As Ontario transitions to stage 3 of re-opening it is essential that the Aurora community support our local businesses.
The Town remains focused on supporting our local businesses and I wanted to update everyone on what we have been doing the last few weeks. Our Economic Development staff continue to meet with businesses to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy. Over fifty visitations/outreach calls have been completed to date and staff are now reaching out directly to businesses along Yonge St and will systematically cover the rest of the Town. Businesses can also schedule a visitation via the online intake form on the Town’s website which can be found at https://webforms.aurora.ca/Aurora-Business-Visitation-Online-Intake-Form We are always available to provide resources for reopening and recovery including the Explore Aurora marketing program.
Our team has been working with restaurant owners to administer the Patio Extension Program, and to-date, more than thirteen patio extensions have been approved as we cut red tape to assist businesses looking to expand their patios.
And at the Region we approved our Starter Plus Program to provide $500,000 in micro-grants to about 200 businesses to help them rebound. This grant program is a way to support those that need help. I encourage Aurora businesses to apply. The process will be streamlined to ensure anyone approved will get funds quickly.
I am continuing to making personal visits with landlords and local businesses and work with the Province to help our businesses rebound from this difficult time.
As a Town we will continue to look for ways that we can support/promote our local businesses. With the Aurora Chamber, the BIA and the work of the ABC Task Force we are all working together to ensure that in our Town, we will get through this together. Stay tuned more to come. #GettingThingsDone
