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Oswego EDC to launch comprehensive BRE survey, refocus on small-business support
Summary
Village staff told the Economic Development Commission the top priorities for 2026 include a comprehensive business retention and expansion (BRE) survey, expanded small-business programming and a renewed downtown push, while noting ongoing projects such as HomeGoods and a new grocery development.
The Village of Oswego’s Economic Development Commission heard staff outline a set of 2026 priorities on Feb. 11, centered on a new business retention and expansion (BRE) survey and a renewed focus on small-business development.
"A big goal for this year will be launching this, BRE survey," said Kevin Laidy, who led the presentation of initiatives and program plans. Staff described a two-part instrument: a mailed/email survey for broad response and a separate interviewer guide for in-person BRE visits.
Why it matters: the commission said the survey will provide data on employment, sales trends, expansion or closure plans and municipal service needs — information Laidy said will help the village tailor business outreach and incentives. Laidy told commissioners the village will try to reach as many businesses as possible using a mix of email and mailed surveys and by tapping Certificates of Occupancy and Chamber lists to broaden coverage.
Commissioners recommended edits and additions. One member asked that interviewer-facing forms reduce emphasis on COVID-era questions; another urged adding an open-ended prompt so businesses can raise issues the survey may miss. Laidy said the survey template draws on a previously used statewide instrument and will be adapted as a guide rather than a verbatim form.
The EDC also discussed event-based outreach: staff and commissioners called last year’s open house a success that produced more than 50 attendees and several business leads. Commissioners suggested future open houses include programming aimed specifically at entrepreneurs and small business owners and coordinate partner resources such as Waubonsee Community College, the Small Business Development Center, SCORE mentors, the public library and the local Chamber.
Staff said planned programs this year include refining the business concierge service and a small-business open-house event; the commission encouraged tailoring outreach to younger entrepreneurs and addressing micro barriers that can keep new businesses from reaching first customers.
What’s next: staff will finalize the survey instrument after incorporating the commission’s feedback and begin broad distribution and scheduling in-person BRE visits in the coming months. The commission did not take a formal vote on the survey at the meeting.
