Turn Ambition Into Action

This is where Chicago’s entrepreneurs turn ambition into action. From inspiring spaces to hands-on support, we help small businesses grow and stay rooted in the city.

Business Incubation. It's What We Do.

We don’t just support businesses, we help them thrive. Our mission is to spark economic and community development, empowering individuals, organizations, and companies in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor. We build an inclusive, equitable eco-system where businesses flourish and communities thrive, and Chicago’s Near West Side has a champion in its corner.

Our two flagship incubators, Make City and The Hatchery, are buzzing hubs of creativity and innovation. From beauty and home care to textiles, the arts, food and beverage, we provide the tools and mentorship that help entrepreneurs turn ideas into a reality. Think of us as your launchpad, your partners in making big things happen.

What We Do

Find the Right Fit For You

Whether you’re looking at building your business, launching a culinary dream, or supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, ICNC has a place for you:

The Hatchery

Bring your consumer packaged goods, catering, or culinary startup to life in a fully fitted commercial kitchen.

Start Cooking Today

Make City

Scale your modern manufacturing business in a customizable, fully equipped space designed to scale with you.

Get Creating Today

Investors

Start fueling Chicago’s innovators and strengthening the community.

Make an Impact Now

We've Been Making a Difference Since 1967

Since our founding as an economic development organization in 1967, ICNC has touched the lives of countless innovators and communities, helping them achieve their goals and discover their calling. Over decades, we have grown into one of the largest and oldest incubators in the United States. Make City, our flagship complex built in the 1890s, spans over 416,000 square feet and is rich with Chicago heritage.

The past shapes and inspires our path forward. Guided by decades of experience, our aim has always been to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, empower communities and build a sustainable future where innovation, opportunity and growth thrive side by side.

We’re Driving Chicago's Economic Engine

For decades, ICNC has been an essential driver of economic opportunity and stability on Chicago's Near West Side. Our model of combining industrial space, business mentoring, and workforce training has generated proven results for entrepreneurs and the local community.

379

Jobs Created

(2020-2024)

Fueling Chicago’s economic growth by helping local entrepreneurs scale, hire, and create opportunity where it’s needed most.

1,223

Businesses Supported

(2020-2024)

From start-ups to established manufacturers, ICNC has guided more than 1,200 businesses through every stage of growth and development.

56

Businesses Incubated

(2020-2024)

Through Make City and The Hatchery, we’ve nurtured dozens of small businesses, turning ambitious ideas into thriving enterprises.

$6.4M+

in Funding & Sponsorship

(2022-2024)

Since 2022, ICNC has secured over $6 million in funding to power entrepreneurship, job creation, and community development across Chicago.

4,360+

Mentorship Hours Delivered

(2020-2024)

Our experts and partners have invested thousands of hours mentoring founders, all helping them build a capable and sustainable long term business model.

300+

Programs, Workshops & Networking Events

(2022-2024)

Empowering entrepreneurs through hands-on learning, collaboration, and community connection, strengthening Chicago’s small business ecosystem year after year.

What Our Tenants Had To Say

Don’t just take it from us, here's what business owners have to say:

"We needed a space where we could grow sustainably and that felt like a really scary leap, until we found Make City."

Kate Jakubas

Founder, Meliora

"Through all our growing pains and gains, Make City has always been right there for us, providing flexibility, assistance, and resources to grow and adapt."

Aris Singleton

CEO, tgin

"It’s incredible what you do to help small businesses and new entrepreneurs. It’s very difficult to find that kind of support out there, and you have everything we need right here. Thank you!"

ICNC Member

"I’ve been so grateful for ICNC and the wonderful space—affordable enough to allow me to grow and hire over the years."

ICNC Tenant

The Latest News & Events

View our upcoming events

ICNC News

min read

Taste the Impact

At Taste the Impact, your ticket does more than buy a meal – it removes financial barriers, funds licenses, and provides the stability needed for Impact students to focus on moving forward.

Photo of The Hatchery building and property at night.

ICNC News

min read

ICNC Welcomes Katherine Valleau

Big Space. Big Impact. Bigger Futures.

Where Chicago’s next generation of businesses grow and thrive.