LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As the new Executive Director of the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), I’m pleased to share our first quarterly report for 2026 and outline the direction we are setting for the year ahead.
Berwyn has strong fundamentals; a great location, a robust entrepreneurial business, and a spirited and proud community Our role at the BDC is to tap into these strengths to bring this into visible progress on the ground.
In Q1, we focused on strengthening our economic development pipeline and sharpening our approach to business engagement. That means being more proactive in how we recruit, retain, and support our businesses across our corridors. We are placing a renewed emphasis on direct outreach, relationship-building, and identifying opportunities before they become challenges.
We also continue to invest in entrepreneurship as a long-term growth strategy. Our small business and retail incubation efforts remain a critical entry point for new ideas and local ownership. At the same time, we are working to better connect these entrepreneurs to capital, space, and mentorships so they can scale and succeed in Berwyn.
Strategically, we are advancing key initiatives that will shape the City’s future. We made progress on the Roosevelt Road Corridor Plan in partnership with the Village of Oak Park and have renewed our focus on redevelopment opportunities throughout our TIF districts. These efforts allow us to execute and deliver projects that strengthen our tax base and activate underutilized properties.
Internally, we are building a culture that values speed, collaboration, and ownership. The expectation is clear: move with purpose, support one another, stay focused on results, and be visible leaders in the community.
Berwyn has significant opportunities ahead, and the BDC is committed to partnering in that progress with energy, discipline, and intent.
Sincerely,
Brian Crowe | Executive Director
Berwyn Shops
The Berwyn Shops are off to a strong start February marked the graduation of the 2025 cohort and the pitch competition for the 2026 cohort 11 community members came together to listen to pitches, test sample products, review business plans, and select the final 12 vendors
Since then, the 2026 vendors have begun attending business training, designing their shops, and planning events for the year. The Shops opened May 1st, 2026.
2026 TIMELINE
JANUARY - MARCH
JAN
The Big But Book Debut
BDC Annual Meeting
Community Award Recognition at Council Meeting
Route 66 Car Show Committee Kick-Off
Publication of the 2025 Vacant Properties Report
Women in Business
Jury Committee Selected - Berwyn Shops
Cook County Small Business Source 2025 Kick Off
BDC Updates at the January 27 Committee of the Whole th Renewal of the Finish Line Grant
Participation in CMAP Railroad Grade Crossing Study
Vendor Pitch Workshop - Berwyn Shops Event
FEB
Jury Workshop - Berwyn Shops Event
Women in Business
Speed Networking Business After Hours
2025 Cohort Graduation - Berwyn Shops Event
Vendor Selection Day - Berwyn Shops Event
2026 Cohort Orientation - Berwyn Shops Event
2025 Finish Line Grant Recipients recognized at Council Meeting
Route 66 Car Show Committee Meeting
Berwyn Magazine February 2026 Edition Released
Roosevelt Road Corridor Study presented to Zoning, Planning, and Development Commission
Freedom Middle School Rezoning
MARCH
Non-Profit Roundtable
Networking Bingo Business After Hours
Finding and Securing a Commercial Space in Berwyn Webinar
2026 Vendors Announced - Berwyn Shops
Interior Design for Small Business - Berwyn Shops Event
Item Swap and Inventory Day - Berwyn Shops
Berwyn Shops Partnership Renewals
Route 66 Car Show - Promotion Event at World of Wheels
Completed Corridor Walks
Route 66 Car Show Committee Meeting
Mini Golf Pub Crawl news feature with WGN TV
Economic Development
BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION & THE CITY OF BERWYN
FLG Grant Spending
Total Grant*: $984K ● Spent: $71K ● Committed: $135K ● Remaining: $778K
*The total grant dollars include carryover funding from 2024 & 2025 projects, as well as the 2026 $250K allocations for Depot, Roosevelt, & Cermak/Harlem TIFs.
Business Assistance Sessions
353 One-on-One Business Assistance Sessions
253 Hours of Personalized Business Support
CHAMBER 245
As Q1 concluded, the BDC continued to build on momentum in membership and programming. Chamber membership reached 245, with eight new members joining and a retention rate of 84%.
Event attendance increased, with 204 attendees across networking events, business celebrations, and outreach efforts focused on strengthening connections and supporting local businesses.
Board-Led Corridor Activation
This quarter marked the launch of the Corridor Ambassador Program, led by our Board members. The program will strengthen business connections, increase outreach, and support continued growth along Berwyn’s commercial corridors.
2,713
Subscribers
+32 in Q1
BDC Annual Meeting
This year’s Annual Meeting marked a turning point, drawing 135 participants! Business leaders and local legislators came together to forge new connections, honor outstanding community champions, and embrace a renewed vision focused on growth, collaboration, and the future of our Chamber.
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