Batavia Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Jan. 14
If you have a budding business and want to propel it to the next level, Batavia MainStreet invites you to apply for one of 10 12x12 Batavia Boardwalk Shops spaces available. The cluster of tiny shops is located on the southeast corner of Wilson and River Streets in Batavia. Applications are due by January 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. and are available on the Batavia Mainstreet website, downtownbatavia.com/Batavia-boardwalk-vendor-info/.
The scheduled opening on May 20, 2022, marks the third season that independent business owners rent the spaces, showcase their wares and services, and learn how to successfully manage a brick-and-mortar retail store.
If history is any indication, many owners will learn that they can move on to a permanent location after the close of the season in late December 2022. Of the eight shops operating in 2020’s inaugural season, six moved on to permanent locations. Of 2021’s ten shops, six have currently secured locations to continue their business.
The Batavia Boardwalk Shops Incubator Program is designed to attract small businesses, create more retail shopping, and bring people into Downtown Batavia for both this unique destination and the rest of downtown. The program’s tremendous success has garnered interest by other towns, who add their own spin after visiting the Batavia shops to learn more about them.
Last summer, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce invited members of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Executives to dine in downtown Batavia and tour the Boardwalk Shops after a presentation by Jamie Saam, Boardwalk Shops manager. After being introduced to the concept at this luncheon, the City of Berwyn is currently taking applications for the inaugural season of The Berwyn Shops. In a LinkedIn post, Berwyn Development Corporation touted the Batavia Boardwalk Shops while thanking the Batavia Chamber, calling them their “inspiration.”
Once applications close, a jury committee reviews all applications, with diversity in vendor offerings kept in mind. Previous Boardwalk businesses can re-apply, but are not guaranteed a shop, depending on the variety of applications submitted and jury evaluation. Pertinent details about becoming a Batavia Boardwalk Shop vendor are outlined on the Batavia MainStreet website. Contact Jamie Saam, manager of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, via email Jamie@downtownbatavia.com or by calling (630) 761-3528 for more information or with questions.
About Batavia MainStreet:
Batavia MainStreet is a not-for-profit, community-based organization devoted to enhancing Downtown Batavia’s identity as the heart of the community through dedicated volunteer efforts. Our vision is to help create a unique & vital downtown that embraces history, celebrates the arts, preserves our natural environment and promotes quality events to instill a “sense of place” in our community.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up