Huntley’s Shops on Main, located at Route 47 and Main Steeet, business incubator project has advanced to the construction phase.
The village secured an almost $1 million grant from the Small Business Administration via a Community Project appropriation through the office of US Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.).
Village of Huntley Development Manager Melissa Stocker explained the details of the Shops on Main project at the Hackett House and former McHenry County Visitors Center.
“We are excited to watch the six exterior shops being constructed,” Stocker said. “In additon to the six free-standing exterior shops, there will be three additional shops inside the Hackett House building for a total of nine shops. To assist with the cost of establishing incubator shops, the village secured a Small Business Administration Grant in the amount of $974,843 via a Community Project appropriation through Underwood’s office. The application period for the first season of Shops on Main closed on July 13. We received a number of viable candidates for the shops. The first season shop operators will be announced by the end of August.”
The schedule is for Shops on Main to be open for the winter 2025 season in November and December, with the main initial season beginning in May.
“The program aims to support local retail entrepreneurs by providing a platform for hands-on learning and business growth, potentially leading to a future transition into a storefront in Huntley,” Stocker said.
She added, “the seasonal program provides an opportunity for participants to gain valuable retail experience including: furnishing and stocking a retail space, processing in person sales and establishing a budget. Participants will participate in business, marketing and educational events included in the Shops on Main program.”
Shops on Main has its own website, www.huntleyshopsonmain.com. Or visit www.huntley.il.us.
