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
Milton Tanco
Bread and Buttery
Bread and Buttery is a Chicago streetwear and lifestyle brand celebrating local identity, community, and the character of the city’s neighborhoods. Inspired by anime, sneaker culture, and fashion, the brand creates elevated apparel through collaborations with local artists, community leaders, and neighborhood staples.
Qiana Dukes
Dukes Designs & Creations
Founded by educator and entrepreneur Qiana Dukes, Dukes Designs & Creations brings creativity to life through expressive apparel, handmade designs, and interactive experiences. From educator inspired apparel to Shirt Bars and creative workshops, the brand helps customers celebrate their passions, milestones, and individuality.
Liz Arizbeth Rojas
Energía del Corazón Cósmico
Energía del Corazón Cósmico is an intentional jewelry brand founded by Liz Arizbeth Rojas, inspired by crystals, stones, nature, and spiritual traditions. Each handcrafted piece is designed to encourage connection, empowerment, and personal transformation.
Sandtricia Andrews Strickland
Essential Creations, LLC
Essential Creations Chicago is a family operated embroidery, printing, and branding company founded by Sandtricia Andrews Strickland more than 26 years ago. Alongside custom services and its positive apparel collection, the business creates personalized experiences through pop ups and onsite embroidery events.
Jay Simon
Jones Corner Store
Jones Corner Store is a creative brand bringing Chicago’s neighborhoods to life through children’s books, coloring activities, educational programming, and interactive experiences. Led by the lovable Elvin the Elephant, the brand inspires children and families to explore the people, places, and stories that make Chicago unique.
Gustavo Ruiz & Brandon Lopez
La Sustancia
La Sustancia is a Puerto Rican ginger beer brand inspired by tradition, culture, longevity, and wellness. Made with natural ingredients, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, this bold and versatile beverage celebrates Puerto Rican flavor while offering a refreshing twist on a classic favorite.
Elena Do
Little Lunar Co
Little Lunar Co is a Chicago based Asian inspired candle and self care brand founded by Elena Do. Inspired by Elena’s Vietnamese American upbringing, the brand creates realistic drink and dessert inspired candles that celebrate culture, nostalgia, family, and home.
Terri Jackson, Bailey Wallace & Madison Wallace
Mae Blue Creations
Mae Blue Creations is a family run jewelry brand founded by a mother and her two daughters. Their handmade polymer clay earrings are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and designed in a range of bold and classic styles to complement every occasion.
Blair Williams Tanner
Soul Language Scents
Soul Language Scents is a luxury fragrance house rooted in a generational tradition of fragrance artistry. Creating androgynous home and body fragrances, the brand also offers an interactive mobile fragrance bar that transforms scent into an immersive experience and form of personal expression.
Spencer Brown
The Chi Is Elite
The Chi Is Elite is a Chicago positive apparel and merchandise brand celebrating the people, culture, and spirit of the city. Through bold designs and unexpected color combinations, the brand offers a fresh perspective on Chicago and invites wearers to proudly represent the city they love.
