Question 1

What will the Berwyn Shops hours be?

Accepted Answer

From May to December 2026, the hours will be as follows:Fridays from 1PM to 8PMSaturdays from 10AM to 5PMSundays from 10AM to 3PM

Question 2

Is the $4,000 for rent due all at once?

Accepted Answer

No. The $4000 is the total rent for the entire season (from April 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.

Question 3

What is the NAICS code on the business plan?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Will BDC help with the interior design portion of the shops?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Design plans will be submitted to the Berwyn Shops 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.

Question 5

Who is allowed to run my Shop?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What security measures will be on-site?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How will vendors be selected?

Accepted Answer

A jury committee of 12 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.

Question 8

What happens at the end of the season in December?

Accepted Answer

The 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.

Question 9

Do I need a Berwyn business license?

Accepted Answer

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.

Berwyn Shops Vendor Application

Want to Learn More About the Program?

Oct 15th | 11am

Nov 23rd | 9am

Nov 4th | 5:30pm

Dec 15th | 3pm

How to Get Started

Got Questions? We Have answers!

As a vendor you will be:

Frequently asked questions