Made In Elgin Incubator Program
Fueling Downtown Elgin’s Next Generation of Small Business Owners
The Made in Elgin Incubator Program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs ready to launch their dream business in the heart of Elgin. This one-year program offers below-market rent, mentorship, business support, marketing exposure, and community connections to help new ventures thrive.
Whether you’re a maker, service provider, or storefront-based startup, the DNA Incubator is designed to reduce barriers and set you up for success in a supportive downtown environment.
Why Join the Incubator?
- 12 months of discounted rent in a downtown storefront
- One-on-one mentorship and business advising
- Promotional support and local visibility
- Tailored training workshops and community engagement
More Details on Program
THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO:
Provide low-cost retail space to help businesses scale up.
Offer hands-on mentorship and structured training programs through key partnerships.
Create a pipeline for businesses to transition into permanent storefronts in Downtown Elgin.
Serve as a destination attraction, increasing foot traffic and economic activity in the district.
Activate a shared retail and production space at The Courtyard at 40 DuPage.
Is This Program Right for You?
The Made in Elgin Incubator is designed for creative entrepreneurs and makers ready to grow their businesses in a supportive, shared space. You’ll be a great fit if you create products like:
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Clothing and apparel
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Home décor
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Health and beauty goods
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Natural home products
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Hobby and gaming items
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Novelties and unique gifts
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Children’s toys and products
What’s Not a Fit
Because of safety and facility limitations, some types of businesses aren’t suited for this program. These include:
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Food or beverage production
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Processes needing special ventilation or industrial safety systems
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Welding, metalworking, or other activities involving open flame or high-heat equipment
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Products involving hazardous chemicals or waste
Implementation Timeline (Aug 2025 – Jan 2027)
- August 2025: Secure lease, begin space buildout, recruit first vendor cohort.
- September – November 2025: Buildout completion, final vendor selections, marketing campaign.
- November 2025: Soft launch with pilot tenants, business development programming begins.
- December 2025: Full launch, store and production space full operational.
- December 2025 – June 2026: Vendor sales tracking, complete first round of business development programming, cohort evaluations, and completion.
- June – December 2026: Final program evaluations, Vendors begin transitioning out of the incubator into permanent spaces, preparation for next cohort.
- Jan 2027: Welcome new vendors
Our Partners in Growing Downtown Business
We’re proud to partner with organizations that believe in building a thriving, inclusive business ecosystem in Downtown Elgin. Their support makes the Incubator Program possible.
In Partnership with
