2025
TIMELINE
APRIL
APRIL - JUNE
• The BDC experienced several key staffing transitions in Q2. Between internal promotions and new hires, seven team members have stepped into new roles
• These changes reflect the organization’s investment in talent development and its commitment to long-term capacity building.
• The team now includes leadership with direct experience in marketing and communications, strategic planning, publicprivate partnerships, and designing and refining business processes to support sustainable growth.
• These staffing changes position the BDC to deepen its impact, expand access to economic opportunity, and more effectively serve Berwyn’s diverse and growing business community.
• The Berwyn Shops launched its fourth season on May 2, with 12 new vendors.
MAY
• Since May, vendors have held 11 events on-site and attended monthly training in coordination with the WBDC.
• In Q2, Berwyn Sprouts vendors reported $83,338 in total sales with accessories accounting for 53%. In addition, three new vendors were added.
• Sprout will celebrate its two-year anniversary with an Ice Cream Social on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
JUNE
• In June 2025, the BDC proudly published its Community Resource Guide, distributing over 34,000 copies to residents of Berwyn and neighboring communities, connecting locals to essential services, small businesses, and community initiatives.
• Q2 marked a high-energy season for BDC events, with the wildly popular Cruise Nites drawing hundreds of visitors to the Depot District across multiple summer dates. The excitement built on the success of other standout events like the Depot District Mini Golf Pub Crawl and Pride Walk, all coordinated by the BDC to strengthen community spirit and engagement.
• Throughout this period, the BDC also celebrated multiple ribbon cuttings, including welcoming the new office of State Senator Javier Cervantes and commemorating the Grand Openings of local businesses such as Output and Stella Insurance Agency, each a testament to Berwyn’s growing business landscape.
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Berwwyn Residents,
I am pleased to share the Berwyn Development Corporation’s (BDC) 2Q 2025 Report, highlighting a quarter filled with momentum, collaboration, and continued growth for our team and community.
During 2Q, we welcomed new talent across Marketing and Communications, Economic Development, and Chamber Management. These fresh perspectives are helping us respond to Berwyn’s evolving needs, think more strategically, and collaborate more effectively. These internal shifts are already translating into impact, and we’re just getting started.
Our social media presence is rapidly growing, along with media coverage that raises Berwyn’s profile and connects us with residents and businesses. We are also deepening relationships with city stakeholders and local organizations to promote more unified, consistent messaging across the community.
The Berwyn City Council shared updates on redevelopment efforts at the historic bank building at 6804 Windsor and the properties at 6609–6639 Stanley Avenue. These have led to RFPs seeking creative developers to reimagine the sites as vibrant, mixed-use spaces that honor Berwyn’s history while inspiring its future.
All the while, cornerstone programs like the Finish Line Grant, Project Homegrown, the Berwyn Shops, and Sprout continue to thrive. Our team offers direct support to entrepreneurs through advising, events, and training, and we’re advancing the Roosevelt Road Plan with Oak Park to shape one of our city’s key business corridors.
BDC continues to take steps to make our work more inclusive and accessible. From bilingual materials to ADA-compliant resources, we’re working to ensure all residents feel seen, supported, and welcomed. Our commitment is to build a BDC that mirrors the values, languages, and lived experiences of our community. Whether working with long-time entrepreneurs, residents, or professionals, we’re committed to making resources accessible so everyone can thrive.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
David Hulseberg
PROJECT HOMEGROWN
The Berwyn Shops officially opened for their fourth season on May 2, 2025. Since opening weekend, the boardwalk has remained a hub of activity, hosting 11 events between May and June. From Juneteenth celebrations to clothing swaps, the lineup featured a variety of community focused gatherings.
Vendors continued their business development through monthly training sessions, participating in WBDC webinars covering topics from sales to insurance.
Sprout also experienced strong momentum this quarter, welcoming three new vendors and generating $83,388 in total sales. Accessories emerged as the top-performing category, accounting for 53% of overall purchases.
Sprout is gearing up to celebrate our two-year anniversary with an Ice Cream Social on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. We’re excited to mark this milestone with the community.
CONTRACT
A. Business Attraction (New Business Prospects)
a. The BDC engaged with 75 new business prospects in Q2, providing tailored support that included vacant property listings, demographic and workforce insights, infrastructure information, or guidance on zoning and permitting.
b. The BDC actively promoted the Finish Line Grant Program. In Q2, $25,000 was committed across four projects. In 2025 thus far, the BDC has committed $80,090.
c. Data from building permits and vacant property tracking continues to guide our corridor outreach and help prioritize where staff focus their recruitment and retention efforts.
d. Ongoing relationships are maintained with key commercial brokers, and staff continue to regularly reach out to new developers.
B. Business Retention & Expansion
a. Provided information over 11,691 times via email and phone to existing businesses, totaling over 40 individual communications, including site visits, retention outreach, and information on available and vacant properties as well as loan and grant programs.
b. Hosted two corridor roundtables:
i April 23 – Harlem/Cermak
ii May 28 – Roosevelt Road
iii These events featured information on the Finish Line Grant, free business advising, upcoming events and business webinars, as well as information specific to each corridor.
c. The BDC continued its partnership with Cook County Small Business Source, conducting 347 business advising sessions in Q2, with most of the business owners residing or operating in Berwyn. Common issues addressed include accessing capital, marketing guidance, and helping entrepreneurs understand what is needed to start a new business.
d. The BDC operates the Commercial Loan and Advantage Illinois Program in conjunction with the City of Berwyn and the Illinois DCEO. These revolving loan funds provide critical access to capital for Berwyn businesses. As of Q2 2025, over $800,000 in active loans are supporting local business operations, expansions, and startups.
e. The BDC has been actively engaged in the Roosevelt Road Corridor Plan in partnership with the Village of Oak Park and has played an active role in gathering community feedback on the plan. The first community workshop took place in July, and the online survey is currently active at www.rooseveltroadcorridorplan.com.
C. Miscellaneous
a. The BDC applied for a Cook County Creative Placemaking grant to support the development of the property at 6209 Roosevelt Road and was awarded $250,000 toward the creation of the Berwyn Arts Plaza.
b. The BDC is currently considering the purchase of two properties from the Cook County Land Bank.
CHAMBER
The BDC is proud to share its progress as we close the second quarter of 2025. Membership has grown to 227, with 32 new members joining this quarter, and a strong retention rate of 84%. Our events welcomed a total of 151 participants.
This quarter’s programming included networking mixers, skill-building workshops, and outreach initiatives, all designed to help businesses thrive and foster meaningful connections between residents and local entrepreneurs. These efforts continue to strengthen our community and support sustainable business growth.
84% RETENTION
THANK YOU!
When businesses and communities work together, amazing things happen. Thank you to our board for fostering teamwork and growth. By staying engaged and dedicated, we can strengthen our community and create exciting opportunities for everyone. The future looks bright, and we invite you to join us in building lasting success that benefits all.
The BDC’s email campaigns are split up into 4 major categories, Economic Development, Chamber, Why Berwyn, and Project Homegrown. By curating specific audiences we are able to make sure that the correct information is being delivered to correct people. Along with designing specific emails for defined audiences the emails are designed to improve engagement with our social media, website, and in person communication.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
The BDC is proud to sponsor Berwyn’s first and only forum for women at all levels of business. This dynamic group of business trailblazers meets monthly on third Tuesdays from 12:00–1:00PM. The group fosters connection, shared learning, and support through lively discussions on professional growth. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and a colleague.
11,612 Q2 +25 New Subscribers
