Geneva Commons announces the Uncommon Collective pop-up contest

GENEVA - Geneva Commons, the premier open-air shopping and dining destination located in Chicago's western suburbs, announced its inaugural Uncommon Collective, a contest for small businesses to win a free pop-up storefront or restaurant.

Two winners total, one per food/restaurant and retail categories will be awarded a space at the shopping center during the high-traffic summer months. Geneva Commons is inviting local brands, creators, artists, restaurateurs, food truck operators, and food-preneuers to apply for a chance to win the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Geneva Commons is a vibrant community with a mission to empower and encourage shoppers, brands, and makers to embrace the uncommon," says Cathy Charut, general manager of Geneva Commons. "The Tri-City area is full of inspiring and passionate entrepreneurs with unique ideas, and we're committed to fueling this creativity and innovation by giving these concepts a platform to grow their businesses during a peak shopping season."

The contest is open to all new and established local businesses, brands and concepts looking to open a brick-and-mortar space. Applications will be accepted during a monthlong period and those interested in entering must complete the short application form on the website. At the end of the application period (ending Feb. 28), the Geneva Commons team, and a panel of judges will select a number of Finalists.

Finalists will participate in in-person interviews and a Finalist Showcase Day at the center to test-run their concepts for the public. Finalists will also be highlighted on the Geneva Commons website and social channels, so followers and frequent shoppers can vote on which concept they would like to see open this summer. While fan votes do not solely determine the winning brands, they will be taken into consideration when making the final winner selections.

Each winning concept will be awarded either a retail storefront or fully built-out restaurant space at Geneva Commons during the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), as well as a cash prize of $3,500 to be used toward the design and build-out of their dream pop-up.

No rent will be charged, however Winner will be responsible for utility charges during their stay. For more information about the available Contest, please visit www.shopgenevacommons.com.

The Uncommon Collective contest application deadline is Feb. 28. Two winners, one in the retail category and one in the restaurant category, will be announced in April, with the pop-up shops opening their storefronts to the public starting Memorial Day through Labor Day. Please note, that dates are subject to change at the discretion of Geneva Commons.

Geneva Commons is home to more than 60 renowned national retailers, specialty shops, and dining options, such as Athleta, Sephora, Pottery Barn, California Pizza Kitchen, and Noodles & Company along with beloved Tri-City favorites, like Color Me Mine, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Wet Nose, and more. Geneva Commons also features the newly debuted "Be Uncommon" art installation from Chicago-based artist Matthew Hoffman, and a central common area, which includes an outdoor fire pit, covered pergolas, and grassy turf, perfect for family-friendly outings and exciting events all yearlong.

For more information and updates on the Uncommon Collective, including the application form, please visit www.shopgenevacommons.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @genevacommons.