The Market on Mill St Shoppes, a retail incubator project by the Village of North Utica, is designed to attract small businesses, create more retail shopping options, and bring people into downtown Utica. Applications will be open on January 1, 2025 for our 1st Season opening for a full season beginning May of 2025.

The ongoing long-term goal of this project is to foster entrepreneurship in Utica and the greater Starved Rock Country region, specifically as it relates to retail shopping. To provide a structured setting for new businesses to test their market, while also providing ongoing educational support and training for those entrepreneurs to help ensure their best chance of long-term success in a competitive and challenging retail environment. And further, to provide a pipeline of new businesses to keep storefronts occupied and add to the prosperity of the communities in which they locate.

Running a business is a big venture and we want you to succeed! This is why applicants are asked to submit their business plan along with their application. If you don’t have one yet, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College can help you create one. Their services are free of charge. 

Important information to consider before applying:

Rent & Shop Hours – The Market on Mill St Shoppes will be open for a full season beginning May of 2025.

Rent for the 2025 season is $2400 ($300 per month) for the 10’x10′ incubator which will house your small business for the 8-month season.  If you are selected as a vendor there will be a $500 refundable deposit due when signing the lease.

**Please note the dates and times below are the MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS. Vendors may be open additional dates and time as they may choose.

HOURS – May to December
Thursdays – 12PM to 4PM
Fridays & Saturdays – 10AM to 6PM
Sundays & Mondays – 10AM to 4PM

SPECIAL SUMMER HOURS:  TBD based on Village Events

These days and hours are MANDATED. Please consider who can cover your shop if you cannot be there.

Vendor Selection Process:

Twelve 10’x10′ incubator units will be available for the 2025 season. Your application WILL NOT be considered unless it is complete.

An independent jury will review all applications and select the vendors for the 2025 season. The jury will strive to provide diversity in our vendor offerings. Applications will be reviewed with this in mind. Applications may be approved that sell similar items, and once approved additional product lines shall not be introduced without prior approval.

A contract will be provided and a location assignment will be made by the Shoppe’s Manager. All accepted applicants must participate in marketing and events, and participate in the training opportunities provided. Subletting of units during the lease term is not permitted.

All businesses/vendors will be required to have an business EIN as well as pay sales tax. If your business type requires additional licensing, proof of that will be required as well.

No businesses which require potable water, heating or preparing of food onsite will be accepted due to the limitations of the incubator spaces. Prepackaged food for offsite consumption is allowable. If you intend to sell such food items, please include detail on where your products are prepared under the business description section below and attach a copy of your food sanitation and other required licensing as one of your uploads.

Applicants with additional questions may contact:

Village of North Utica
Jamie Turczyn, Director of Village Affairs
248 W Canal St.
Utica, IL 61373
Phone: 815-791-0129
Email: [email protected]

Application Timeline:

Application Period: January 1, 2025 – February 15, 2025
Selection Period: February 16, 2025 – March 2, 2025
Applicant Notification: March 3, 2025
Unit Possession: April 1, 2025
Open for Business: May 1, 2025 – December 22, 2025