Samantha Scholl

Associate Vice President, Innovation & Entrepreneur Programs


Samantha Scholl is the Associate Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneur Programs at the Better Business Bureau, where she leads dynamic initiatives that drive innovation, accelerate small business growth, and expand access to entrepreneurial resources. With a strong background in community engagement, program development, and strategic partnerships, she builds impactful pathways that empower founders to break through barriers and scale with purpose.

A lifelong explorer, Samantha has traveled to over 70 countries on a shoestring budget, blogging about her global adventures as a passionate travel writer. Her love for discovery fuels her approach to entrepreneurship—creative, bold, and always focused on the bigger picture.

Samantha’s leadership has earned her recognition as one of San Diego Business Journal’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders, a Top 50 LGBTQ Leader of Influence, and recipient of both the Inclusive Champion Award and the She Makes History Award.

She recently served on the board of the San Diego Equality Business Association and continues to advocate for inclusive, future-forward entrepreneurship that sparks meaningful change across communities.


Eduardo Borquez

Director of Business and Entrepreneur Engagement


Fueled by coffee and a love for big ideas, this business champion helps entrepreneurs turn bold visions into real momentum. With a talent for connecting people, resources, and opportunities, nothing makes him happier than seeing small businesses thrive. He believes trust is the secret sauce to long-term success, and strong relationships are the key ingredient; expect practical insights, real connections, and a whole lot of encouragement. 

Whether you are scaling up or starting fresh, he is here to help you navigate the journey with clarity and confidence...because when small businesses win, communities do too!

Karen Bryant

Hospitality & Community Engagement Supervisor


Meet the Master of minute details! Who also lives for the thrill of planning events!  Armed with a passion for perfection and a knack for turning chaos into coordinated magic, they've earned the title of the "hostess with the mostest."
With an eye for detail sharper than a laser beam and a love for meticulous planning that borders on legendary, they're the secret behind every seamless event. Behind the scenes, they’re the conductor of the chaos, ensuring every moment ticks like clockwork and every detail sparkles brighter than a disco ball.
But their passion doesn’t stop at events—they have an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for small businesses. Whether it’s creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, curating networking events, or supporting business growth, they believe in building strong connections that help communities thrive.
From groovy holiday mixers to game-changing business accelerators, they make every gathering unforgettable, leaving guests wondering, “How did they pull that off so effortlessly?” It’s not just a job—it’s a passion for creating moments that sparkle, businesses that flourish, and memories that last a lifetime.