Follow Us!
Welcome to the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park
Supporting Small Businesses
THE BROOKFIELD SHOPS ARE OPEN!
Shop Hours:
Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About Brookfield Shops
The Village of Brookfield is committed to fostering local entrepreneurship and revitalizing our community.
The Brookfield Shops at Progress Park Program is an innovative retail incubator program created for local entrepreneurs, business owners and artisans. The Brookfield Shops draw inspiration from the success of similar programs in neighboring communities, adapting this proven model to create an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs. By bringing this program to Brookfield, we're providing a platform for small businesses to thrive, fostering creativity and strengthening our local economy in a way that's both fun and supportive for our community.
This unique program allows participants to launch and grow their individual businesses in a supportive, collaborative community. With the guidance and resources provided by the Village of Brookfield and local community sponsors and partners, this Program fosters creativity, connection and success for emerging local talent. The retail sheds transform into seasonal mini 12’ x 15’ storefronts from June - December where vendors have the opportunity to rent the space for the season, immersing themselves in a dynamic environment that includes hands-on mentorship and engaging workshops designed to help their businesses thrive. Vendors work together in a collaborative space while they have the chance to individually test the market before taking the leap into full-scale store operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section for The Brookfield Shops! Here, you'll find answers to common inquiries about our innovative retail incubator program. Wondering where we are located, how to get here, or how the program works for our vendors and visitors? You've come to the right place! We're here to provide you with all the details you need to make the most of your experience.
-
I want a shop at the Brookfield Shops, can I have one?Every year, the Brookfield Shops open in June and close in December. As such, a cohort of 6 small businesses are invited to operate the 6 mini storefronts. If you are an artisan, artist, or entrepreneur looking to scale your operations and test your products in the Brookfield market, you are welcome to apply to the program! As a vendor, you would be expected to pay monthly rent and a maintenance fee, as well as maintain the set open hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The cohort is also encouraged to host events, keep their spaces stocked with inventory, and market their mini storefront at the Brookfield Shops. The vendor application typically opens in October/November with a deadline in early January for the next season. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the application announcement! (Bellow)
-
What impact do retail incubators have on communities?In general, retail incubators offer a dynamic solution for activating underutilized spaces while encouraging local economic growth. By providing affordable, short-term retail opportunities and business support, these programs help emerging entrepreneurs test concepts, build customer bases, and gain valuable experience. In turn, they create a steady pipeline of small businesses ready to scale, enrich business corridors, and revitalize vacant commercial spaces. Unique incubator spaces, such as the Brookfield Shops, are also more than just places to shop - they’re hubs for connection and artistic expression. With frequent on site events, performances, and networking opportunities, incubators help strengthen the nearby community of residents, shoppers, and artists.
-
I LOVE THIS IDEA, how do I get involved?Thank you for your interest in the Brookfield Shops! As both a shared retail space and a community event venue, there are several ways to get involved! Before the season launches, you could serve on the panel of jurors. Together, the jurors review the vendor applications, listen to pitches, and select the 6 participating businesses. You could also partner with us on the project through financial contributions or in-kind support. Once the Shops open for the season, there are ample opportunities to host events, perform your creative talents live on site, and share our posts on socials! For more information, check out how you can get involved here!
-
What is a retail incubator?As a retail incubator program, the Brookfield Shops are designed to strengthen local entrepreneurs, artisans and small business owners by providing them with an affordable and dynamic environment to grow. As both a unique shopping experience and a tailored business program, the Shops connect the 6 vendors with valuable and timely resources - business advising, marketing, industry mentors, and more! Through the incubator, we encourage vendors to expand their product lines, connect with the Brookfield community, interact with new customers, and host engaging events. After 7 months of operating their mini storefronts, we hope the vendors take the lessons learned while in the incubator and graduate into brick-and-mortar locations, scale their operations, or discover new ways to grow their small businesses!
-
I am not from Brookfield and I think a retail incubator would be perfect in my town, how do I bring this to my community?The Village of Brookfield worked closely with local stakeholders, commissions, and partners to launch the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park. The Village also contracted KPGS Consulting, a dynamic duo with experience setting up business incubators and shared retail spaces. Learn more about our dedication team and passionate partners here!
-
What are these “Sheds”?The 6 colorful “sheds” located in the 8 Corners District are part of the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park, a retail incubator administered by the Village of Brookfield. These 12’x15’ spaces serve as mini storefronts for artisans, entrepreneurs, and small business owners looking to test their products in the local market. The “sheds” will be open to shoppers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June to December.
-
Where does the amazing artwork come from?The Artist Collective has provided these panels that are affixed to some sheds. We wanted to emphasize two aspects of these Shops: what items the shops have to offer and shopping at local businesses.
-
How do I get to the Brookfield Shops?Public Transportation Take the Metra BNSF Train to the Brookfield Station Walk or Bike on Grand Boulevard to the 8 Corners Traffic Circle Walk Across Maple and Broadway Avenue Crosswalks Certain Pace 331 Buses can stop at 8 Corners Traffic Circle Zoo’s North Parking Lot Turn right onto Golfview Road Turn right onto 31st Street to Turn left onto Maple Avenue At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Broadway Avenue Zoo’s South Parking Lot Turn right onto Golf Road Turn right onto Washington Avenue At the traffic circle take the 4th exit onto Broadway Avenue Interstate 290 Take Exit 20 to 1st Avenue and head south Slight right onto Golfview Avenue Turn right onto 31st Street Turn left on Maple Avenue At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Broadway Avenue Interstate 55 *If heading north on Interstate 55 take Exit 282B *If heading south on Interstate 55 take Exit 282 Head north on 1st Avenue Turn left on Ridgewood Road Continue on Washington Avenue At the traffic circle take the 4th exit onto Broadway Avenue
-
Where do I park?You can park on most streets in the 8 Corners District. Parking is available on Maple Avenue, Broadway Avenue, and Grand Boulevard. To see a map showing available street parking, please click here.
-
What can I do after I visit the shops?Brookfield is home to a wide variety of activities, shops, and restaurants. Some recreational activities in Brookfield include: our Concerts in the Park at Kiwanis Park hosted each Friday from 7-8:30pm, (except July 4th) from June 13th through August 22nd. Music on Grand is held the last Saturday of the month, on August 30th and September 27th. The Brookfield Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8am - 1pm beginning June 7th through October 25th in the Village Hall parking lot. Outside of events, you can also visit Galloping Ghost Arcade at 9415 Ogden Avenue and access the Salt Creek Trail System just west of 31st Street and McCormick Avenue. Looking for something to eat and drink? Brookfield is home to a wide variety of establishments that serve cuisines such as Barbeque, Balkan, Italian, and Mexican. Brookfield is also home to many breakfast establishments and bars.
Thank You to Our Partners
Our partnerships are the cornerstone of our achievements. Thank you for your dedication and support of the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park.
MONARCH
GROSSDALE
SALT CREEK
BROOKFIELD
REFERRAL PARTNER
Why Become a Brookfield Shops Vendor
Empowering Your Business
Informational Workshops
Our workshops are designed to empower small businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including marketing strategies, financial planning, customer engagement, and business growth. Additionally, participants will gain a comprehensive overview of the Retail Incubator Program, including its goals and benefits, application and selection processes, business plan resources, and vendor expectations. Together, these tools and insights will prepare entrepreneurs for a successful journey as part of the program.
What Vendors Need to Know
Running a business is an exciting endeavor and the Brookfield Shops Program is committed to helping you grow and expand your business. The Program provides vendors with a real-world experience of running and owning a business. From managing day-to-day operations to handling the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship, this Program equips participants with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a supportive, hands-on environment. All vendors are required to pay applicable sales tax to the Village/State and carry insurance for their space and products. Please note businesses that require potable water, onsite heating, or food preparation are not eligible for this program. At the conclusion of the seasonal Program, the chosen vendors will "Graduate" and, upon successful completion of the Program, will receive a stipend towards opening a brick-and-mortar location in the Village of Brookfield. Do not miss this exciting opportunity to bring your business to life!
Become a Sponsor:
Support the vibrant local business community in the Village of Brookfield by becoming a sponsor of the Brookfield Shops. Sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels, including major Shop sponsorships and in-kind contributions. Your sponsorship helps empower small businesses, foster economic growth and enhances the village's unique charm. Whether through financial support or donated goods and services, your sponsorship makes a meaningful impact on the success of our local businesses and community initiatives. Together, we can strengthen the local economy and create lasting connections within our community.
If you are interested in helping us in making a difference contact
Email: dadasiak@brookfieldil.gov
Tel: (708) 854-2121
Running a business is an exciting endeavor!
The Brookfield Shops at Progress Park Program are committed to helping you succeed. That is why we strongly encourage all applicants to provide a business plan. All vendors are required to pay applicable sales tax to the Village/State and carry insurance for their space and products. Please note businesses that require potable water, onsite heating, or food preparation are not eligible for this program. Do not miss this exciting opportunity to bring your business to life!