2022, A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR
2022. What an amazing year for Mercado on Fifth! We broke records, drew in bigger crowds, started a new annual tradition and more. As we near the end of 2022, we look back with gratitude, happiness, and an enormous sense of pride.
Technical Assistance (1:1)
This year, Mercado on Fifth assisted 16 entrepreneurs start their businesses through 1:1 technical assistance/mentorship during the fall/winter of 2021 and spring of 2022. We held office hours, provided community laptops and tablets, and made referrals to key community partners. Since 2016, Mercado on Fifth has continuously worked to reduce barriers for minority and immigrant entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in order to fully integrate them into the business community.
2022 Vendor Meeting
Minority Business Equipment Grant
During its 5th cycle, Mercado on Fifth and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Illinois University - Quad Cities (WIU-QC) awarded $16,044.42 to 19 minority-owned small businesses and startups. Awardees of the Minority Business Equipment Grant range from mobile to brick and mortar establishments – food vendors, cleaning companies, health and wellness providers, retail businesses, a family farm, professional artist and more. Funds were used for a variety of equipment-related purchases, such as a new iPad, vending machine repairs, an electric massage table, treadmills and a food truck wrap.
The Market
Businesses were more eager than ever to participate in Mercado’s Friday night summer market. This year, 116 entities were able to participate: 27 food vendors, 20 retail vendors, 22 corporate/promotional vendors, 35 not for profit vendors, and 12 sponsors. We also maintained a waitlist of entrepreneurs hoping for a space to take part. The incredible vendor participation translated to almost $600,000 spent at Mercado during the 16 days of the summer market. WOW!
But that’s not all! Volunteers from 15 different charitable entities collectively raised $8,885.45 in tips from manning Mercado’s beer tent. The benefiting entities are:
Moline Public Schools Foundation
WIU Leathernecks Chess Club
Alienboi Boxing Academy
Lead(h)er
Quad Cities Rush 08 boys
Alleman High School Boys Soccer
Moline Music Boosters
Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy
Quad City Storm Booster Club
The Center for Youth and Family Solutions
LULAC #5285
Quad City Rollers
NEST Cafe
SLB Quad Cities Alumni Network
Hampton School PTA
Community Support
Mercado received support for market expenses (entertainment, security, supplies, etc.), building renovation, operations and programming costs with over $240,000 dollars donated or awarded to Mercado from various entities:
Continued generous support from the Ontiveros Family
Donations in memoriam of Mercado Founder, Bob Ontiveros, who passed away in February of this year.
Market sponsorships
o Green State Credit Union
o KONE
o John Deere
o Kunes Nissan Davenport
o Eddie Morales Hiland Toyota
o Group O
o WVIK
o TBK Bank
o Green Family Hyundai
o Ascentra
o MidAmerican Energy
o Dr. Randy Welser- Ortho Group Associates
o Justin Cook State Farm
o USI Insurance
o Western Illinois University
o Isle of Capri
City of Moline Special Events Committee for event costs
ARPA Funds from the City of Moline for building electrical work
Moline Foundation for building plumbing work
US Bank for support services
State of Illinois Community Navigator Program
City of Moline for Moline150 collaboration
Parade sponsorships for event costs
o R3 Roofing & Exteriors
o IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union
o Visit Quad Cities
o Tyson
Food truck party/concert sponsorships for event costs
o R3 Roofing & Exteriors
o HyVee
o Eddie Morales with Hiland Toyota
o Black Hawk College
QC Storm Dia de los Muertos Fundraiser
Individual Donors on Giving Tuesday
Thank you to everyone who supported in 2023!!
Día de los Muertos
Mercado kicked off a new event with overwhelming support from the community: the first annual Dia de los Muertos parade. Mercado on Fifth participated with several unique floats, including Tenoch, a custom-made alebrije created and imported from Guanajuato, Mexico. Overall, the parade had over 80 entries. It was an absolute success!
Participants created elaborate floats and costumes in honor of their loved ones passed and as catrinas, in honor of the holiday. Parade participants also had the opportunity to compete in the float or costume competition for cash prizes. These are this year’s winners:
Parade Float Winners
Richard Esparza Family
Irene Rivera and English Family
Mi Chelita / Seguros con Graciela
Group Costume Winners
Escaramuza Quetzalli
Bounce O Bounce
Terronez Family / Quint Cities Restoration
Building
Mercado on Fifth is in the process of completing its finishing touches to its new building space and in November, unveiled three beautiful new murals around the building’s exterior. On the north wall, you will see a cowboy with the likeliness of Mercado on Fifth founder, Bob Ontiveros’ grandfather Cirilo. The building will be open to the public for rentals in 2023.
Holiday Hop and Indoor Winter Markets
We ended the year with several indoor winter markets full of festive cheer. On Nov 11 and 12, fifteen vendors took part in downtown Moline’s Holiday Hop at the new Mercado building. Artist Victor Granados and family made over 100 pinata ornaments with patrons. On December 10, we will welcome Santa Claus to the market, as he has agreed to take photos with our shoppers!
What a memorable year! The future is bright, and we cannot wait to see what 2023 brings. ¡Salud!