Streator Incubator

04/15/2026

Anyone notice something missing?

Our south bleachers have been removed to make way for our new 3D-Printing Room. This is a part of our new Maker's Lab and Kitchen renovation project that started last week.

In addition, we'll have a laser cutter/engraver, a plasma cutter/welder that will handle up to 5/8" metal, a press brake that will bend metal up to 1/2", and a 32"-wide hydraulic press.

Once this is operational, it will have enormous potential for helping ideas grow into small shops and medium-sized employers just like ones we already have as staples of local manufacturing in the greater Starved Rock area.

Our kitchen wing will be transformed into an all-in-one food-prep and food-packaging shop, so upstart food-based businesses can prepare and package food all in one certified commercial place.

This has all been made possible through a long labor of work by our Incubator Board of Directors and the City of Streator, in partnership with the Economic Development Administration.

We believe this will be a great economic development tool, not just for Streator, but for our entire region. The business startups that currently occupy office space in our facility will remain, along with the community aspect of the Incubator; the gymnasium floor and classrooms will not be affected, and most activities will go on as planned. This matches with our stated mission of being focused on economic development but also preserving this local treasure for community events.

And yes, the bleachers will go back up when the Printing Room is finished.

03/18/2026

02/05/2026

Want to start your own business, but not sure how to get going? Or maybe you have your own business, but are looking for more guidance? The Small Business Accelerator course through Illinois Valley Community College is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs.

For more information or to register, call 815-224-0427 or visit www.ivcc.edu/enroll Jump on this now: The class begins Feb. 17 and runs through April 14.

11/18/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out and shopped or dined this weekend during the Mistletoe Market (Holiday Open House). Thank you to all the businesses who had extended hours or special giveaways this weekend. And thank you to Uncle D's Barbecue for setting up their food truck near the clock.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 29: Streator will light up the night with a lighted parade organized by Keeping Christmas Close To Home, the park will illuminate thanks to volunteers from Light Up Streator, there will be vendor markets at the Streator Incubator, Bruce Township Hall and Park Place, among other activities.

Also mark your calendar for Friday, Dec. 12: The Streator Chamber will host Merry on Main, with participating businesses. That will be another night of extended hours, holiday deals and other activities. Stay tuned for more details.

10/02/2025

08/07/2025

Congratulations to City of Streator City Hall and Streator residents on the new playground and landscaping at Merriner Park, just west of the Streator Incubator (former Armory) and across Bridge Street from Westgate Plaza.

The new playground replaces 30-year-old equipment. Using insurance money the city was able to get $20,000 worth of equipment at $5,000 out of pocket. A flower bed has been cleared, parking spaces have been added and native grasses planted along the sidewalk to update the park. The park provides a shady recreational area in the city's Riverside neighborhood, just across from Westgate Plaza and along the Hopalong Cassidy River Trail.

The city public works department team is photographed (on playground, from left) Public Works Director Jeff Long, Rob Gass, Matt Darrow, Rick McKloskey, Brett Rathbun, Ralph Madara and Brett Baumrucker (not pictured are Jim Harcar and Tony Over) with (front, from left) Doug Snell, Park Board; Lori Snell, Chamber vice president; Judy Booze, Chamber ambassador; Ben Hiltabrand, Chamber president; Derek Barichello, Chamber executive director; Streator Mayor Tara Bedei; Hanna; David Reed, City Council; Timothy Geary, City Council, Scott Scheurer, City Council; Daniel Danko, City Council; (back) and City Manager David Plyman.

02/13/2025

Big thanks to Jeremiah for volunteering to shovel and salt our sidewalks after Wednesday’s snowstorm. So helpful for our visitors and all the foot traffic on Bridge.

And big thanks to Isaiah for using his dad’s double-battery leaf blower to finally free the helium balloons from our gym’s south ceiling fan (Jeremiah with a catch of Spider-Man).

No wet shoes were worn on the wood floor in the making of this post.

12/05/2024

Next Tuesday, there will be a job fair at the Streator Incubator from 10:30am to 1pm.

10/07/2023

03/11/2023

Congrats to the 8th Grade Wolves on winning the Wolves Tourney. This group has come a long way in the last two years. Thanks to Coach Byers and Gassman for coaching. Great job boys!