Amy Lambert

Biography

As Assistant Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Bradley University, Amy Lambert provides strategic oversight and guidance to small business owners and entrepreneurs, specializing in business model design, operations planning and organizational strategy. Through collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Bradley University, Amy supports the SBDC’s mission to drive economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurial success in Central Illinois.

In addition to her role with the SBDC, Amy serves as an affiliate instructor for the Foster College of Business BUS 400 Convergence Capstone Course. With a focus on real-world applications, she prepares students for impactful careers by enhancing their critical thinking, business and leadership perspectives.

Amy’s background includes serving as Executive Director of the IL SBDC at the Starved Rock Country Alliance, where she worked extensively in small business and economic development across five counties in North Central Illinois. Her experience spans establishing new businesses, leveraging creative technologies, and supporting regional entrepreneurial initiatives. She holds an MA in Business Design and Innovation from Carthage College and a BS in Business with an emphasis on Organizational Innovation. Additionally, Amy has been an active contributor within the Illinois Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth Association and the Midland CEO Program.

Prior to joining Bradley University, Amy co-founded StartUp Peoria and held roles with OneFire, Heart Technologies, Inc., and the Employers’ Association. She has been involved in numerous economic, non-profit and arts initiatives throughout Central Illinois.  Amy can be reached at illinoissbdc@bradley.edu for small business support. Services are confidential and provided at no cost.