The application period for these grants is now closed.

Between June 15 and 22, the city opened grant applications for 
small to mid-sized businesses and eligible nonprofits in Aurora to apply for financial assistance from the city of Aurora’s new $6 million Aurora Economic Recovery (AER) Grant Program.

The Arapahoe County CARES Program and the Adams County CARES Program provided funding for this local program to support businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate financial stress or disrupted operations due to the public health crisis.

Of the $6 million, $5 million are to be allocated to businesses and $1 million would be distributed to nonprofits. The specific county funding source will be based on the location of the business or nonprofit.

Depending on the financial need, grants were available up to $15,000. The goal was to provide assistance to businesses and nonprofits that are trying to reopen and/or modify their business plans or facilities to serve customers in a safe way.

Grant applications closed at 11:59 p.m. June 22.

Overall Eligibility

The business or nonprofit must demonstrate financial stress or disrupted operations, which may include but are not limited to the following:

• Increased costs related to COVID-19 prevention measures
• Notice of disrupted supply network leading to shortage of critical inventory or materials

Allocated grant funding may not duplicate needs funded by other programs or grants received by the business/nonprofit. Grant funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis with appropriate documentation.

Businesses that applied for the previous Aurora Economic Relief Loan and Grant Program or applied for federal assistance may apply for this program. However, grant funding for this program may not duplicate needs funded by other programs or grants received by the business/nonprofit. Applicants must acknowledge in the application all other funding received and how that funding is being used.

Minimum Qualifications for a Grant

Eligible businesses must:
• Be located in Aurora
• Be established prior to Jan. 1, 2020
• Have generated less than $5 million in gross revenue in 2019
• Have 100 or fewer employees (full time and part time combined)
• Have an Aurora business license
• Be in good standing
• Meet one of these requirements: 50% of the business owned by an Aurora resident, 50% of the gross receipts originate in Aurora or 50% of employees are Aurora residents

Eligible nonprofits must:
• Have a headquarters or main office in Aurora
• Be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State as a nonprofit
• Have an Aurora business license
• Demonstrate that programs target individuals, families and/or communities impacted by COVID-19 and new public health guidelines
• Have an IRS Form 990 from 2018 or 2019
• Not a national or global organization that offers substantial services outside of the Aurora-Denver metropolitan region

Grant Eligible Purposes

Funding may be used for the following purposes:

• Inventory
• Utilities
• Personal protection equipment like gloves, masks, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
• Updates to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to control air flow and quality, including system upgrades, air filters and purifiers
• New equipment to facilitate effective sanitation, if needed
• Touchless payment systems
• New infrastructure related to COVID-19
• Additional purposes for restaurants only: funds for websites and applications that accommodate contactless reservations, payments and menus; additional marketing efforts; takeout containers; outdoor tables, chairs, tents, railings and more to accommodate outdoor seating; and disposable menu printing, single-use condiments and other items required to comply with new state restaurant guidelines
• Additional purposes for nonprofits only: Rental assistance and/or employee wages, with documentation that the need is the result of COVID-19

More Information

If you have questions about the Aurora Economic Recovery Grant Program, we are here to help. Email us at AER@auroragov.org.

Information Flyers and FAQs (Translated)

Aurora Economic Recovery Grant Program Follows Initial Aurora Economic Relief Loan and Grant Program
This isn't the first time that the city of Aurora has been able to extend a helping hand to its local businesses affected by COVID-19. In April, restaurant, retail, service or entertainment small businesses and arts-related nonprofits in Aurora were invited to apply for financial assistance from the city of Aurora’s Aurora Economic Relief (AER) Loan and Grant Program, in cooperation with CEDS Finance.

This local program fulfilled an immediate funding need for Aurora small businesses waiting for additional funding assistance from state and federal sources.

Depending on the financial need, grants were available up to $5,000 or loans from $5,000 to $50,000 to help businesses retain jobs. More than 100 businesses benefited from this program.