The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council (BNEDC) helps businesses in McLean County grow and attracts new businesses to our community.

We are a leadership organization, investing our community’s assets to grow and improve our prosperity and quality of life. The EDC of the Bloomington-Normal Area grows the local economy by assisting with local business expansion, recruiting new businesses and companies to the area, and encouraging the next wave of entrepreneurs to establish their business here.

Have money you want to invest locally? Need money to support your startup? Join our BN Angels Investor Network!

A housing shortage in Bloomington-Normal and the surrounding region is constraining the ability of some area companies to fill hundreds of available jobs. The Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council (BNEDC) and community partners identified the housing shortage as a top workforce development priority. To provide solutions to the challenge, Ameren Illinois, an EDC investor, helped facilitate an introduction to St. Louis firm, Development Strategies to assist the BNEDC on the project.

Development Strategies worked with with the BNEDC, McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC), Mid Illinois Realtors Association (MIRA) and the McLean County Chamber of Commerce to gather data and insights to develop creative solutions to unlock the region’s growth potential.

Find out today what our current list of investor benefits includes.

The Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council has created this directory to provide access to the different businesses located in McLean County.

We mean BUSINESS—all types, all sizes. We help businesses get started and get connected to resources. Let us help you turn your idea into reality.

Use SizeUp to analyze your market, compare competitors, and make data-driven business decisions—designed specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

This report analyzes the childcare landscape in McLean County and its impact on families, employers, and economic stability. Drawing on state and federal data, along with surveys of parents, providers, and businesses, it identifies affordability and workforce shortages as key challenges. The findings highlight how childcare costs influence employment decisions, family well-being, and long-term workforce sustainability, underscoring the need for coordinated, community-based solutions.

We’re pleased to share our 2025 Annual Report! This year, we focused on driving economic growth, supporting local businesses, and strengthening community prosperity across McLean County.