We are excited to announce we are moving to the next stage of our retail incubator project! If you or someone you know is interested in opening a storefront in McHenry, our vendor applications are now available online.

Our new McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes will provide a physical retail experience to businesses ready to take on the challenge of operating a brick-and-mortar location. Selected businesses will have the opportunity to test their product in the McHenry market for a season while learning the ins and outs of operating a retail storefront.

This initiative is part of a larger project to redevelop Miller Point as a destination location. The McHenry Chamber, the City of McHenry, and McHenry Community High School District 156 are working collaboratively to plan and execute this endeavor.

RETAIL INCUBATOR

This project will provide a physical retail experience to businesses ready to take on the challenge of operating a brick-and-mortar location. Selected businesses will have the opportunity to test their product in the McHenry market for a season while learning the ins and outs of operating a retail storefront.

The plan is to build an idyllic “village” of 12’ x 12’ and 12’ x 16’ tiny shops that have a nominal cost to rent for a season (May through October).

SUPPORT FOR START-UPS

Vendors will have the opportunity to open their own business and determine if it is the right fit for them without investing a significant amount of capital. One of the requirements of the business owners will be to participate in multiple workshops that will help them grow their business and prepare them for “what’s next”. Supported by the McHenry Area Chamber, the City of McHenry, and other shop owners, these businesses are in a strong position to succeed.

SUPPORT FOR EXISTING BUSINESS

Located next to the Riverwalk on Boone Creek, the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes will also serve as a link to the retail and restaurants that already exist in our downtown areas in either direction. Creating a retail experience will encourage visitors to “make a day” of shopping, eating, and playing at existing businesses.

The Riverwalk Shoppes and activities at Miller Point Park will provide a much-needed economic development boost and a viable tourism attraction.

87% of incubated companies are still in business after 5 years, and 84% stay in the same area where they started operations.

Read more about the Vendor Info and frequently asked questions

We are also looking for businesses who are interested in getting involved in this community project, either through gift in kind donations or sponsorships.

To see an overview of the entire project, click here or reach out to Molly, President of our McHenry Chamber of Commerce

#BECAUSEMCHENRY