Far South CDC Marketplace is the first storefront location for a majority of participating businesses, which include Bomb Beauty Boutique, Chic T Boutique, Cosmic Creole, Herbalogy, Max Candle Co, Monique Michelle The Beauty Experience, Poppin Dough, She Sale Sea Shells, Simply Stuff and Upscale Resale. These shops offer everything from designer clothing and accessories to household goods, natural beauty and skincare products, candles, and sweet and salty snacks.

The program is supported by a grant from the City of Chicago’s Small Business Storefront Activation Program, which is focused on bringing retail vendors and artwork to 30 previously vacant storefronts in neighborhoods across the city.

“We are thrilled to be a partner of the city’s Small Business Storefront Activation Program, and to provide an opportunity for these incredible Far South Side businesses to explore the market of a physical retail space while showcasing their goods and services,” says Far South CDC’s Chief Development & Innovation Officer Florence Hardy. “One of our major program areas is assistance for small businesses, ranging from webinars and workshops to helping business owners access to state and federal grants and other resources. The Far South CDC Marketplace is an extension of our ongoing work to support small businesses across the region.”

“I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so I've been interested in starting my own business since childhood,” says Bomb Beauty Boutique Owner Mars Majesty. “This opportunity is a dream come true. As a retail business owner, one of the goals is to have your items in a store. This is my chance to test what it would be like and determine if it's worth it, without taking on the financial burden of rent. I get to allocate that money for other purposes to grow. I'm also proud to be a part of this marketplace with such a diverse set of businesses all in one place.”