From May to December 2026, the hours will be as follows:

• Fridays from 10AM to 6 PM

• Saturdays from 10AM to 6PM

• Sundays from 10AM to 5PM

No. The $4000 is the total rent for the entire 2026 season (from May to December). It is not due all at once nor is it all due at the beginning of the season. $500 will be due the 1st of each month for the 8-month season.

It is the North American Industry Classification System. It is a classification of business establishments by type of economic activity (process of production). To search for your business’s category, click here.

Yes. Design plans will be submitted to the Homegrown Coordinator and are subject to approval by the BDC team (to ensure feasibility). The Coordinator will connect vendors with interior designers, experts in displays, etc. as needed for mentorship and insight.

As a Berwyn Shop vendor, you are responsible for covering the cost of any decor, appliances, furniture, or other customizations you choose to add to your space. This allows you the freedom to personalize your shop to best reflect your brand and business needs.

You, as the business owner, are expected to adequately staff your shop during the mandatory hours (see question above). You can also appoint designated representatives of your business who can run the shop for you (if you are unable to do so).

• However, your designated representative will be responsible for your Shop, securing the site, and communicating with the Project Manager if any issues arise.

• Also, designated representatives must be of legal working age. More information about this regulation can be found here.

Fencing will be located along the entire perimeter of the incubator location. The gates, trash, and restroom will be locked. There are security cameras on-site.

• Shop vendors may decide to add additional security measures for their shops; however, they will be responsible for providing the equipment, etc.

A jury committee of 13 community volunteers will be selecting the participating vendors. They will be reviewing the applications and business plans. So, it is important that applicants provide thoughtful, complete, and accurate answers to both documents.

• As a note, the goal is to have a variety of products offered at the Shops. As such, vendors with similar products may not all be selected.

The 2026 season will end in December, which means that the current group of vendors will be asked to remove their products from the Shops. They will graduate from the program and hopefully move into a brick-and-mortar space.

• The Berwyn Development Corporation will continue to support the businesses and business owners even after they graduate from the program.

Starting in January of 2027, the Berwyn Shops will begin preparing for the new cohort of vendors. The next season will officially start in May of 2027.

Yes, all participating vendors will need a Berwyn business license (even if they have a license in other parts of Illinois).

• However, businesses are NOT required to show proof of a business license during the application process. It will be required once the 12 vendors are selected.