the difference.

Quick Action Guide

Get Ready:

Build an Emergency and Business Continuity Plan: Identify risks (natural disasters, cyber-attacks) and set response procedures. Focus on essential operations, plan for remote work, and list key vendors and contacts.

Back up Data Regularly:

Use secure cloud and storage backups to protect important files.

Review Insurance Policies:

Make sure your coverage is current and save all documents in a safe place.

During a Disaster

Follow your Plan:

Put safety first. Use your communication plan and evacuate/shelter as needed.

Stay Informed:

Use apps and local alerts to track what's happening.

After a Disaster:

Communicate:

Update staff and customers through email, social media, or your website.

Start Insurance Claims Early:

Contact your provider right away with photos and documentation.

Debrief and Improve:

Reflect on what worked, improve your plans, and support your team as they recover.

Don't let a disaster become a permanent closure! Stay ready, stay resilient!

Building Community Through Culture: Judi Ni and the Vision Behind Pacifica Square

wind·fall | noun: an unexpected gain or piece of good fortune; an unexpected positive result or by-product

For over 20 years, the Windfall Group helped shape Asian-American communities through real estate. At the center of this work is Judy Ni, Director of Real Estate and daughter of the company's founder, who is continuing her family's mission to create spaces that celebrate culture and bring people together.

The Windfall Group started with high-rise development in China. Since 2016, it has been focused on building Asian lifestyle centers in the U.S.—places that mix shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. One of their biggest projects is Pacifica Square in Aurora.

In 2018, they bought a distressed shopping plaza and turned it into something new. A former Burlington Coat Factory became an Asian grocery store, followed by a food court and more restaurants. Businesses like ramen shops, Vietnamese cafes, and Korean fried chicken soon moved in, followed by other entertainment and retail vendors.

For Judy, this work is about more than the property—it’s about people and representation. “We want to share our culture with everyone,” she says. “Not just food and shopping, but our traditions too.” She also supports many first-time business owners, helping them navigate leases and language barriers.

There have been challenges, like construction delays and managing a wide range of tenants, but the team stays focused on the long-term. Pacifica Square is nearly full, with just a few vacancies left ranging from 2,000-7,000 square feet. Judy hopes to bring in new ideas like Asian bookstores or trendy dessert shops. Part of their long-term vision is the Asian Center Real Estate (ACRE) Fund, which will let community members and business owners invest in future lifestyle centers like Pacifica Square, and share in their success with the community.

Community support remains vital to the continued success of Pacifica Square. The center hosts two signature events annually: an Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month Celebration on May 24th and the Moon Festival in September. Visitors can explore the center at 4360 E New York St., Aurora, IL, or learn more at www.pacificasquare.com

Visit Pacifica Square

Show Me the Money

Featuring Huntington Bank's Lift Local Program

Huntington's Life Local Business® program supports minority, woman, and veteran-owned small businesses throughout the business life cycle, from start-up to expansion. Through their SBA team, the program offers loans, business planning support, free financial entrepreneurial courses delivered through Operation HOPE, and other services to help small business owners achieve their goals.

Questions? Reach out to our contact at Huntington Bank:

Victor Navarro, VP Community Lending (victor.navarro@huntington.com)

Learn More