Jim Foley is the director of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University. The centers are a joint venture between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Bradley University with a mission to promote business startup, growth, and resilience. He is also Director of International Programs for the Foster College of Business and Director of Business and Nonprofit Partnerships for the university.
Mr. Foley has over twenty-five years experience in higher education with academic, entrepreneurship/business development, and community outreach responsibilities. He has served as the director over a number of grant- and endowed-funded programs that provide counseling and training in entrepreneurship and innovation, international business planning, technology commercialization, and government procurement. Also responsible for academic and student programs relating to international business, international studies, and study abroad programs for the college of business and maintains a teaching load.
Mr. Foley is a frequent speaker on issues of international trade and teaches International Business courses at Bradley University. Mr. Foley is the author of the book The Global Entrepreneur 4th Edition discussing techniques to expand exports. He is also the co-author of the eleventh edition of International Marketing by Vern Tersptra. Jim has received numerous recognitions including the ASBDC State Star, the NASBITE International Trade Educator of the Year Award, the Illinois Governor’s Export Award, and the IATTO Lifetime Achievement Award. He most recently received the John Otis Lifetime Achievement Award, Nasbite International’s highest recognition. In 2009 Bradley’s International Trade Center was awarded the President of the United States’ E Award. Jim serves as national co-chair of the ASBDC International Interest Section and a member of the Illinois District Export Council. Prior to joining the trade center, Mr. Foley worked in the computer industry living in Los Angeles and London. He has an MBA from the London Business School at the University of London, and B.A. from Knox College.