The Batavia Boardwalk Shops is a business incubator program operated by Batavia MainStreet that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs in Batavia, Illinois. By offering affordable, small-scale retail spaces, the program allows startups to test their business models, build a customer base, and successfully transition into permanent brick-and-mortar locations. This initiative aligns with the community’s economic development strategy while fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening Batavia's vibrant downtown district.
The success of the Boardwalk Shops program is demonstrated by 15 alumni shops continuing to operate in Downtown Batavia. Collectively, these businesses illustrate the program’s consistent ability to nurture emerging entrepreneurs and strengthen a diverse, resilient downtown retail district.
2020 - Light & Pine Collective, Haylie B’s Bakery, Desmond Brown, and Dash Ten Works (inside Red Hive Market)
2021 - Farmdog Flowers, MoJo Handbags Et-Cetera, and New Moon Vegan
2022 - arlo.hendrix Baby+ Kids and The Candy Stop (inside Red Hive Market)
2023 - Thrown Threads and Simply Kirious Soaps (inside the Wilson Street Mercantile)
2024 - Seapeak Style
2025 - Tabletop Game Shop, A Rooted Home, and Giron Guatemalan Apparel and Home (inside Red Hive Market and inside the Wilson Street Mercantile)
Season Dates
Open May 8 - December 20, 2026
Boardwalk Shop Hours
Friday: 11 am – 5 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm (thru October 24); 10 am - 5 pm (October 31 - December 20)
Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Location
114 East Wilson Street, Batavia
