Calling all artisans, makers, and pop-up vendors! The 2025 Berwyn Shops applications are live!
The Berwyn Shops: A Homegrown Project now has an open call for vendor applications. We are looking for makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs of all kinds who are looking to take their businesses to the next level. Whether you sell home décor and hand-made accessories or seasonal gifts and skincare, we have space for you!
How to Get Started
Business Plan
A crafted business plan serves as a roadmap for your small business. It also demonstrates preparedness for this incubator adventure, which is why one is required when you apply. The Women's Business Development Center is here to!
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Selected by a jury of 13 community members.
Enrolled in a tailored workshop series with business leaders.
Located in a 12' x 15' mini storefront that is equipped with electricity and WiFi.
Encouraged to design your shop to reflect your creativity and brand aesthetic
Supported and promoted via print, digital, and social media.
Exposed to driving and foot traffic along the highly frequented Roosevelt Rd
Able to test out the local market before committing to a full-blown store
Deadline is Jan 6, 2025 at 8am
As a vendor you will be:
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What will the Berwyn Shops hours be?From May to December 2025, the hours will be as follows: Fridays from 10AM to 6 PM Saturdays from 10AM to 6PM Sundays from 10AM to 5PM
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Is the $4,000 for rent due all at once?No. The $4000 is the total rent for the entire 2025 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.
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What is the NAICS code on the business plan?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.
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Will BDC help with the interior design portion of the shops?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. The BDC team is also considering financial support to cover the cost of interior design work that is permanently attached to the shops (i.e. shelves, etc.). The BDC financial support will NOT cover appliances or items that vendors plan to take with them at the end of the season.
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Who is allowed to run my Shop?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.
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What security measures will be on-site?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.
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How will vendors be selected?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.
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What happens at the end of the season, in December of 2025?The 2025 season will end in December, which means that the first 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 2026, the Berwyn Shops will begin preparing for the new cohort of vendors. The next season will officially start in May of 2026.
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Do I need a Berwyn business license?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.
Special Thank You
To our current 2024 vendors: THANK YOU! It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you, your products, and your small businesses. We are incredibly PROUD of you and all the hard work you have put into the first season of the Berwyn Shops. You have demonstrated excellence, patience, creativity, and passion. We cannot wait to see what you do next!
