Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)

CERF BANNER

The City of Aurora's Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) is a direct response to the economic injuries sustained by local businesses including but not limited to eating and drinking establishments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting social-distancing measures.  This program allows the City to offer grants to reimburse a portion of business losses suffered as a direct result of the public health crisis, and assist as they adjust to the resulting business demands.

The total available funding for the Direct Cash to Business Relief Fund is $1,200,000.  Payments to qualified businesses will be distributed as a one-time grant.  Grant amounts will vary and are intended to be paid within the range of $2,000 to $15,000, proportional to the amount of documented losses, and depending on the number of applications received.

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  1. WHO QUALIFIES?
  2. QUALIFYING EXPENSES
  3. GRANT ADMINISTRATION
  4. FAQs
  5. APPLICATION

All small businesses in the City of Aurora are eligible to apply with exceptions listed below.  Only complete applications received by the deadline will be processed.  Applications can be emailed to [email protected], or dropped off at the City of Aurora Development Services Center (77 S. Broadway) Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm before close of business March 3, 2021.

Ineligible businesses include:

    A government-owned business entity;

    A business that is delinquent on payment of any State of Illinois tax obligation;

    A business that is engaged in a business that is unlawful under Illinois or federal law;

    A business that is on the federal System for Award Management excluded parties list;

    National, corporate-owned franchises are ineligible. Locally-owned, corporate franchises are able to apply.

    A business that has permanently closed.

    A business that employs more than 50 employees.

    Financial institutions.

    Home-based businesses, home-occupation businesses, professional or medical businesses

    Non-profit entities, which are NOT subject to the tax levied under Article VII of Chapter 44 [Food and Beverage Tax]

The City reserves the right to deny or grant any application at any time.