CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) - Beginning Friday May 1st, the Berwyn Shops: Project Homegrown at 6931 Roosevelt Rd. will have twelve storefronts filled with entrepreneurs participating in an eight-month retail incubator program.
The program is now entering its 5th season says Berwyn Development Corporation coordinator Kierra Turpin who explains that the goal is for these shops to gain insight into what it’s like to run a real brick and mortar.
“It really gives them a low stakes environment to test out what it’s like to run their own storefront. They get to sell their products, have individualized business training, we help them with promotions and act as a mentor,” said Turpin.
Small businesses completing the program, then become eligible for a $10,000 grant toward opening their own storefront within one of Berwyn’s three TIF districts.
Following the season’s grand opening, Berwyn Shops will be open every Friday through Sunday through mid-December.
Throughout the season, the Berwyn Shops will host pop‑ups, shopping events, and community programming designed to support small businesses while inviting residents and visitors to shop local.
The 2026 season includes a diverse lineup of women‑owned, Latino‑owned, and Black‑owned businesses offering everything from wellness and baked goods to art, gifts, and artisan products.
Rites & Tea Rituals – A tea house and wellness parlor devoted to ritual preparation, plant wisdom, and intentional pause
La Casita del Pan – A community-focused bakery serving traditional Mexican pastries and specialty desserts
Estudio Jewelry Boutique – Thoughtfully curated jewelry emphasizing beauty, quality and individuality, inspired by their first generation Mexican-American heritage
Sweetly Vegan, Cakes & Co. – A plant-based bakery and food brand offering handcrafted baked goods and flavorful vegan meals
NaturalsByNette – A plant-based wellness brand creating handcrafted soaps, lotions, and holistic body care products rooted in healing and intention
La Querencia – A curated collection of pieces that rooted in ancient traditions and handcrafted Mexican artesanías
BoothyChicago – Unique jewelry art, acrylic and resin earrings, resin hairpins, t-shirts, hoodies and more, inspired by pop and street art
PeachyPink Creative Studio – A bubbly floral and candle studio centered on everyday living, with thoughtfully crafted pieces that invite pause, warmth, and presence
SuperSimpleSweets Lemonade – Freshly squeezed lemonade with fun, customizable flavors and popping boba
Supreme Whiskey Stones – Custom, on-the-spot laser engraved gifts, including glassware, decanter sets, barrels, cigar accessories, and personalized keepsakes
El Tucancito Chapin – A specialty shop celebrating Central American culture through crafts, clothing, and décor
Werk Mija – Lifestyle brand uplifting Latinas celebrating culture through bold, empowering and relatable messages on stickers, apparel and travel mugs.
The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) markets Berwyn regionally and nationally as a prime business and leisure destination. The BDC aims to promote Berwyn’s energy and culture to visitors and residents and to create unique development opportunities for business.
The BDC is a public-private partnership with the City of Berwyn that provides chamber services and economic development to all segments of the Berwyn community. The BDC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit membership organization that serves business and individual members. The BDC focuses its efforts on those activities that will improve the overall climate for local businesses and residents, in addition to encouraging the development of new commercial venues and employment opportunities. The BDC continually strives to develop new programs, services and special events that promote Berwyn businesses and the community.
