Batavia Boardwalk Shops Seek Applicants For 2024 Season

BATAVIA, IL — With about six months to go before the start of the fifth season of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, officials are seeking applicants wanting to test their businesses out on the public.

Business owners who want to propel their concepts can take over one of the 10 tiny shops located in a cluster at the southeast corner of Wilson and River Streets in downtown Batavia. The fifth season will open May 10 and run each Friday through Sunday until Dec. 17.

Each of the 10 Boardwalk Shops measures 12 feet by 12 feet. Applications for the spaces are due by Jan. 31.

By renting a shop, business owners can showcase their goods and services and learn how to manage a store successfully. Over the last four years, 19 businesses that participated in the program have moved to permanent locations, according to Batavia MainStreet, the program's organizer.

"The Batavia Boardwalk Shops Program is designed to attract small businesses, create more retail shopping, and bring people into Downtown Batavia for both this unique destination and the rest of downtown," Batavia MainStreet officials said in a news release.

Once applications close at the end of January, a jury committee will review all submissions, keeping vendor diversity in mind, officials said. Previous Boardwalk businesses can reapply but are not guaranteed a shop.

Business owners with questions about the Boardwalk Shops can email info@downtownbatavia.com or call 630-761-3528.