We know that the backbone of every downtown is the community of people and businesses that make it up. Small businesses are the driving force to so many thriving communities. Here in Batavia we are so lucky to be the home of so many successful small businesses. This success of Batavia’s small businesses is no coincidence! The creative vision of these entrepreneurs, along with Batavia's strong sense of community have helped it become a home for so many small businesses. To celebrate national "I Want to Start a Business Day", let's take a look at the small business ecosystem here in Batavia, Illinois!
Since 2023, September 11th has been National I Want to Start a Business Day, which is the perfect time to highlight Batavia’s Entrepreneurial spirit. Batavia has built an ecosystem that welcomes makers, dreamers and doers, helping them grow from concept to successful downtown businesses. We have endless support for our small businesses every step of the way from the dreaming stage to opening your own brick and mortar. We pride ourselves immensely in all of the support we offer throughout the process. Small businesses are at the heart of our downtown identity. Which is why our organization, Batavia MainStreet, is committed to supporting their success every step of the way.
Partnered with the Batavia Farmers Market, the Batavia Artisan Collective is a space for creators and makers to showcase their talents, test ideas, and connect with customers. The Artisan Market pops up the third Saturday of the month in May - October. The market is set up alongside the Batavia Farmers' Market from 8am- 12pm on North River Street. It is a wonderful way for small businesses that are just starting to begin making connections with the wonderful community of Batavia.
For those starting their business that are looking to take things a step further, our incubator model, the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, offer entrepreneurs a low-risk entry into running a storefront. The Boardwalk Shops operate from May through December. Dozens of businesses have “graduated” from the Boardwalk Shops into permanent brick-and-mortar spaces.
The 2026 Boardwalk Shops application is now OPEN, click here to apply! Applications will remain open until January 15th 2026. The 2026 Boardwalk shops will open May 8 - December 20 of 2026.
MainStreet is a non-profit organization that supports all downtown businesses through events, promotion, and opportunities in our historic downtown district. This support is free to our business owners and a huge benefit for small businesses that are starting and moving into brick and mortar locations in downtown Batavia. Click here more information on our Mainstreet organization.
Many of our businesses in Downtown Batavia started at either the Artisan Collective or Boardwalk Shops (or both), and are now in brick and mortar locations downtown, take a look at some of our local business graduates!
A micro flower farm specializing in sustainably grown, farm fresh flowers, wedding floral design services. The also offer floral retail offering bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and other gifts.
Modern handmade and curated goods along with retail and wholesale pillows located in the Wilson Street Mercantile.
A woman owned business and small batch bakery/café that started in the Boardwalk Shops. Every treat is crafted with 100% plant- based, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Arlo Hendrix kids is a cute children’s boutique in Downtown Batavia. They feature boutique items for babies, toddlers and, tweens right here along the Fox River.
Thrown Threads is a handmade pottery, macramé, weaving storefront and studio. They host workshops, classes, and events teaching the community about both their crafts to others.
Women's boutique inspired by the beach, mountains, and whatever brings you happiness found in the Wilson Street Mercantile.
This women owned business provides scratch-made cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bar desserts, and custom orders to the town of Batavia and any who visit.
MoJo Handbags has been providing unique hand made handbags and accessories to the community since their business started here in Batavia!
Providing tasteful home goods and gifts made by women artisans to the community of Batavia and beyond.
Retro, sour, trending, international, and low sugar candies, subscription boxes, candy-themed merchandise, and more can be found in this Batavia small business.
A new addition to Downtown Batavia and our Boardwalk Shops, they provide a wide selection of board games, card games, miniatures, and accessories.
Applications for the Batavia Boardwalk Shops are officially open for the 2026 year! For more information on our small businesses in Batavia, check out our small business directory. Feel free to click on the links for our Batavia Boardwalks and Artisan Collective for more info as well! Happy national I Want to Start a Business Day to all the current and future entrepreneurs out there. We can't wait to meet you, help in your journey, and help you grow in the small business centered community of Batavia!
