Brewpoint Coffee Company in Elmhurst offers customers a space that fosters connection, inspires creativity, and makes a delicious cup of coffee. Melissa Villanueva purchased this turnkey operation in 2014. Her leadership has caused sales to "grow" exponentially from the past coffee shops in this location. Much of Brewpoint's success can be attributed to outstanding customer service, continual community marketing and partnering with Elmhurst businesses and the city of Elmhurst.
Larry Bussow, an advisor at the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the College of DuPage, worked with Ms. Villanueva to develop a Brewpoint Business Plan and corresponding financial projections. These efforts helped secure a line of credit to purchase new and replacement equipment, hire additional staff, and a complete remodeling of the interior. This assistance includes helping Ms. Villanueva secure a grant from the City of Elmhurst, negotiate a lease, develop the equipment and leasehold improvement plan, explore organizing Brewpoint as a series LLC, and securing financing for the project.
In addition, Brewpoint is working with the Illinois SBDC at College of DuPage to open a second retail location in Elmhurst and to start a roasting operation for wholesale and distribution of beans.
Ms. Villanueva gratefully acknowledged, "Larry's help from the SBDC has been pivotal to Brewpoint's growth. He has gone above and beyond with every project we work on. I can't believe that this great service is provided to small business owners like me. Any business owner can receive something valuable working with the SBDC."
Brewpoint Coffee Company Website
Contact Information
Business Development Center
535 Duane Street, Office 233
Glen Ellyn IL 60137
(630) 942-2600
Email: bdc@cod.edu
Regular Hours
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Map and Directions