Eric Sampson

Biography

Eric Sampson, 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.

Eric brings a diverse background in finance, marketing, technology entrepreneurship, and real estate and investment management. He previously served as the CFO and Chief Trading Officer of Edgewater Trading, Inc. His areas of concentration include advising entrepreneurs and local small business owners toward capital funding options, market expansion and improved profitability, and supporting growth, hiring, and competitiveness through innovative and effective strategies.

Eric received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Bradley University. He is a Certified Business Development Advisor and member of the Illinois Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Association (IESBGA) and is Certified with GrowthWheel International, Inc.  Eric serves as an organizer of 1 Million Cups, host of entrepreneurship and start-up networking events in Peoria. He can be reached at illinoissbdc@bradley.edu for small business support. Services are confidential and provided at no cost.