April 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SomerCor and the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) are proud to announce a new partnership.
 
Formed in January 2025, the Alliance united four organizations—the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Invest Aurora, Aurora Downtown, and the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce—into a single entity focused on advancing economic development.

Together, SomerCor, the Alliance, and the Alliance Foundation, are focused on expanding economic opportunity throughout the greater Aurora region. By pairing SomerCor’s expertise in Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 lending and grant administration with the Alliance’s strong local presence and focus on inclusive growth, the partnership aims to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and financing they need to succeed.

“Aurora has long been a center of industry, and today it’s evolving into a hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” said SomerCor President and CEO, Manuel Flores. “Joining the Alliance allows us to build on this exciting momentum, supporting local businesses, creating quality jobs, and directing investment to drive transformational impact in Illinois’s second largest city.”

“When business owners have the capital that they need to grow, the entire community benefits,” said Alliance President and CEO Kelly O’Brien. “This partnership with SomerCor strengthens our small business lending and grant capacity, key to positioning Aurora as a model for how mid-size cities can thrive in today’s dynamic economy.”

Visit www.somercor.com and www.auroraregionaleconomicalliance.org to learn more about their programming and partnership.