Business Resources
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Sign up today and get electronically, chamber-stamped certificates of origin and export related documents—anywhere, anytime. Electronic certificates of origin provide easier, faster, and more secure customs clearance and productivity gains for companies.
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The City of Aurora has developed a new business registration process to provide the city with
key data points that enable city staff to quickly and accurately reach out to business owners and
operators with new support resources and respond effectively to situations that may arise. By
registering your business, you are contributing to the continued success and safety of your
employees, patrons, and fellow businesses. Registration begins with visiting the City of Aurora’s
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Choose DuPage has partnered with the DuPage County Environmental Division to connect local leaders to resources that promote sustainable practices. Find out more at Sustainable DuPage: Incentives, Information, and Other Resources for Responsible Business Practices.
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Cut Costs, Boost Efficiency, and Reduce Your Environmental Impact by downloading the Green Business Checklist by Choose DuPage for helpful tips and best practices for everything from energy consumption to transportation and more.
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This report highlights 14 key metropolitan areas with major industrial markets in the Central Region, including Chicagoland. It looks at the interplay between the supply and demand for industrial labor in the warehouse and manufacturing sectors and the supply and demand for industrial space in the region. Download the report.
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In A Small Business Guide to Surviving a Government Shutdown, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is providing details about the potential impacts of a government shutdown and the implications for the business community and the economy.
Grant & Loan Resources
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The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College is a great resource for loan inquiries. Contact Small Business Development Center or call 630-966-4664 to learn more.
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Visit the Illinois’ Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) and the awarding agency website for the details on programs or services being funded, eligibility criteria, terms and conditions of the awards, state contact for the awards, deadlines, and more.
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The Chicago Community Loan Fund is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that also covers areas of DuPage, Will, and Kane counties among others. Its mission is to provide flexible, affordable, and responsible financing and technical assistance for community stabilization and development efforts and initiatives that benefit low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, families, and individuals throughout the metropolitan Chicago area. Perfect for new and current entrepreneurs engaged in all project sizes, it can help with general loan inquiries, rebuild-neighborhood investor lending, and loans, such as predevelopment, construction/rehab, mini perm/permanent, and equipment and working capital. Fill out the Chicago Community Loan Fund Inquiry Form to begin the process.
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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are competitive federal grant programs that provide funding opportunities for small businesses to perform research and development on technology of interest to federal agencies. Both projects provide funding to explore the potential of high-tech products and encourage commercialization of those products. This program would provide a state match to companies that have received awards through the SBIR and STTR grant programs. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses based in Illinois that have received an SBIR/STTR Phase I award from a participating federal agency. Deadline: June 30, 2026
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The intent of Business Attraction Prime Sites Program is to assist companies with large-scale capital investment projects that commit to significant job creation for Illinois residents as they relocate or expand operations within Illinois. Business Attraction Prime Sites grants can encompass a wide range of economic development projects and may include infrastructure and capital equipment purchases that will result in job creation in the state of Illinois. Eligibility can be found at the link. Deadline: June 30, 2027
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The Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program delivers clean jobs training in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to individuals within 36 months of their release to prepare them to work in clean energy and related sector jobs upon release. The program provides classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities, utilizing a standard Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework, connecting program graduates with potential employers in the clean energy industry, and addressing participant needs. Applicants include community-based organizations providing employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community; include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments; and, have a history of serving committed persons or justice involved persons. Click to apply. Deadline: Rolling
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The purpose of the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is to assist communities in attracting or expanding private businesses. The program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to the local government for the benefit of private businesses that create or retain jobs primarily for low- to moderate-income workers. Grants may also be used to support public infrastructure improvements to support economic development as an indirect benefit to a private business. Click to apply. Deadline: Rolling
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The CDBG Economic Development Program component funds are available on an as-needed basis throughout the year to eligible applicants meeting program component requirements until all funds allocated to this component have been distributed. Only projects that create and/or retain permanent jobs will be funded. Projects should attract sizable private investment, have solid commitments to create or retain permanent jobs and demonstrate financial feasibility and benefit to low-to-moderate income persons. Click to apply. Deadline: Rolling
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The CDBG Disaster Response Program is designed for communities experiencing an imminent and urgent threat to public health and safety as indicated by a disaster declaration by the Governor of the State of Illinois. Click to apply. Deadline: Rolling
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The Illinois Reproductive Grant Expansion Program will provide grants for pregnancy centers which include organizations or facilities that has health care employees, volunteers, or agents who are licensed health care professionals. Pregnancy-related services include any medical service, or health counseling service, related to the prevention, preservation, or termination of pregnancy. Organizations are not to engage in unfair methods or deceptive acts or practices, including the use or employment of any deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, or misrepresentation to interfere with or prevent an individual from seeking to gain entry or access. Click to apply. Deadline: Rolling
Workforce Development Resources
Job Postings
Have qualified candidates apply for available jobs by listing positions on partner job boards.
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Promote job openings online to a diverse selection of vetted job seekers through the Illinois JobLink program. Provided by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), this service helps employers match with qualified candidates.
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Looking for talent? Start your search with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance Job Board. List available job opportunities and find qualified professionals who will strengthen your team and are eager to help your business succeed and grow.
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Partner with the schools Career Development team to list available positions on an online job board and access a pool of talented, Waubonsee alum seeking employment opportunities.
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The Workforce Development Division’s Job Posting Service allows employers to reach a large pool of local talent at no cost to your company. The Business Services Team works quickly to post and distribute your employment opportunities to talented job seekers in the Kane and Kendall counties through the Job Board page and various online resources and community-based partnerships.
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workNET Batavia is available in Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb Counties as an integrated workforce system that serves as a one-stop shop for job seekers and employers. This Career Resource Center provides free access to computers with internet access, copiers, and fax machines. In addition, job seekers are provided with high-quality career services, education and training, and supportive services to obtain skills for in-demand occupations and to stay employed. Businesses receive assistance finding skilled workers and obtain additional support and services, including education and training for their current employees.
Hiring Events
Meet and interact with candidates through either in-person or digital recruitment sessions.
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Illinois workNet Virtual Job Fairs give employers the opportunity to host informational sessions and recruit potential candidates for job openings.
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Waubonsee’s Academic & Career Advising hosts career fairs each year, connecting prospective employers with qualified candidates: our students and alumni! Events are held at the Sugar Grove, Aurora Downtown, and Plano campuses.
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Aurora University Career Services connects companies and organizations with talented AU students who are prepared for today’s workforce. We welcome employers interested in hiring students and alumni for internships or full-time positions.
Internships & Apprenticeship
Secure long-lasting assistance from strong, student talent pools by partnering with local, higher education facilities.
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Kane County’s Manufacturing Career Internship Program (MCIP) is designed to help employers find and hire young adults interested in manufacturing and provide out-of-school youth ages 18–21 with an opportunity to start a career in manufacturing. The program works with area employer associations and economic development organizations to find employers willing to help young adults start careers in manufacturing through a six-week internship program.
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Employers may receive a credit of up to $3,500 per apprentice against the taxes imposed by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act, and an additional credit of up to $1,500 for each apprentice if (1) the apprentice resides in an underserved area or (2) the employer's principal place of business is located in an underserved area.
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Waubonsee student internships provide employers the opportunity to be strategic with their recruitment efforts, having potentially invested in a long-term employee should the experience prove mutually beneficial.
Training Programs & Incentives
Find locally organized programs and resources that can help you develop your employee labor skills.
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On-the-Job Training provides employers with a way to have new employees gain specific skills and employment competencies through supervised experience. Workers learn the processes, work tasks, tools, and methods of a specific job or group of jobs in an actual work setting, with employers being reimbursed up to 75% of employee wage expenses.
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Get access to no-cost fidelity bonds protecting employers against potential employee dishonesty, theft, or embezzlement.
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Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) can help qualifying companies upskill current workers to be more competitive. IWT improves productivity, creates new revenue streams, and improves retention of valued employees.
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This credit provides federal tax savings to employers who hire people from certain target groups, such as Veterans and youth.
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Changes to employment law are tough to follow, especially in a highly regulated state like Illinois! Each year, our federal, state, and local legislators add more regulations and more complex compliance requirements. This guide provides a brief overview of federal and Illinois employment laws and regulations.