Latest news with #JenniferFukala
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin's DNA hoping $100,000 grant will help pop-up vendors become downtown store owners
The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is creating a new business incubator program with a $100,000 grant from Main Street America. The nonprofit is one of three organizations nationally to receive the Small Business Accelerator Grant funded by The Hartford in partnership with Main Street America, DNA Executive Director Jennifer Fukala said. There are 150 vendors who operate pop-up businesses as part of DNA's weekly Downtown Elgin Market on the Riverside Drive Promenade, which opens for the season this Friday. They could all be potential candidates for the incubator program, Fukala said. 'We see an opportunity to develop a program to help them become full-time brick-and-mortar businesses,' she said. 'We've had some businesses make the jump, and we know it's a big jump. This program is going to help businesses be better prepared to do that.' DNA plans to have a 1,000-square-foot retail storefront and production space for eight to 12 businesses, which will revolve between businesses as owners work toward opening their own location, she said. Expected to open this winter, the space will be downtown in a location yet to be determined, Fukala said. Under the program, already-established small business owners will serve as part of a cohort to provide support and advice, including one component focused just on business development, she said. Ultimately, the goal is to help grow more retail businesses in the downtown district and set them up so they can thrive, Fukala said. DNA is a member of the Illinois Main Street program, and just became nationally accredited by Main Street America. With The Hartford being one of Main Street America's major sponsors, the local organization could eligible for additional funding in the future, Fukala said. Downtown is evolving, DNA Board President Brian Piñon told the Elgin City Council at a recent meeting where the grant was announced. 'We have over a dozen properties under renovation. We have seen properties change hands that haven't changed hands in decades to new property owners that are really investing in our community,' Piñon said. 'This grant represents a national recognition that our downtown has value. (The Hartford and Main Street are) investing in us because our downtown matters,' he said. '(Downtown is) really the heart of our community, and it's where we come together, where we go to see each other. It's kind of our communal living room. It's what DNA has been working hard to create.' The Downtown Elgin Market is one of the big attractions, drawing more than 22,000 visitors last year, according the DNA's annual report. Survey numbers indicate that 56% of those who went to the market also participated in other downtown activities, the report said. This year the market will open two weeks earlier than normal. Held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday through Oct. 10, the first day Friday will include a ribbon-cutting with Mayor Dave Kaptain at 3:30 p.m. 'Every year we are looking at how to dial it further or try different things,' Fukala said. 'There are some markets that have already started. We thought we would give it a try.' First Friday market days — with extended hours to 8 p.m. — will be held this Friday as well as June 6 and Aug. 1. It will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. on those days. Food trucks, chef demonstrations, live entertainment and educational programming from community partners are some of the activities offered.
New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Factories Were Pushed Out of Cities. Their Return Could Revive Downtowns.
Cities and small towns have tried to revitalize their downtowns by rolling back certain rules and requirements to help promote new developments and bring life to empty streets. Now, they're returning to an earlier era, when craftspeople such as food makers, woodworkers and apparel designers were integral parts of neighborhood life, and economic activity revolved around them. New York City changed its zoning rules last year for the first time in decades to allow small-scale producers in neighborhoods where they had long been restricted. The City of Elgin, a suburb of Chicago, approved a code change last fall allowing retailers to make and sell products in the same space. In 2022, Baltimore passed a bill that allows small-scale food processing and art-studio-related businesses in commercial zones. And Seattle's City Council will vote in September on a plan that includes changing rules to allow artisan manufacturers in residential neighborhoods. Supporters said the proposal would help create the kind of walkable mixed-use neighborhoods that were common in an earlier era. A goal of the rezoning in Elgin, said Jennifer Fukala, executive director of the downtown neighborhood association there, is to encourage part-time makers working out of their homes to open brick-and-mortar businesses, helping to diversify the local economy. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Chicago Tribune
30-06-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: No Elgin market, West Dundee French Market on July 4; local police agencies beefing up Independence Day patrols
Because of the holiday, the Downtown Elgin Market and the French Market in West Dundee won't be held on Friday, July 4. Elgin's outdoor market will not operate that day because there are too many other activities going on downtown, including a parade, food trucks, live music and a fireworks show, said Jennifer Fukala, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. Both weekly seasonal markets will return to their regular hours on Friday, July 11. The holiday will not affect The Depot Market in downtown East Dundee, which will take place as scheduled on Saturday, July 5, Depot attendant Mark Feck said. Law enforcement agencies across Kane County are increasing patrols for the Fourth of July holiday and cracking down on people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Kane County state's attorney's office will be working with police agencies on an anti-DUI 'no-refusal' operation, which will start at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4, and end at 2 a.m. Saturday, July 5, according to a news release. Assistant state's attorneys will assist police in obtaining search warrants to conduct blood, breath or urine tests on people who are stopped on suspicion of drunken driving and refuse to submit to testing as required by Illinois law, the release said. Someone who continues to refuse testing even with a search warrant being issued should expect to face additional charges, officials said. Additionally, Carpentersville and Elgin police are conducting a safety campaigns through Monday, July 7, focused on impaired and unbuckled drivers. Admission on Friday, July 4, will be $4 per person at the Dolphin Cove Family Aquatic Center, 300 N. Kennedy Drive/Route 25, Carpentersville. The rate applies to residents and nonresidents, according to a Dundee Township Park District social media post. Daily admission rates are usually $10 residents/$13 nonresidents for ages 3 to 9; $11 residents/$14 nonresidents for ages 10 to 61; and $9 residents/$12 nonresidents for anyone 62 or older. Children 2 or younger are admitted for free. The aquatic center's July 4 hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go to Paul's Family Restaurant in Elgin will host its third annual car show from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, in its parking lot at 1300 Lawrence Ave. The show is open to all years and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles, according to a social media post. Registration is $15 and runs from 10 a.m. to noon. The cars are free to view, and the restaurant will be open for business. The rainout date is Sunday, July 6. For more information, call JP Car Shows, 847-275-8290.
Chicago Tribune
17-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Makers Market being held downtown Saturday to celebrate home-grown Elgin businesses
More than 20 local vendors will be set up along newly renovated DuPage Court in downtown Elgin Saturday as part of Makers Market, a pop-up event being held by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Elgin-based businesses selling everything from baked goods and jewelry to art pieces, dog cookies and beauty products will fill the outdoor venue in an homage of sorts to the city's long history as a manufacturing base notable for its butter and dairy products and the Elgin Watch Co. The Made in Elgin initiative also will showcase the $3 million in renovations made to DuPage Court, located between Spring Street and South Grove Avenue, so it could be better used as a site for outdoor events. In addition to infrastructure improvements, including new sewer, sanitary and water lines, enhancements include a new gateway, paving bricks, benches, stage area for amplified live music and other entertainment, and movable tables and chairs. Made in Elgin is a DNA campaign done in partnership with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Group, offering a free registry for local businesses that produce items in the city. A 'Made in Elgin' seal can be affixed to the business and used as a marketing tool, DNA Executive Director Jennifer Fukala said. Local vendors without bricks-and-mortar locations can get a feel for how things work in Elgin through the Saturday event in the hope they might eventually become part of the downtown retail scene, she said. In addition to businesses selling their wares, Makers Market also will feature family-friendly activities, including areas set up for kids craft area and to build bird houses, live music and demonstrations. Among the vendors on hand will be artist Ken Simonsen, who plans to sell original signed prints and sculpted pieces. 'I'm an Elgin resident, and I've been doing business in Elgin for over 20 years,' Simonsen said. 'The excellent group of people at the DNA are not only accommodating, but are great at promoting these events. 'Last year was my first experience vending at the downtown (summer farmers) market. I made a lot of great connections and (while) it was profitable, my crazy schedule will only allow me a few days this season.' Another vendor will be Jennifer Monterroso, owner of La Joya De Taxco, which specializes in silver jewelry. 'This is a family business that started with my grandmother more than 30 years ago. She passed it along to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,' Monterroso said. She's been taking part in special pop-up and seasonal markets in Elgin for three years, she said. 'I love all the changes that have been going on downtown because of the DNA, and want to support their purpose,' Monterroso said. 'I hope to get more exposure at the Makers Market, and that will help build a broader clientele for my business.' For a list of vendors and more information on the Makers Market, go to
