What the Numbers Tell Us: Insights from the BDC’s 2026 Q2 Report

Economic development is often most visible through new businesses opening, redevelopment projects taking shape, community events drawing visitors, and entrepreneurs launching new ventures. But behind those successes are trends, investments, and activities that help make it all happen.

Prepared quarterly, this report serves as both an accountability tool and a valuable source of information about the economic activity taking place throughout the city. It tracks progress toward the goals established through the BDC’s agreement with the City of Berwyn while also providing insight into the initiatives, partnerships, and investments helping shape the community’s future.

We encourage readers to explore the BDC’s 2026 Q2 Report for a deeper look at the data, stories, and accomplishments that helped shape Berwyn’s economy between April and June 2026.

Why These Metrics Matter

Economic development is not a single project or initiative. It is the combined impact of business investment, entrepreneurship, commercial redevelopment, workforce activity, and community partnerships.

As discussed in our recent article, Why the BDC Is Focused on Growing Berwyn’s Economy, regional data shows that while there is notable economic activity happening in the community, a significant portion is leaching into surrounding communities. This highlights the importance of creating more local jobs and workforce pipelines, while also supporting small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and strengthening commercial corridors. Together, these efforts help build a more resilient local economy.

The quarterly report helps track progress toward those goals by measuring activities such as business assistance, development projects, investment inquiries, commercial occupancy, and other indicators that contribute to long-term economic growth.

Supporting Berwyn’s Business Community

The second quarter reflected strong engagement across the BDC’s economic development, chamber, marketing, and community programming efforts – highlighting continued efforts to strengthen relationships with businesses throughout the city.

Demand for business assistance remained strong during the first half of 2026. The BDC provided 676 one-on-one business assistance sessions and delivered nearly 500 hours of personalized support to entrepreneurs and business owners. The organization also hosted business training, networking, and educational events that attracted hundreds of participants, reinforcing the continued need for technical assistance, business education, and professional connections (Q2 Report, pg. 3).

The City’s Finish Line Grant Program also continues to generate private investment. Across the City’s three tax increment financing (TIF) districts, the program is leveraging about $1.30 in private investment for every $1 awarded in grants. Approximately $161,000 in grant commitments has helped generate roughly $209,000 in private investment to date this year. With over $500,000 in funding still available through the end of the year, the program remains a meaningful tool for encouraging additional business and property investment throughout Berwyn (Q2 Report, pg. 3).

This emphasis on connecting businesses with resources aligns closely with themes from our recent article on Emerging Capital Connections in Cook County, which highlighted the growing network of financing and support organizations available to entrepreneurs through the Cook County Small Business Source and its lending partners. Access to capital remains one of the most common challenges facing entrepreneurs, and BDC staff continue helping businesses navigate funding opportunities, technical assistance programs, incentive programs, and financing options that support growth and expansion.

During the second quarter, the BDC launched its Corridor Ambassador business canvassing initiative, conducting outreach along Roosevelt Road, Ogden Avenue, and Cermak Road and engaging more than 30 businesses to better understand local challenges, identify opportunities, and connect owners with available resources and support services.

These relationship-building efforts are reflected in the BDC’s Chamber success. During the quarter, Chamber membership remained strong at 247 members; welcoming new members and maintaining an 82% retention rate. Chamber events, networking opportunities, and business engagement activities attracted participants across industries and communities, reflecting continued involvement from the local business community (Q2 Report, pg. 4).

The BDC also continued to support entrepreneurship through Berwyn Shops, the City’s small business incubator program. Launched in May, the program’s fifth season welcomed 12 entrepreneurs and generated more than $55,000 in sales during its first two months (Q2 Report, pgs. 1, 5), providing participants with real-world experience operating retail businesses while testing products, building customer relationships, and developing business skills in a lower-risk environment.

The BDC also continued working with prospective businesses through site visits, community tours, and resource coordination. One example highlighted in the report is La Casa del Pueblo, which is anticipated to open in Berwyn later this year, reflecting continued interest in investing within the community (Q2 Report, pg. 4).

Outreach and Community Engagement

Strong economic development depends on strong connections. Whether it’s sharing funding opportunities, promoting local businesses, identifying emerging needs, or helping entrepreneurs find the right resources, the ability to quickly connect people with information and one another is an important part of the BDC’s work.

The report highlights continued growth in the BDC’s communications and outreach efforts, allowing the organization to reach more businesses, residents, entrepreneurs, and community partners than ever before (Q2 Report, pg. 4). As our network expands, so does our ability to share timely information, connect businesses to opportunities, and foster collaboration across the community.

Click Here to View the 2026 Q2 Report

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