The rent and common area maintenance (CAM) fees are $4,600. A refundable $500 security deposit is also required for a total investment of $5,100. Vendors will be required to pay 50% of total rent plus the $500 security deposit to secure their spot at the time of signing the License Agreement. Vendors will not be given access to their Shops until the initial payment is received. The remaining rent and CAM ($2,600) will be paid over the 8 months of the program (May - December 2026) at a rate of $325 a month.

Retail businesses (i.e. artisanal products, baked goods, skincare, pet accessories, books, etc.) are eligible. Businesses that require running water and/or on-site food preparation are NOT eligible. In addition, businesses with a multi-level marketing model, CBD/THC products, alcohol, or weapons are NOT eligible. We will also not be allowing products that include profanity, religious symbols, offensive phrases, or political statements.

A drafted business plan is required for the vendor application to be considered complete. However, you can submit the online form (HERE) without the business plan initially as long as you email the business plan to sohoshops@kpgs-consulting.com prior to January 5, 2026.

The Shops will be open every weekend from May to December 2026 with the following hours:

Friday 12pm-8pm

Saturday 10am-6pm

Sunday 11am-6pm

Applications close at noon on January 5, 2026, all completed forms will be shared with the project team and a committee of reviewers. Finalists will be asked to pitch their business and share their products with the committee during in-person interviews. These interviews are expected to be scheduled between January 12 and January 23.

Finalists will be confirmed by mid-January 2026. Vendors will then be selected by the committee by January 23. Once vendors are selected, the project team will reach out to selected vendors to confirm participation no later than the end of January. All applicants will be notified of their status by the beginning of February 2026.

As part of the incubator program, vendors are required to attend educational sessions facilitated by local business experts. During these training meetings, vendors will learn more about key topics, such as cash flow, accounting, leases, marketing, event planning, and more!

Yes, please read the Food Sales Policy below.

Food Sales Policy:

Due to the absence of running water, only businesses operating under the Illinois Cottage Food Law are eligible to sell food products in the retail incubator program. All participating food vendors must:

• Register with the Cook County Department of Public Health as a Cottage Food Operation.

• Provide proof of registration prior to occupancy.

• Limit sales to products permitted under Illinois’ Cottage Food Law.

• Comply with labeling, packaging, and allergen disclosure requirements.

Vendors preparing or selling food requiring water supply, refrigeration, or hot holding (Time/Temperature Control for Safety foods) are not permitted.

If selected to be a vendor, you would be expected to:

• Obtain a South Holland business license and insurance

• Design and set up the interior of your shop

• Attend orientation and scheduled trainings

• Open and operate your Shop every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May-Dec

• Host on-site events and/or collaborate with other vendors

• Submit monthly sales via an online form

• Share information about the Shops on social media

The mini storefronts are expected to open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May-Dec 2026. However, vendors will be expected to attend training sessions, design their spaces, and obtain business licenses prior to May 2026.

You, as the business owner, are expected to staff your shop during the open hours every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you are unable to be onsite, you can hire individuals and/or appoint representatives of your business who can run the shop for you.

* Please note: All representatives (i.e. friends, family, hired employees, interns) must be 18 years old or older to work at the Shops. They are also required to follow the vendor expectations, as well as help maintain a clean and secure space.

Fencing will be located along the entire perimeter of the incubator location. The gates, trash, and restroom will remain locked when not in use. The Shops will also have digital locks with vendors only having the codes to their own spaces.

Yes, the Shops will be equipped with the following:

• Heat/AC

• Electricity

• Internet/WiFi

• Site Security Cameras

• Waste Removal Service

• General Maintenance

• Digital Locks

• Custom-made signage (vendors must provide logos)

• Exterior décor (planters and exterior elements provided by Village)