Planning and Economic Development Policy Committee Meeting - September 2026

The Planning and Economic Development Policy Committee meeting of The Aurora Channel on September 18, 2026, focused primarily on a detailed report from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) regarding its integration with the city of Aurora and support for local businesses. The SBDC executive director outlined the center's advising, training, and resource services aimed at helping small businesses and entrepreneurs across Aurora and surrounding counties. Key topics included the center's role in connecting businesses to city, county, and state resources, the diversity of business support programs, and efforts to improve outreach and data tracking through a new customer relations management (CRM) tool. Committee members discussed marketing strategies to increase awareness of SBDC services, data collection on new and existing businesses, and collaboration with city departments and local business centers. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during the meeting, but the discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance economic development support infrastructure and data capabilities for small business growth in Aurora.