WHO WE ARE
Next Level Exchange Network is a 12-month, cohort-based small business development program designed to help business owners build the capacity of their enterprise. The purpose of the Chicagoland program is to support the growth of owner-operated businesses and create economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Program components include
EDUCATION
MENTORSHIP
NETWORKING
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Taylor Investment Partners
Bruce Taylor
Bruce is a managing partner of Taylor Investment Partners and former Chairman and CEO of Cole Taylor Bank. He is currently on the Board of Governors and is treasurer for The Metropolitan...
NextLevel Exchange
Amy Stoken
Amy Stoken is the Director of NextLevel Exchange. She is responsible for all aspects of the program and coordinating the participating organizations. Amy brings to NextLevel Exchange...
Chicago Urban League
Kevin P. Davenport
Kevin P. Davenport is the Director of 2 programs at the Chicago Urban League’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center: NextDEAL (9-week cohort based intensive course on how to...
Sunshine Enterprises
Laura Lane
Laura Lane is the Managing Director of Programs for Sunshine Enterprises, whose mission is to empower high-potential entrepreneurs living in under-resourced neighborhoods to...
Women's Business Development Center
Aisha Aherns
Aisha Ahrens is the Managing Director of Program Innovations at the Women’s Business Development Center. Previously, Aisha served as Director of Digital Equity and Inclusion...
Women's Business Development Center
Regina Williams
Regina Williams Regina Williams is Director of Program Innovations at the Women’s Business Development Center. She is responsible for delivering innovative programming...
Sunshine Enterprises
Sinclaire Dorsten
Sinclaire Dorsten has been with Sunshine Enterprises as the Business Acceleration Services Program Manager since the fall of 2023. She works with the Sunshine Alumni businesses in all capacities to better...
Chicago Urban League
Karim Duré
As a Program Manager at the Chicago Urban League's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Karim supports Black business owners as they navigate the challenges and...
Meet the Board
The Board of Directors of NextLevel Exchange Chicago is composed of accomplished leaders dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, professional growth, and meaningful business connections across Chicago. Bringing diverse expertise, strategic insight, and a shared commitment to community impact, the board helps guide the organization’s vision and long-term success. Among its distinguished members are Amy Stoken and Bruce Taylor, whose information you can find above.
Craig Leva
Craig is the CEO and owner of Arway-Long Grove Confections. During his 35-year tenure, the company has grown more than twenty-fold and today Arway Confections and Long Grove Confectionery operate out of two manufacturing facilities totaling roughly 160,000 square feet with over 200 full time employees, along with an additional significant seasonal labor force.
Craig joined the newly established board of NextLEVEL Exchange after serving as a mentor for the past 8 years. Craig also serves on several industry boards and is active with several Chicago-area philanthropic organizations.
Stephen L. Davis
Stephen L. Davis is the Chairman and Founder of The Will Group, Inc., that provide a comprehensive range of products and services to the construction and utility industries, including supply, engineering,
and program management, all operating under the common philosophy, “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way.” Founded in 1986 to honor the legacy of his father, William “Will” Davis, the company is rooted
in values of integrity, pride, and hard work. Over the past four decades, Stephen L. Davis has grown The Will Group into a prominent multi-entity enterprise, consistently recognized among Crain’s Largest Black-Owned Companies and Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top 100 Black Businesses. Mr. Davis also serves on several corporate and civic boards, including PMI Energy Solutions, Heska Corporation, Inland Real Estate Trust, and previously, the DuPage Airport Authority.
Bruce Taylor
Bruce is a managing partner of Taylor Investment Partners and former Chairman and CEO of Cole Taylor Bank. He is currently on the Board of Governors and is treasurer for The Metropolitan Planning Council, serves on the Midwest board of trustees for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, is chairman of 18Doors (formerly known as Interfaith Family), and is on the board of directors for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. Bruce earned his B.S. from Babson College in 1977 and his MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1979.
Amy Stoken
Ex Officio
Amy Stoken is the Director of NextLevel Exchange. She is responsible for all aspects of the program and coordinating the participating organizations. Amy brings to NextLevel Exchange a multifaceted background including corporate law, non-profit management, and venture capital. Amy has a B.A. in American Studies from Eckerd College, an M.A. in Public Policy from The George Washington University, and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
FOUNDING PARTNERS
