Berwyn Development Corporation - Annual Report 2024
“Congratulations to the BDC Team for being recognized on the international stage! They won 2 awards from the International Economic Development Council and are seen as leaders in this space. It is truly a wonderful recognition as their work is not only being felt, seen, and appreciated by all of us here locally, but is gaining well-deserved acknowledgement from a broader audience. We all admire the work that the staff does, and we thank you for the continuous effort you put into making this community even better!”
– Jamie Revell, BDC Board President
LEAD AND PROMOTE THOSE ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT EQUITABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR ALL COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IN BERWYN.
We will endeavor to develop policies and procedures that all Berwyn residents and stakeholders can contribute to and benefit from economic opportunities. We seek to identify and address any barriers that minority-owned businesses face in attaining economic opportunities. As a result, the BDC has developed programs and partnerships with community organizations to specifically assist minority-owned businesses and will continue to expand on those as appropriate.
BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF
Dr. Olivia Lares Pierre Monice Salvador Figueroa
Gia Marie Benline
Paul Macchione Eddie Wilkowski
Noeli Serna Herman Vander Naald
Juan Agustin Fleitas Treasurer David Hulseberg
David Hulseberg
Alexandra General Graphic Designer
Patrick Greenacre
Pedro Guerra Chamber Manager
Gary Director of Emotional Support Jamie Revell
Nancy Gonzalez Vacancy Coordinator Helen Tornquist Homegrown Coordinator
Kierra J. Turpin Marketing Project Coordinator
Fabiola Avitia
Russell Glab Accountant
Jazmin Sandoval Vice President
Libby Herrera
WORDS FROM THE BDC’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Berwyn Development Corporation’s 2024 Annual Report. As the Executive Director, I am excited to share the progress, metrics, and milestones that we achieved throughout the year.
First, 2024 was marked by an incredible special events season. In fact, brand new events were launched this year - the Holiday Pub Crawl, Berwyn Holiday Weekend, and Depot Station Lighting. Thousands of visitors and residents also enjoyed fan favorites, such as the two-day Oktoberfest and the Depot District Mini-Golf Pub Crawl. The Berwyn community even saw 30,000+ people attend the recording-breaking Rt66 Car Show with over 750 registered cars along 8 blocks!
Beyond our hosted events, Project Homegrown was celebrated throughout 2024. In May, the Berwyn Shops re-opened for its third season with 12 new entrepreneurs. Berwyn Boutique also reopened in July for its second season with 2 small businesses, offering handmade home goods and artisanal apparel. Our newest location, Berwyn Sprout, celebrated its one-year anniversary in August. We are proud of the vendors and thankful for the community’s continued support of our retail incubators.
Finally, I am pleased to share that the BDC was able to give over $300,000 to the Berwyn community in 2024. For example, we matched grant funding and committed over $182,000 to help purchase 8 party wagons and a portable bandshell. These trailers are equipped with the supplies needed to host block parties and live performances, respectively. In addition, we gave over $120,000 to local non-profit organizations to support their efforts throughout the area.
In short, 2024 was filled with amazing events, timely resources, and unique programs. Thank you to everyone who attended the events, shared our resources, and provided insightful feedback on our programs. We appreciate your support, and we are excited about 2025!
Sincerely,
Dave Hulseberg
WORDS FROM THE BDC’S BOARD PRESIDENT
It’s hard to believe that we’ve completed another year of economic development and chamber services in Berwyn. When I look back on my first year as the BDC Board President, I am truly impressed by the BDC team and the Berwyn community!
First, I am proud to share that the BDC received high honors. In fact, we won two 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council. Specifically, the BDC received the Silver Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Award for the Berwyn Shops and the Bronze Magazine & Newsletter Award for the 2024 Berwyn Magazine. Congratulations to the team – what an amazing recognition!
Beyond the awards, 2024 was also marked by incredible growth in the BDC’s outreach efforts. In just 12 months, the BDC posted almost 1,600 times across 11 social media platforms, resulting in over 759,000 impressions. We have also consistently seen a 45% open rate and a 6.7% click-through rate for our e-blasts. These are well above the industry averages of 33% and 1.5%, respectively! In other words, a strong percentage of local business owners and residents are opening our emails and clicking the links to access available resources!
Overall, I am proud of these accomplishments – none of which would be possible without the continued hard work and dedication of the entire staff, as well as the support of the City of Berwyn, our partners, and the Berwyn Community! Thank you for an amazing 2024 and I look forward to getting to know you even better in 2025!
Sincerely,
Jamie Revell
Through ongoing outreach efforts, over 150 Berwyn businesses received more than $2.28 million in grant funding in 2024.
For the first time ever, the Berwyn Rt.66 Car Show sold out all available slots prior to the show.
BIG WINS IN 2024
Recognized for its innovative design, the Berwyn Shops won the IEDC’s Silver Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Award.
Cook County Small Business Source 2024 BSO Kickoff
Cook County and BDC Pulse Check
2024 Berwyn Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan Accepted
Renewal of Finish Line Grant in Harlem, Roosevelt, and Depot TIF Districts
Commercial Loan Submitted to Advantage IL
Launch of BDC Ambassador’s program
Business After Hours at Paisans Pizzeria and Bar
MARCH
100-Year Anniversary Certificate Presentation to Kiwanis Club of Berwyn
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Membership Breakfast Meeting at the Berwyn Public Library
Grand Opening - Loyola Medicine ENT Clinic
Business Corridor Roundtable – Depot
Grand Opening - Loyola MacNeal Hospital’s Pulmonary Clinic
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Q3 & Q4 2023 Vacancy Report Completed
Business Corridor Roundtable – Harlem/Cermak Rd
Economic Development Commission Meeting
Loan Commission Meeting
Ogden Ave Business Stakeholders Meeting
5 Corridor Walks
Berwyn Shops Preview & Picture Day
Berwyn Shops On-Site Safety Training
1 Berwyn Sprout Vendor Event
Mini-Golf Pub Crawl
Oktoberfest Committee
JUNE
Grand Opening - Loyola MacNeal Hospital
BDC Non-Profit Roundtable
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Chamber After Hours
DCEO Cook County Spoke Contract Completed
Roosevelt Rd Inventory & Upgrades Project Drafted
Commercial Corridor Renovation Grant Webinar
BSO Cook County Q2 Pulse Check
5 Corridor Walks
Project Homegrown at Art in the Park
Launch of Berwyn Boutique Website & Socials
Berwyn Shops Monthly Training – HR & Insurance
1 Berwyn Sprout Vendor Event
2 Berwyn Shops Vendor Event
Cruise Nites
Oktoberfest Committee
Volunteer Thank You Dinner
MAY
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Grand Opening - Jalos Restaurant Sports Bar & Grill
Grand Opening - Friendly Insurance Advisor Group LLC
BISB Celebration at Dominican University
Commercial Corridor Renovation Grant (CCRG) Launched
RISE Grant Reporting Finalized & Grant Closed Out
Business Corridor Roundtable – Roosevelt Rd
Loan Commission Meeting – Approved 1 Loan
Career Day Presentations at St. Leonard
2 Corridor Walks
Grand Opening - 2024 Berwyn Shops
Round 4 of Sprout Vendors Selected
Project Homegrown awarded $120,000 from BMO Bank
360 Cameras at the Berwyn Shops
CBS2 Chicago Live at the Berwyn Shops
FOX Chicago Live at the Berwyn Shops
Berwyn Boutique Round 1 Graduated
Berwyn Shops Monthly Training – Marketing
1 Berwyn Shops Vendor Event
Berwyn Boutique Info Sessions
2 Berwyn Sprout Vendor Events
Oktoberfest Committee
JULY
Grand Opening - La Guadalupana
Business After Hours – Godson’s
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
BISB Webinar
Business Corridor Roundtable – Ogden Ave
LeadCare Cook County Info Sessions
Grand Opening - Berwyn Boutique
Video & Social Media Workshop – Berwyn Sprout
Serendib Birthday Bash – Berwyn Sprout
Taste of Cermak
Cruise Nites
AUGUST
Non-Profit Roundtable
Grand Opening – Carbone Pizzeria Americano
Business After Hours – La Parra
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Business Corridor Roundtable – Central Berwyn
Conflict Resolution Training
BDC Awarded 2 IEDC Excellence Awards
Berwyn Sprout’s 1-Year Anniversary
Fall in Love with Your Skin – Berwyn Shops
Marimba and Saxophone Concert - Berwyn Sprout
Intention Jar Making Workshop - Berwyn Sprout
Sticker Trading Event - Berwyn Sprout
Cup Making Workshop - Berwyn Sprout
Rt 66 Car Show
Cruise Nites
OCTOBER
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Berwyn After Hours - La Lupita Restaurant
Berwyn Business Survey Launched
Employee Handbook 101 Webinar
All Berwyn Business Roundtable
County Spotlight of Date Nite Beaute
Q1 & Q2 Vacancy Report Published
FY23 TIF Joint Review Board Meetings
2025 Berwyn Shops Vendor Application Open
Berwyn Shops Pre-Holiday Check In Meeting
2 Berwyn Shops Info Sessions
Boo at the Berwyn Shops – Berwyn Shops
Dominican University Collaboration
Senior Shopping Day at Project Homegrown
Serendib House Grand Opening – Berwyn Shops
Life is a Ceremony – Berwyn Shops
Halloween Party – Berwyn Sprout
DECEMBER
IL Capital Development Board Outreach Event
Commercial Corridor Renovation Grant Closed
2024 Finish Line Grant Closed
6 Lines of Credit Renewed with Banking Partners
Updated Commercial Loan Application Approved Finish Line Grant Application & Eligibility Updated Inaugural Elfin’ Around the Depot Holiday Pub Crawl
Berwyn Holiday Weekend
2024 Berwyn Shops Season Ended
1 Berwyn Shops Info Session
Design Your Own Bow Workshop – Berwyn Sprout
Aromatherapy Bracelet Workshop – Berwyn Sprout
Taylor Swift Day Party – Berwyn Sprout
La Quema del Diablo – Berwyn Shops
Holiday Swap – Berwyn Shops
Holly the Elf – Berwyn Sprout
Gift Wrapping On Site – Berwyn Sprout
SEPTEMBER
Grand Opening – Puros Birriel
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Business After Hours - Neighborhood Loans
Canva Basics Webinar
Sanitation Certification Class
Canva Webinar Part 1
Finish Line Grant Webinar
FY2023 Annual TIF Reports Submitted
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration – Boutique
Women’s Resilience Training – Berwyn Shops
Back-to-School Plant Workshop – Berwyn Sprout
Report Card Meetings – Berwyn Shops
Puptember at the Berwyn Shops
Unidos en Libertad – Berwyn Shops
Basics of Flower Drying – Berwyn Shops
Kika’s Jewelry 5-Year Anniversary – Berwyn Shops
Oktoberfest
NOVEMBER
Grand Opening - Charley’s Cheesesteaks & Wings
Women in Business Monthly Meeting
Berwyn Resident Local Shopping Survey
Revamped Building Permit Report Drafted
Canva Webinar Part 2
Cook County Source Q3 Pulse Check
Cook County Source Tier 3 Partnership Renewed
2025 Berwyn Shops Juror Application Open
2024 Shop Local for the Holidays Campaign Launched
Featured Article in Delaplaine Magazine – Berwyn Shops
3 Media Spotlights – Berwyn Shops
Holiday Kick Off – Berwyn Shops
Holiday Candle Launch Party – Berwyn Shops
Photos with Santa – Berwyn Sprout
Grinch at Sprout – Berwyn Sprout
Design Your Own Bow Workshop - Berwyn Sprout
Gift Wrapping On Site – Berwyn Sprout
2 Berwyn Shops Info Sessions
WBDC Partnership Renewed – Berwyn Shops
BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF BERWYN
A. Business Attraction (New Business Prospects)
a. The BDC provided information to 614 new business prospects on land, buildings, demographics, labor force, housing, education, infrastructure, and other relevant information.
b. The BDC agreed to perform the following business attraction services to aid prospective businesses and developers:
i. BDC staff reviewed existing incentive programs to make recommendations and provide feedback from the development community. The BDC continued tracking feedback by way of commercial transfer stamps, business licenses, and building permit touches. This information is provided to the City of Berwyn by way of the Vacant Properties Report and Building Permit Report on a semi-annual basis.
ii. The BDC continued to market the Finish Line Grant Program in Berwyn’s Roosevelt, Harlem, and Depot TIF Districts. In 2024, the BDC set aside $250,000 in the Roosevelt TIF, $250,000 in the Harlem TIF, and $125,000 to the Depot TIF.
a. The BDC committed $314,408.82 in Finish Line Grants to 15 projects throughout 2024, leveraging $841,607.63 in private investment.
b. In 2024, the grant application was revised, updating the eligibility requirements and improving the submission process.
c. With support of the City, the BDC coordinated the Roosevelt Improvement Project to upgrade the fixtures, street furniture, and landscaping along Roosevelt Rd.
B. Business Retention and Expansion
(Existing Business Prospects)
a. The BDC retention program identified the needs of existing businesses in the following ways:
i. The BDC provided information over 112,423 times via email and phone to existing businesses on economic, demographic, or commercial real estate. Some businesses were contacted with multiple touches, hence the large amount of retention information shared. The primary focus in 2024 was connecting businesses to educational opportunities and sharing financial resources, such as the LeadCare Program, Commercial Loan Programs, Commercial Corridor Renovation Grant, and Finish Line Grant.
ii. The BDC updated information on Berwyn’s economic profile, including the available properties map, vacancy information to aldermen, and sales tax data in our annual and quarterly reports. The BDC website was also updated to reflect change in resources and policies from national, state, and local guidance.
iii. The BDC continued to maintain a database of all Berwyn businesses and work with the Permit Administrator to collect business licenses.
iv. The BDC conducted 21 corridor walks, 19 educational opportunities, and 6 business corridor roundtables.
a. The roundtables included Depot District, Harlem/Cermak, Roosevelt Rd, Central Berwyn, Ogden Ave, and All Berwyn. The informational sessions covered topics such as Project Homegrown, grants, Canva, and more.
C. Miscellaneous
a. The BDC operates the Commercial Loan program to assist community businesses with financing options. The BDC also partners with the IL DCEO and the US EDA to offer the Advantage IL Loan Program and the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), respectively. In 2024, the BDC team renewed 6 Lines of Credit with banking partners, rebranded loan marketing materials, and updated loan applications.
b. The BDC celebrated incredible milestones with Project Homegrown in 2024. Specifically, the BDC re-opened the Berwyn Shops with 12 new business owners, celebrated the one-year anniversary of Berwyn Sprout, and launched the second season of the Berwyn Boutique with 2 vendors. Together, our 47+ vendors made more than $416,952 in sales in 2024!
c. The BDC continued its contract as a Community Navigator with the Cook County Small Business Source. As a Tier 3 Partner, the BDC connects businesses to educational and financial resources. In 2024, the BDC facilitated over 2,035 one-on-one advising sessions and received about $300,000 for our efforts.
d. In 2024, the BDC completed its contract with the IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offering grant assistance and promoting state programs to local businesses. The BDC received about $20,000 for our outreach efforts.
e. In collaboration with the City of Berwyn, the BDC continued implementing the Vacancy Program. As of Dec 2024, 153 vacant properties have been inspected, 38 have appealed, 24 have registered and paid, and 82 are occupied. Tickets were issued to unresponsive owners and all annual renewals are up to date.
f. With the support of the city, the BDC launched the Commercial Corridor Renovation Grant in 2024. Through this program, $53,325 was committed to 8 commercial properties along 16th St and 26th St to assist with exterior renovation projects. This reimbursement grant leveraged $111,950 in private investment.
g. On behalf of the City of Berwyn, the BDC successfully managed 4 grants: RISE, Tourism, Tourism Marketing, and Rt 66 Round 2 Grants. With these funds, the team purchased 8 party wagons, 1 APEX stage trailer, wayfinding signage, a restored jukebox, and additional marketing materials.
h. In January 2024, the City Council accepted as informational the 2024 Berwyn Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan. This updated plan identified 5 key themes or priorities of the Berwyn community. The BDC then conducted 2 additional surveys – one for Berwyn businesses in partnership with Dominican University and one for Berwyn residents in partnership with the City of Berwyn.
i. In general, the BDC team continues to develop professionally. As such, the economic development team participated in conferences, summits, seminars, and more in 2024. Of note, the team attended the Legacy Project, ILCMA, IEDC, IEDA, and ITIA conferences.
2024 BDC FINANCIALS
2024 YEAR END *
Estate $75,000 2024 YEAR END FUNGIBLE ASSETS
Fungible Assets $1,572,000 $317,000 OTHER DEPRECIABLE ASSETS 2024 FUNDS ON HAND EXPENSES
REVENUE
REVENUE
EXPENSES
Economic Development SERVICES
Welcome to the Economic Development Corner!
We aim to lead and support economic growth throughout Berwyn and the surrounding area.
In 2024, we did this by connecting local entrepreneurs to financial resources, educational sessions, and other networking opportunities. Specifically, we crafted newsletters, social media posts, emails, corridor works, and more. Together, we provided information over 112,000 times!
Thankfully, these outreach efforts paid off. Over 1,200 people attended 13 webinars, 6 roundtables, and 6 co-hosted classes. These sessions covered timely topics, such as Canva Basics, Food Sanitation, and Small Business Lending. Thank you to the Cook County Small Business Source, Illinois Restaurant Association, and Capital Development Board for partnering with us!
Beyond events, we also saw 150 Berwyn businesses receive over $2.2 million in grants! Of note, 81 daycares received over $1 million through the Smart Start and LeadCare programs. The LeadCare program helped daycares replace their lead lines, encouraging water safety for children in Berwyn. In addition, 39 businesses received $710,000 via the Source Grow Grant.
With such incredible successes in 2024, we are excited for what is to come in 2025. In fact, we cannot wait to unveil our new library of resources, filled with webinar recordings, useful templates, and more user-friendly applications. In the meantime, thank you for your insight, honest feedback, and continual support. We have enjoyed getting to know you and your business in 2024.
COMMUNITY GRANTS
In 2024, the BDC received over $180,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity. These dollars were used to install new features, encourage tourism, and promote Berwyn regionally. Of note, the 2024 Berwyn Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan, a restored jukebox sign, a portable bandshell, and more were unveiled to the community this year!
GRANTS TO BERWYN BUSINESSES
$1,096,155 to 81 daycares via Smart Start and LeadCare
$710,000 to 39 businesses via the Source Grow Grant
$367,733 to 23 businesses for renovation projects
$110,000 to 7 entrepreneurs via the B2B New Biz and Elevate Grants
$2,283,888 total to 150 local businesses
On behalf of the City of Berwyn, the BDC continued to administer the Finish Line Grant Program in 2024. This
grant is available to business and commercial property owners across Berwyn’s TIF districts – Depot, Harlem/Cermak, and
With intentional marketing and outreach, the BDC committed $314,408 in Finish Line Grants to 15 projects, leveraging more than $841,607 in private capital investment. This means that every dollar spent using public grant
Given the success of the program, the BDC budgeted $750,000 for the Finish Line Grant in 2025. In partnership with the City of Berwyn, the BDC launched the Commercial Corridor Renovation Grant in 2024. This program assisted businesses and property owners along 16th Street and 26th Street with exterior renovation costs, such as awnings, signage, façade improvements, and more! Funding reimbursed 50% of the total project cost, with a maximum award of $10,000.
Throughout 2024, the BDC committed $53,325 to 8 projects, leveraging more than $111,950 in private capital investment. This means that every dollar spent using these grant dollars brought in an additional $2 investment into Berwyn.
BDC GIVING TO THE COMMUNITY IN 2024
Every year, the BDC aims to drive economic development, provide chamber services, and promote the Berwyn community as a destination. We work closely with the City of Berwyn, local businesses, and other stakeholders to support equitable growth for all in Berwyn.
Thankfully, the BDC was also able to give back to the Berwyn community through financial donations and volunteer efforts in 2024. With the support of the Board of Directors, the BDC gave over $300,000 to local organizations and innovative projects!
Berwyn Historical Society
The Berwyn Historical Society works diligently to preserve the community’s rich heritage. To encourage their efforts, the BDC donated $35,000 to help pay off the museum’s mortgage.
Philanthropic Grant
Through the Philanthropic Grant, the BDC annually awards funding to local non-profits. In 2024, we awarded $7,500 to 3 organizations, enabling them to upgrade their facilities and host events.
BISB Internship
In 2024, the BDC continued the BISB program in partnership with Dominican University. By giving $61,000, students were paired with 20 local businesses to enhance their online presence.
Miscellaneous Donations
Finally, we gave over $15,000, sponsoring local events such as the Morton 201 Foundation and the North Berwyn Park District’s Best of Berwyn.
VOLUNTEERING/OTHER SUPPORT
Beyond financial donations, the BDC board and team were delighted to volunteer throughout the community in 2024. For example, board members packed food for Senior Market Day at the Pav YMCA. Others also served as judges for local competitions and award ceremonies.
In addition, the BDC supported charitable events by donating items for silent auctions. Specifically, the team gave baskets filled with handcrafted goods to at least 3 different causes in the community. Overall, we are blessed to partner with incredible organizations in Berwyn! In fact, we launched a new Berwyn Non-Profit Award to recognize one organization each year for their hard work!
Community Installations
To support events and encourage community building, the BDC matched grant funding and committed over $182,000 to help purchase 8 party wagons and a portable bandshell in 2024.
As we reflect on our achievements and look toward the future, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the BDC Board, the City of Berwyn, and our esteemed members for their unwavering dedication in 2024. With their support, the Berwyn Chamber celebrated significant successes.
First, the chamber welcomed 49 new businesses in 2024, bringing total membership to 267. Based on tier levels, our incredible members were celebrated at grand openings, promoted across our social media platforms, and highlighted in our e-blast. Members were even encouraged to sign up for exclusive opportunities, including paid advertorials in the Berwyn Magazine and the Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses.
Beyond promoting members, the chamber hosted engaging events, including Women in Business meetings, Business After Hours, and Non-Profit Roundtables. In fact, over 380 members attended 19 events in 2024. Together, these initiatives created a valuable community for building relationships, sharing resources, and networking.
As we approach the new year, we are excited to build on this strong foundation by enhancing our existing programs, introducing new initiatives, and fostering deeper connections among our members. Thank you again for your continued support, and we look forward to another year of collaboration and growth!
Pedro Guerra Chamber Manager
IMPACT OF COLLABORATION
WOMEN IN BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
On August 26, 2024, the Chicago White Sox hosted Women’s Equality Night, highlighting businesses that embodied empowerment and progress. Thanks to the strong relationship between the White Sox and the BDC Chamber, Michelle Fernandez, owner of MediaNoche Café, was selected as a featured food provider for the event.
As a woman-owned business and a proud chamber member, MediaNoche Café exemplified the impact of collaboration with the Chamber.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Total attendees: 123
Total events: 10
Average attendees: 13
BERWYN AFTER HOURS
Total attendees: 223
Total events: 6
Average attendees: 37
2024 GRAND OPENINGS
Looking back on 2024, we loved celebrating the milestones of our local businesses! Of note, we enjoyed coordinating 11 ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new chamber members in Berwyn.
Each grand opening brought community leaders, business owners, and residents together to welcome new entrepreneurs to the area. By helping new businesses connect with the community early, these celebrations also boosted the visibility of the business owner, the business, and their products or services. Once again, congratulations to the new businesses and welcome to Berwyn!
CHAMBER BY THE NUMBERS
Total attendees: 34
Total events: 3
MEMBERS
Average attendees: 12 Active Members: 267
Tier 4, 5, 6 members: 78 New members: 49
Project Homegrown
In general, Project Homegrown is designed to lower the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their businesses into storefronts. Each location provides artisans, popup vendors, and talented creators with the resources they need to succeed: physical space, ongoing promotion, tailored education, and networking opportunities.
Throughout 2024, Berwyn Sprout, Berwyn Shops, and Berwyn Boutique were marked by incredible milestones. We are proud of these three retail incubators!
Berwyn Sprout celebrated great accomplishments in 2024. Since January, 48 vendors have rotated through the 33 spaces at Sprout. Each one brought a new perspective to the shared location, redesigning the booths, offering different products, and creating new partnerships.
Together, the vendors built a network of engaged entrepreneurs, hosted more than 36 family-friendly events, and made over $160,000 in sales! The Berwyn community even saw Sprout celebrate its one-year anniversary in August, as well as 6 Sprout vendors graduate out of their booths and blossom into the Berwyn Shops.
Once again, we are proud of the vendors and we cannot “beleaf” the continued support for this homegrown project.
Highlights
• IEDC Silver Award
• 16+ Media Spotlights
• 60+ Entrepreneurs
• 14+ Community Partners
Special Events
• 72+ On-Site Events
• 10+ Training Sessions
• 5+ Tours of the 3 locations
• 2-Day MKT Study with DU
Marketing Wins
• 11,800+ Followers
• 1,598 E-blast Subscribers
• 5 Magazine Features
• 360° Virtual Tours of Shops
Vendor Successes
• $416,000+ In Sales
• Increased Followings
• Developed Partnerships
• Won Grant Awards
In 2024, residents, partners, friends, and family celebrated the launch of the Berwyn Shops’ third season! From May to December, 12 incredible entrepreneurs opened their mini storefronts every weekend, offering everything from pet apparel and kids accessories to delicious treats and handmade skincare.
Throughout the year, the vendors were dedicated, passionate, and hardworking. They produced unique collaborations, facilitated dynamic events, reached amazing goals, and more! They were even spotlighted across media outlets and were featured at the IEDC Conference.
THANK YOU to the Berwyn community, frequent shoppers, and partners for making this retail incubator possible. We are proud of the 2024 cohort and we look forward to the 2025 season!
In July 2024, the Berwyn Boutique successfully reopened for its 2nd season with a redesigned shared space, upgraded check-out system, and 2 new vendors. For over 5 months, Energia del Corazon Cosmico and K Shulada LLC have launched new partnerships, hosted engaging events, and sold over 2,800 products. Together, they offered shoppers 1000+ items, including crystal necklaces, home goods, artisanal clothing, vibrant accessories, and more!
In early 2025, Liz and Kenia will officially graduate from this homegrown project. Congratulations to the graduates and we cannot wait to see where they “grow” next!
2024 Marketing
Berwyn.net
• Users: 63,848
• Sessions: 78,049
BerwynShops.com
• Users: 11,979
• Sessions: 18,234
WhyBerwyn.com
• Users: 12,366
• Sessions: 14,618
BerwynSprout.com
• Users: 4,098
• Sessions: 6,212
2024 Social Media
Berwynrt66.com
• Users: 21,609
• Sessions: 28,444
Boutique.com
• Users: 474
• Sessions: 652
TOTAL WEBSITE VISITORS
114,374
TOTAL WEBSITE SESSIONS
146,209
Impressions
36,775 BDC
FOLLOWERS
(+17% over 2023)
Berwyn Shops
• Followers: 9,054
• Engagement Rate: 6.5%
• Post Impressions: 358K
• Page Impressions: 527K
E-Blast
• Open Rate: 46%
• Click-Through Rate: 8.9%
• Subscribers: 891 BDC (Chamber)
Berwyn Sprout
• Followers: 1,844
• Engagement Rate: 7.8%
• Post Impressions: 159K
• Page Impressions: 342K
WhyBerwyn
• Followers: 19K
• Engagement Rate: 4%
• Post Impressions: 227K
• Open Rate: 41%
• Click-Through Rate: 7.83%
• Subscribers: 976 BDC (Econ)
BDC
• Followers: 3,188
• Engagement Rate: 13%
• Post Impressions: 186K
• Page Impressions: 155K
• Page Impressions: 328K
2024 EVENTS RECAP:
Mini Golf Pub Crawl
The Mini Golf Pub Crawl is an annual Depot District event held in April. Bars/ restaurants are invited to host their own mini-golf holes for residents and visitors to test their skills at - in costume!
This highly anticipated event turned 20 in 2024! This year, we had 500+ people and 16 businesses that supported the event through sponsorship or donation of food and drink at the after-party.
Taste of Cermak
The Taste of Cermak saw the participation of 15 businesses and 3 participating sponsors who helped welcome over 100 residents for a taste of what Berwyn’s busiest corridor has to offer!
The Taste of Cermak was held on Thursday, July 16 in the evening from 5-9pm! For only $15, people were given the opportunity to enjoy a sample from their favorite Cermak Road business’ offerings! There was something for everyone to enjoy!
Oktoberfest
The BDC closed out the summer with its annual Berwyn Oktoberfest event, inviting 7 bands and 13 food vendors to help kick off the fall!
Celebrate the changing of seasons each September at the Berwyn Oktoberfest! This event features live music, a food court, and 2 beer tents! There is no entry fee at this Depot District event.
Holiday Pub Crawl
For the first time, the BDC hosted a holiday themed pub crawl in the Depot District with the goal of engaging residents and businesses alike. With just over 100 participants this year, the BDC looks forward to making this an annual festivity.
Berwyn Pride Walk
This year, we had nearly 200 residents come out and show their support at the Berwyn Pride Walk on Saturday, June 29th, in the Depot District!
The annual Berwyn Pride Walk invites community members to gather and show their support as the group makes its way across the Depot. This walk is a recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in Berwyn and celebration of identities.
RT66 Car Show
On August 24th, 8 blocks of the iconic Route 66 strip in Berwyn were filled with over 750 registered vehicles at the 2024 car show, making it Berwyn’s largest car show to date!
For the first time ever, online registrations hit max capacity and allowed for a more seamless checkin process.
Cruise Nites
Cruise Nites returned on the first Monday of June, July, and August in 2024! Showcasing 50+ cars each night, these beloved events would not have been possible without the generosity of our 3 main sponsors. Hosted along the tracks in the Depot District, Cruise Nites were designed as free, family-friendly events where local car enthusiasts meet to chat about cars and win awards!
Berwyn Holiday Weekend
The Berwyn Holiday Weekend was held from December 13th to 15th with the goal of promoting the various events being held across the city. From cookie decorating to photos with Santa, businesses were encouraged to host a holiday event to get into the spirit!
