Meet our Business Incubator 2024 Cohort

  • Bebop's Plant Shop

    Jessica Ortiz, owner and creator of Bebop's Plant Shop, is re-entering the business world as she joins our incubator in February. After closing her plant shop in Quad Cities due to her husband's military assignment in Korea, she is reopening in a new location. Jessica specializes in kokedamas and will be bringing a curated selection of hardy and unique houseplants to Buchanan. Jessica plans to sell plants and decor, offer plant classes, explore events, and has a long-term goal of opening a plant café. Join us in supporting Jessica's journey—explore her collection and witness the growth of Bebop's Plant Shop.

  • Goddess of the Moon Leatherworks

    Chandra Williams, the creative force behind Goddess of the Moon Leatherworks, discovered her passion for leatherworking in 2013. Renowned for her unique craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and one-of-a-kind designs, each piece is meticulously handcrafted with patterns personally created by Chandra. With a recent expansion that includes her sons, Alex and Noah, both on the autism spectrum, Chandra aims to embrace diversity in her team. As the business grows, a key goal is to employ more individuals with disabilities, making Goddess of the Moon Leatherworks a symbol of inclusivity in handcrafted leather goods. Explore their collection and witness how Chandra's creations celebrate individual personalities, allowing fashion to be a powerful form of self-expression.

  • McBain Lane's Mercantile

    Meet Kim McBain (pictured) and Brittany Frantz, the dynamic duo behind McBain Lane's Mercantile in Buchanan. This little farm store isn't just a place to shop—it's a community hub supporting over 30 local businesses. McBain Lane's Mercantile offers fresh, locally sourced produce, diverse handmade products, and fosters a sense of community. Kim and Brittany are committed to sustainability, preserving local traditions, and providing personalized service. By choosing this mercantile, you contribute to the local economy, job creation, and the preservation of agricultural heritage. Join them in cultivating a thriving community—explore McBain Lane's Mercantile and be a part of their sustainable journey.

  • Sunflower Skate Shop

    Sunflower Skate Shop is a new retail skateboard shop located in Buchanan, Michigan. We are a small family business of skateboard enthusiasts that want to help support the skateboarding culture here in southwest Michigan. The Shop specializes in offering a wide range of the top skateboard brands to build custom complete skateboards for the customer particularly focused on current skating trends along with complete skateboards for the novice skateboarders. Sunflower Skate Shop is actively promoting skateboarding culture and supports local skaters by bringing the top skateboard brands and the best equipment to our customers. We are the first and only Skate shop in Buchanan and an added fit to the trendy retail spaces in downtown Buchanan and will serve as a hub for skateboarding enthusiasts.