Geneva Commons Unveils Inaugural Pop-Up Contest

GENEVA, IL — Small businesses will have the chance to win a free pop-up storefront or restaurant at Geneva Commons by competing in the mall's inaugural Uncommon Collective contest.

The prize? Two small businesses — one restaurant and one retail — will be awarded a fully built-out space at the Geneva mall, at 602 Commons Drive, during high-traffic summer months. Both winners will also each get a $3,500 cash prize to go toward the design and build-out of their dream pop-up.

Storefronts will be open to the public starting Memorial Day and run through Labor Day. Contest organizers said no rent will be charged, but each business will be responsible for utility charges during their stay.

Local brands, creators, artists, restauranteurs, food truck operators and food-preneurs are invited to apply, which can be done by filling out a short application available on the mall's website. The application deadline for the contest, which started Monday, is set for March 7 — extended after originally planned for Feb. 28.

Once applications are closed, the team at Geneva Commons and a panel of judges will choose finalists, who will then participate in in-person interviews as well as a Finalist Showcase Day to test-run their concepts for the public.

The group of finalists will also be highlighted on Geneva Commons's website and social media platforms, giving shoppers the chance to vote on which concept they'd like to see open this summer. According to a news release, fan votes won't determine the winners but will be taken into consideration for final selections.

Winners are expected to be announced in April.

"Geneva Commons is a vibrant community with a mission to empower and encourage shoppers, brands, and makers to embrace the uncommon," Cathy Charut, general manager of Geneva Commons, said in a statement. "The Tri-City area is full of inspiring and passionate entrepreneurs with unique ideas, and we’re committed to fueling this creativity and innovation by giving these concepts a platform to grow their businesses during a peak shopping season."

Editor's note: This article has been updated after organizers extended the contest deadline.