Batavia Boardwalk Shops seeks small businesses

BATAVIA - Applications for the popular Batavia Boardwalk Shops for this year are due by Jan. 31.

Batavia MainStreet invites business owners to apply for one of 10 Boardwalk Shops available.

The cluster of tiny shops is located on the southeast corner of Wilson and River streets. The scheduled opening is on May 20, marking the third season that independent business owners rent the 12-square-foot spaces, showcasing their wares and services while learning how to successfully manage a brick-and-mortar retail store.

If history is any indication, many owners will learn that they can move on to a permanent location after the close of the season in late December. Of the eight shops operating in 2020's inaugural season, six moved on to permanent locations. Of 2021's ten shops, six have now secured locations to continue their businesses, Batavia MainStreet said.

Applications are available on the Batavia Mainstreet website, downtownbatavia.com/Batavia-boardwalk-vendor-info/.

The Batavia Boardwalk Shops Incubator Program is designed to attract small businesses, create more retail shopping and bring people into downtown Batavia for both this unique destination and the rest of downtown.