Our Speakers

Eric Sampson, Illinois SBDC at Bradley University, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University, advises individuals who want to start a business or expand existing businesses.  Guidance provided includes developing business and marketing plans, creating financial projections, addressing business formation issues, and obtaining financing.  Eric also assists owners and managers of existing small businesses to identify solutions to business related problems, to examine strategic opportunities, expand their product portfolios, and enhance or diversify their sales efforts. His areas of interest include supporting entrepreneurs and local small business owners toward capital funding options, market expansion and improved profitability, and supporting growth, hiring and competitiveness through innovation and effective strategies. Eric received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bradley University.

Chris Youngmark, Peoria Next Innovation Center, Director Peoria Next Innovation Center is a business incubator, featuring wet and dry laboratories, private offices, and shared coworking space for entrepreneurs and small businesses. In partnership with the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University, Peoria NEXT provides an affordable business environment, education, networking, and a host of amenities onsite, with support from Bradley University systems.

Taylor Long, Learning Management System Administrator, Bradley University Taylor Long is a learning technology professional with extensive experience supporting educators and professionals in using digital tools effectively. She works in higher education IT, primarily in learning management systems, instructional technology, and practical technology training that helps users work more efficiently and confidently. Taylor enjoys helping people understand not just what tools can do, but how to use them in real-world contexts.