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Warrenville council approves framework for 'Warrenville Mercantile' vendor incubator
Summary
Council directed staff to present a resolution adopting the Warrenville Mercantile program — a two‑season vendor incubator prioritizing local, minority, women and veteran‑owned businesses; applications open June 2 and vendor announcements are set for June 25.
The City Council on June 1 authorized staff to present a resolution adopting the Warrenville Mercantile program, an economic development initiative intended to incubate small and home‑based businesses through structured vendor seasons.
Economic development specialist Walker said the program will run as a preview season (July 18–mid‑August) and an inaugural season (early September–early December) with set hours (Thursday and Friday afternoons/evenings, Saturday and Sunday daytime). Walker said the program is designed as an incubator rather than a permanent marketplace and will prioritize Warrenville‑based vendors and minority, women and veteran‑owned businesses.
Walker outlined the vendor timeline: online applications open June 2 via the city’s BSNA portal, close June 12, and vendor announcements are scheduled for June 25. Walker said staff has a vendor pipeline and will use city communications to reach previous vendors and a broader community audience.
Alderman Crockenberg moved to direct staff to present a formal resolution adopting the Mercantile program; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Walker said staff will finalize program policies and return with the resolution and operational details for council adoption and community outreach.
