Our Mission
After operating two coworking locations and seeing countless startups and micro-businesses flourish within that community over the last decade, it's time to launch the next phase of our mission to support growing businesses. We'll be investing more directly in startups and small businesses through capital support, mentorship, and access to investors, markets, and other supporting entities. We're creating an incubator!
We’ve been curating an art gallery in our Evanston space for over nine years, helping local artists to share their work with an admiring public. Now we are ready to curate a portfolio of local businesses in The Gallery. We want to give each business the framework they need to reach a new level. Let’s get creative!
Do you have a great idea but need support developing it and pitching to investors?
Our program will prepare you for approaching investors, and our startup pitch events will put you in front of them and the larger community.
Is your business growing and evolving in ways you can’t fully predict?
We offer opportunities for you to grow, shrink, or pivot in place. It’s even possible to have a live-work studio!
Are you firmly established and ready to advance to the next level?
You’ll have access to our extensive network of contacts to help you find new customers, new partners, and new employees.
Does opening your innovative retail business feel like too big of a risk?
We offer small-scale ground floor retail stalls with full amenities, flexibility, and support staff.
Is your big next step a heavy lift to build or to market?
Our mentors represent deep knowledge in marketing, technology, and go-to-market strategies in addition to having close ties with many of the incubator and accelerator programs in Chicago and elsewhere.
Program Highlights
- Incubator program run by experienced entrepreneurs and investors
- Capital support for your next big move
- Mentorship tailored to your business
- Connections to investor groups
- Regular pitch sessions
- Space options ranging from storefront retail to private offices to whole floors
- Full amenities such as high-speed Internet, printing, phones, coffee, and snacks
- Conference rooms with projection capabilities
- Support staff for marketing, communications, research tasks, and reception
- Large storage area for products, supplies, and equipment
- Outdoor space for break times and for hosting small gatherings
- Art-filled space in the heart of Downtown Evanston
- Access to additional space at the historic Colvin House in Edgewater
Selection Process
We will invite up to 10 businesses at a time to become members of our incubator program. The selection process begins with an application and interviews. We're looking for anyone who will benefit from a capital and leadership boost based in Evanston, including:
- Disruptive startups
- Transitioning businesses seeking capital
- Innovative retail businesses
- Specialty boutiques and artisans
- E-commerce fulfillment companies
- Financial services companies
- Real estate companies
- Wellness companies
- Education companies
- Training/coaching businesses
- Social services companies
- Arts organizations
Minority- and women-owned/managed businesses are encouraged to apply.