Illinois Small Business Council

Nikki Bravo

Nikki Bravo is a dynamic entrepreneur and community builder. As a first-generation American with West Indian-born parents, she is dedicated to economic development and community empowerment. She spent most of her early career in city government with Chicago's Department of Planning and Development and later served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Public Building Commission of Chicago.

In 2019, Nikki and her husband, Tracy Powell, co-founded Momentum Coffee and Coworking. With six locations in under-resourced areas of Chicago, this independent coffee shop connects communities through delicious beverages and food. In 2024, Momentum Coffee launched a Food Incubator program to increase resources and knowledge for emerging food entrepreneurs, highlighting their commitment to small businesses and community development. 

Nikki's journey showcases her as a force for positive change in her community and beyond. She is a member of Small Business Majority's National Council, the Magnificent Mile Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, the National  Association of Women Business Owners, and Let’s Talk Womxn Chicago. Furthermore, she is an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses  Program, Founders First and Breedlove Entrepreneurship Programs.

Evera Ivy

Evera Ivy of Ivy League Farms LLC works with her family to grow various organic vegetables in Kankakee County. Throughout its time in operation, the farm has grown produce ranging from string beans, okra and watermelon–to eggplant, corn and greens, among others. Additionally, the team has been learning about industrial hemp and growing this versatile crop. 

Evera initially became interested in Cannabidiol (CBD, which is a chemical compound found in hemp) and its potential health benefits in 2015. This led her to study hemp, and later grow the hemp plant. Members of the farm team began attending industry seminars, studying the uses and policies that accompany the crop. Evera has hosted and presented at a number of virtual and in-person industry events.

Nancy Maxwell

Nancy Maxwell has been a member of the Southern Illinois Community for over twenty years. Nancy has proven herself to be a fierce advocate for our community. She has over 15 years of leadership and supervisory experience. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of Carbondale United, a Social Service Nonprofit Organization building programs for parents and children that provide much needed systemic change for Carbondale residents. She is the Vice President of The Black Chamber of Commerce, Owner and Operator of Print’s R Us. Nancy Also sits on several boards including The State’s Attorney Citizen’s Board, Connect 360, African American Museum of Southern IL, Disparities Elimination Advisory Committee at Washington University and she is on the front lines and boots on the ground. Working with families in the center of recent gun violence in Carbondale, she brings her experience of being as a Deputy Sheriff in Chicago, Illinois, a Police Officer in Mounds, Illinois, a Correctional Officer at the Tri-County Detention Center in Ullin, Illinois, A former Rape Crisis Counselor and Legal Advocate for the Survivor Empowerment Center to the table to create a better Carbondale. A Mother and Grandmother, and a parent who lost a child to gun violence. Nancy works endlessly to create a healthy community for all families offering sound business acumen, creative solutions, with proven, outstanding decision-making skills.