Celebrating a Talented Roster of Women-Owned Businesses in Beloit

The month of March not only marks National Women’s History Month but International Women's Day (8th) as well. To celebrate, the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation (GBEDC) is putting the spotlight on the amazing woman-owned and women-led businesses who enrich our community year-round.
“We’re thrilled to see so many women entrepreneurs supporting the economic ecosystem in Beloit,” said GBEDC President and CEO Drew Pennington. “We have no doubt they’re inspiring the next generation to turn their own dreams of business ownership into a reality.”

Please join us in giving a shout out to the following examples among many in downtown Beloit: 

Bushel + Peck's: Gourmet market specializing in artisan and agricultural goods with an emphasis on high-quality, environmentally sound, and handcrafted products. Check out their delicious Cafe Lunch menu!

Flying Pig Treat Shop: Good luck trying to resist their signature, gourmet popcorn in 35 tempting flavors like Mint Chocolate Oreo, Butter Pecan, and Birthday Cake… Happiness in a Cup!

Rise and Grind Coffee Haus: Locally roasted coffee beans topped off with organic and natural ingredients and a menu offering signature drinks and delicious eats.

The Villager Gallery & Frameworks: Offering custom picture framing as well as artisan jewelry, art and home decor. Don’t forget to head upstairs to My Apt @429, a vintage shop offering an eclectic array of clothing, textiles, furniture, glassware and more!

Incredibly Welcoming

One of the things that immediately catches your eye as you walk past the Walnut Creek Apparel and Gifts storefront is the community pride that radiates from the displays.

“I was born and raised in Beloit! It’s a vibrant community with a growing sense of local pride, which made it an ideal place to launch,” said owner Nikkie Chadwick. “The downtown area is full of charm and offers a supportive environment for small businesses. I wanted to be a part of that energy, and I saw an opportunity to offer something unique here—whether it's stylish apparel, locally inspired gifts, or great customer service.”

The journey of operating her business has been exciting from the start; a process she credits to the tremendous amount of community support she’s received along the way.

“It’s been amazing to see how much we’ve grown and how our customers have supported us throughout the years,” said Chadwick. “The community has been incredibly welcoming! We’ve received such positive feedback from locals who appreciate having a variety of high-quality, locally sourced products in town. People seem to really enjoy shopping here because of the personalized service and the unique items and services we offer.”

A Real Sense of Collaboration

National Women’s History Month and International Women's Day aren’t just about celebration; in Beloit, it’s a reminder that we can build a community where success is driven by the talent and dedication of all our citizens.

“Beloit is a fantastic place for a small business because it’s a close-knit community with an appetite for supporting local entrepreneurs,” said Chadwick. “The city is growing, with a mix of both new residents and long-time locals who care about where they spend their money. Plus, there’s a real sense of collaboration among local businesses, which makes it easier to network and grow together.”

Do you dream about opening your own business in Beloit? From taking advantage of tax incentives to securing permits, contact us today to find out how we can help!