Navy Pier Small Business Accelerator Program
Launched in 2024 the Navy Pier Small Business Accelerator is designed to support the growth and visibility of local small businesses.
Each year, 10 to 12 entrepreneurs are selected to participate in this multi-month program, which provides hands-on workshops, mentorship, and real-world retail experience through on-site vending opportunities at Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest Artisan Market.
Participants gain valuable business development tools from branding and marketing strategy to operations and customer engagement while showcasing their products to thousands of visitors at one of Chicago’s most iconic destinations. By bridging education with exposure, the program helps small businesses strengthen their presence, grow sustainably, and thrive within Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Meet the Entrepreneurs
Ashunta Sheriff Beauty LLC
Ashunta Sheriff Beauty LLC is a clean, inclusive, and high-performance beauty brand founded by Emmy-nominated celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff Kendricks. The line offers vegan, cruelty-free products that blend skincare and makeup innovation to flatter all skin tones. From magnetic lashes and glowy highlighters to hydrating setting sprays, each formula is crafted with love, artistry, and sustainability at its core.
Butterfly Dreams & Angel Tings
Butterfly Dreams & Angel Tings is your cozy, spiritual sanctuary for healing and good vibes. Founded by Christin Buckley, the brand brings together handcrafted gemstone-infused candles, intention oils, sprays, and ritual kits designed to uplift your energy, center your spirit, and support your wellness journey. Whether you’re looking to set intentions, clear space, or just find a little calm, Angel Tings offers soul-soothing tools and intuitive readings (tarot, oracle, and more) to help you connect with your higher self.
Chetoni Designs
Chetoni Designs is a mother-daughter brand creating handcrafted pieces that radiate meaning, beauty, and good energy. From copper wire–wrapped crystal jewelry to hand-dyed apparel, accessories, and custom creations, each item is made with intention and artistry. Their collection blends creativity and spiritual inspiration, offering unique pieces designed to uplift, empower, and help you shine inside and out.
Community Corey LLC
HB Dojo is a creative brand by artist Corey, specializing in hand-knitted figurines that blend craftsmanship, character, and collectability. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and stitched with personality, making them fun, unique, and perfect for fans, families, and collectors alike. From playful designs to limited-edition creations, Corey’s work brings a fresh, imaginative twist to handmade art. Offering memorable keepsakes that stand out in any collection.
Galeria 88 Artesanias
Jasper Orange Scent Studio
Jasper Orange Candles (JOSS) is a floral-inspired candle brand rooted in storytelling and soulful ambiance. Based in Oak Park, IL, their luxury, hand-poured soy-blend candles are crafted in the USA. Each blend pays tribute to the rich tradition and meaning behind its floral inspiration.
They’re all about quality, sustainability, and creating moments of calm: biodegradable ingredients, beautiful floral scents, and custom designs to match any vibe. Whether that’s a cozy gathering, a special gift, or your own sacred space.
KATROCENTRIC
KATROCENTRIC celebrates the vibrant spirit of West Africa through handcrafted, fine jewelry and accessories made with heart. Each piece is thoughtfully designed by gifted artisans — from bright, bold earrings to beautiful statement necklaces — bringing African heritage into your modern style. Based in Chicago, they’re a proud part of the small-business community and show up at markets and festivals, like Navy Pier’s own artisan market.
Koko's Kitchen & Ida's Artisan Ice Cream
Treats by Koko’s Kitchen is a Chicago-based, plant-powered dessert company that makes human-grade frozen treats. Just as wholesome for dogs as they’d be for people. Their small-batch creations feature real, high-quality ingredients like coconut milk, organic fruits, pumpkin, and honey — no artificial fillers or preservatives.
Whether it’s their creamy Berry Basil Bark, their comforting Peanut Butter Pupkin’ Paws, or their fun Pup Chow Pawty, each flavor is crafted to nourish your pup with a texture so good, you might want a spoonful yourself.
Treats by Koko’s Kitchen is also deeply committed to sustainability: packaging is designed to be recyclable, and they use plant-based recipes to lessen environmental impact.
La Niña Chamoy Candies
La Niña Chamoy Candies brings a taste of Michoacán tradition right into your snack game. Inspired by her grandfather’s recipe from Uruapan, Chely González handcrafts each tamarindo‑based chamoy candy using real fruit, natural ingredients, and generations of flavor.
These spicy, tangy, sweet treats are made in Chicago with that artesanal touch. Each jar is a celebration of heritage, family, and joy in every bite.
Savvy Designs
Savvy Designs Chi is a Chicago-based creative brand that handcrafts beautiful resin home decor, jewelry, accessories, and decals with a custom touch. Founded in the South Loop, they bring your ideas to life. Whether you want Chicago‑themed coasters, resin trays, or fully personalized pieces with photos or text.
Their mission? To create durable, one-of-a-kind art that expresses your style at home, as a gift, or even for your business. They also host pop-up shops around Chicago (like at Roosevelt Collections), so you can see and feel their gorgeous creations in person.
