Evanston officials are set to launch a pop-up and pilot incubator program in October, aiming to address downtown storefront vacancies. The program will offer selected applicants affordable short-term retail space, business mentorship and financial planning support.    

Student entrepreneurs and small businesses can apply early for subsidized storefront leases by completing a survey by May 29. 

“We want to move beyond assumptions and build this program around what Evanston businesses actually need,” Urban Planner Claire Seizovic said. 

Seizovic proposed the program, which she is now developing alongside the city’s Economic Development Division, in January.

The city is specifically seeking input from student entrepreneurs. The survey is open to anyone operating a business within Evanston city limits, including students operating out of their dorms, online or through campus markets. 

“That includes entrepreneurs who are earlier in their journey — people who have a concept, a customer base and the drive to grow, but haven’t had access to affordable physical space,” Seizovic said. 

The incubator program also prioritizes applicants “from historically underrepresented communities,” according to a city press release. 

McCormick junior Thekra Alkadee founded Yaqeen Hijabs with a friend and her roommate after feeling hijabs of high-quality material from Egypt. The business sells modest women’s clothing.

For Yaqeen, securing a physical storefront also means providing a hands-on experience for customers. 

“I feel that’s really important when you’re selling clothes or selling hijabs, because people want to actually feel and see the product,” Alkadee said.

The program aims to connect entrepreneurs with more experienced mentors and fellow business owners.

Weinberg first-year Chloe Raymundo runs communications for CrEATe Co, a student-run catering company serving campus events. Raymundo said the program’s business training and peer support elements are especially compelling.

“Mentorship is crucial,” Raymundo said. “There’s little else that matters more than knowing what to do. That’s why we’re in university. We’re here to learn what’s going on.” 

Seizovic said the program will give students an opportunity to bring their on-campus experience — like skills learned from The Garage, an entrepreneurial space for students — to downtown. 

By supporting student entrepreneurs, Raymundo said the program can also support student customers. 

“The needs of the students, as far as I can tell, are pretty well-met, but not by other students,” Raymundo said. “And who else to know what the students need but other students?” 

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