Made in Chicago, Shared at Navy Pier
At Navy Pier, we are proud to uplift the makers, artists, and entrepreneurs who fuel Chicago’s vibrant creative spirit. Through our Wintrust Community Markets, Small Business Accelerator Program, and Local Soul Kiosk, we welcome local talent to share their work in one of the most visited and beloved destinations in the Midwest.
Wintrust Community Markets
Wintrust Community Markets celebrate Chicago’s makers, artists, and small business owners. These markets are more than a shopping experience. They give entrepreneurs exposure, help grow their customer base, and connect them with millions of Navy Pier visitors each year.
Local vendors showcase their handcrafted goods at curated seasonal markets. From art, jewelry, and apparel to home décor and specialty foods, makers of all sorts are able to build brand awareness and commercial savvy at no cost due to the generous support of Wintrust.
In alignment with the organization’s mission, Wintrust Community Markets strengthen Chicago’s creative economy and celebrate the diverse talents that make our city unique by empowering emerging entrepreneurs to set up their shops in the Pier’s accessible and high traffic spaces.
Small Business Accelerator Program
An inspirational gift from BMO enabled Navy Pier to launch the Small Business Accelerator program in 2024. Every year, Navy Pier selects 10 to 12 entrepreneurs to participate in the program 10-week curriculum. The Accelerator program features weekly educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and dedicated mentorship that together prepare participants to be vendors at Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest Artisan Market.
Not only do participants showcase their products to thousands of visitors at a destination as iconic as Navy Pier, but they also develop valuable business skills across areas like branding and marketing strategy, operations, and customer engagement. The program bridges education and exposure to help small businesses strengthen their presence, grow sustainably, and thrive within Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Local Soul Kiosk
Navy Pier’s Local Soul Kiosk is a curated collection of brands representing the heart and hustle of creatives from throughout the region. Each brand featured in Local Soul is thoughtfully selected to reflect excellence in craftsmanship, boldness, authenticity, and cultural richness.
The kiosk features a rotating mix of up to 150 small businesses each year, connecting more entrepreneurs and their products with the Pier’s millions of guests. Participating businesses pay no rent and retain 75 percent of each sale made and underwritten through the generous philanthropic support of Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz.
From Bronzeville to Berwyn, Pilsen to Park Ridge, Local Soul is where local meets luxe, and every product tells a soulful story. Whether fashion or food, art or design, Local Soul is more than a store: It’s a celebration of community through commerce and a showcase of the spirit that drives the Chicagoland area forward.
A special thank you to all of our Supporting Sponsors
