Onward Neighborhood House will host a grand opening of its first-ever retail accelerator store, “The Bounce,” in Logan Square, available to recent graduates of its Business Incubator. The two woman- and minority-owned businesses to immediately occupy the space are Casa Brow, providing semi-permanent makeup and microblading, from Hermosa resident, Vanessa Puente; and Namaslay Yoga, from Pilsen resident, Hayde Canales. The Bounce has space for up to five businesses, available at a low rental fee.
Onward House’s adult education programs aim to build sustainable wealth, create jobs for entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Participants in its Business Incubator, now in its second year, consistently identified one shared barrier to success: the lack of accessible, affordable retail space in high-traffic areas. This was the inspiration to open The Bounce.
“The entrepreneurs who participate in our Business Incubator program have outstanding ideas, products and services – all rooted in what the community needs and wants,” says Mario García, Onward House’s Executive Director. “For years we’ve had an eCommerce class to help our students sell online, but now we have an option for the critical brick-and-mortar retail experience.”
Hayde Canales, owner of Namaslay Yoga, says: “When I host small groups, people always ask if I have a studio location. Thanks to The Bounce, I can finally say that I do.”
Onward House will host a grand opening with to celebrate the launch of The Bounce on Saturday, September 28, with a short program at 3pm at 3633-37 W. Fullerton Ave. in Chicago. The opening will host a pop-up market several other entrepreneur graduates from The Lab including: A’s Make-Up offering mini makeup sessions; Holistic Choices Center providing chair massage; Reflections of Lola selling tea, incense, jewelry, and clothing; Ylianna Luna Photography providing portrait sessions; EZ for BZ Alterations; JCKs International Bridal Boutique; and Esquilin Maintenance and Repair highlighting their renovation work on the space.
The next Entrepreneurship cohort at The Lab begins Tuesday, October 15, 2019. Reach out to Sophia (Cabido) Negron for an interview or visit onwardhouse.org to learn more.