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Retail Incubator & Pop-Up Program
The City of Evanston — in partnership with retail activation strategist Claire Seizovic — is launching a Pop-Up + Incubator Program in Downtown Evanston this October to connect local business owners with affordable short-term storefronts, business incubation support, and a structured pathway toward permanent commercial tenancy in Evanston. The program will prioritize access for businesses from historically underrepresented communities and center the real needs of Evanston's small business owners. Your responses will directly shape the program's design: how spaces are structured, what support services are offered, and how the City matches businesses with available properties.
A short survey is open now through May 29. Your responses will directly influence how the program is designed: how spaces are structured, what support services are offered, and how we match businesses with available storefronts.
The idea is simple but powerful: take the empty storefronts that have been sitting vacant and turn them into real opportunities for Evanston business owners, with City-backed support every step of the way. Participating businesses can expect subsidized short-term retail space (leases as short as three months), hands-on business training and mentorship, and access to a peer network of fellow small business owners. Whether you're dreaming of your first storefront, ready to test a new concept, or looking to take your next big step — this program was designed for you. Open to businesses at all stages and prioritizing access for entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities.
Take the 10-minute survey by May 29 and receive early access to the program application this summer, before the general public announcement!
Questions?
Contact Claire Seizovic: hello@claireseizovic.com | 847.525.3114
Or reach our Economic Development Division:
Katie Boden, Economic Development Coordinator | kboden@cityofevanston.org | 847-448-8132