09/02/2026
This is a great opportunity for our local creative community! There are limited spots for this cohort and it starts in two weeks.
🎨 You know how to create. Now let’s build the business behind it.
The Aurora Financial Empowerment Center is excited to introduce Create. Sell. Grow. — a 5-week Business Building Cohort for Makers & Creatives!
Designed for Aurora artists, makers, vendors, side hustlers, and emerging creative entrepreneurs, this program will help you turn your creativity into a stronger, more intentional business.
Over five weeks, participants will work on:
✨ Business planning
💰 Budgeting & cash flow
🏦 Banking & capital readiness
🛍️ Retail, vendor & pricing readiness
📈 Systems for growth
Participants will also receive two individual financial coaching sessions through the Aurora Financial Empowerment Center.
And there’s more: Those who successfully complete the program requirements can choose to pitch for one of five Implementation Support Microgrants of up to $2,000 each to help put what they’ve learned into action!
📅 Wednesdays, September 16 – October 14
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 City of Aurora Public Works Department
2185 Liberty St., Aurora, IL 60502
💻 Virtual participation will also be available.
The cohort concludes with the Business Readiness Showcase on October 28, where we’ll celebrate participants, recognize their progress, and hear pitches from eligible entrepreneurs seeking microgrant support.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to be ready to learn, build, and take your business seriously.
⚠️ Space is limited and registration will close once the cohort is full.
Questions? Contact the FEC at [email protected] or (630) 256-4551.
Please note: Food-based businesses and businesses requiring specialized professional, health, kitchen, or facility licensing—including licensed hair and nail services—are not eligible for this cohort.
