Elgin’s New Retail Incubator Empowers Local Entrepreneurs
Since 2024, Elgin’s Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) has been hosting spring pop-up makers markets, providing upcoming business owners with a platform to display their handcrafted products. Next month, the Made In Elgin Shop is due to open its doors. This initiative, part of DNA’s Made In Elgin Incubator Program, will be located in the Courtyard at 40, where up to eight entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to create and sell their products.
Location and Setup
“The Made In Elgin Shop will be situated at 42 S. Spring St., occupying both storefronts facing Spring Street, now combined into a single unit,” Jennifer Fukala, DNA Executive Director, stated. This project is underwritten by a $100,000 Small Business Accelerator Grant from The Hartford, in partnership with Main Street America, awarded in May 2025.
The funding has facilitated the purchase of essential items such as lighting, slatwalls, paint, display pieces, a point-of-sale system, printers, and a comprehensive security system. Additionally, it includes work tables and educational programs for participating businesses. Some funds are reserved for marketing and program maintenance in its inaugural year.
Opening Participants and Schedule
The shop will initially host four vendors, and DNA is seeking another four to complete the roster. Operating during select hours from Thursday to Sunday, tenants will pay $400 monthly rent, committing to a minimum of six months. “The primary aim is to establish a dynamic lineup, helping entrepreneurs shift from home-based or online ventures to independent downtown storefronts,” Fukala explained.
The first participants include Anika Jones with her Head to Toe Blessings line of skin and hair care products. Regina and Tawny Pauling’s The Noble Soapery will offer soaps, body and hair care items, candles, and home scents. Jen Monterroso brings La Joya De Taxco, a family-run jewelry enterprise, and Tola Makinde will showcase TCreativ Designs and MOPE Botanical Wellness.
Entrepreneurial Vision
“Under TCreativ Designs, which I commenced five years ago, I create pressed floral art, botanical jewelry, resin keepsakes, and nature-inspired home decor, alongside offering floral preservation services,” Makinde said. “MOPE Botanical Wellness evolved from TCreativ Designs, focusing on cold-infused botanical oil blends and gemstone wellness kits. Everything is rooted in nature and crafted with purpose. MOPE translates to ‘to be complete’ in Yoruba, reflecting my middle name and my grandmother’s name.”
Makinde manages these projects from her home studio in the Elgin region, performing all tasks by hand, including pressing, resin work, and oil infusions. She sells her creations at multiple events and markets in the Chicago area and has been a vendor at the Downtown Elgin Market for several years. Engaging with the Made in Elgin Shop felt like a natural progression for her.
Incubator Program Vision
Fukala expressed that the program intends to assist businesses like Makinde’s in developing from market booths to physical storefronts. “This extends beyond mere business support,” she said. “It represents a calculated economic development plan, aiming to establish a future pipeline of downtown businesses. These businesses often benefit from varied revenue channels, including wholesale, online, event, and direct-to-consumer sales, making them more resilient to changes in walk-in customer flow. This diverse approach enhances their long-term sustainability and strengthens the broader downtown business landscape.”
Makinde anticipates significant benefits from this opportunity. “Having a fixed, professional venue to present both TCreativ and MOPE allows for a setting that truly highlights our work,” she noted. “Being surrounded by fellow local artisans creates an invaluable creative community. I hope it leads to more workshops and collaborations.”