Supporting the entrepreneurial community through collaboration and mentoring
In the heart of downtown’s Market Square, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) has been working for more than 11 years to be a hub of innovation, collaboration, and encouragement for East Tennessee’s entrepreneurs. KEC supports both aspiring and established business owners, offering a multitude of programs and events designed to support and elevate entrepreneurs from all walks of life. KEC’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem is evident through its varied programs. Each initiative is designed to address the unique challenges faced by the entrepreneurial community.
In our nonprofit highlight of the month, we will be doing an overview of just a few of the programs and events the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center facilitates to meet entrepreneurs along their journeys.
100Knoxville: Elevating Black-Owned Businesses
100Knoxville is an initiative aimed at growing the revenue of Black-owned businesses in Knoxville by $10 million over five years. The program pairs Black entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and provides access to resources that can help them overcome systemic barriers.
Impact Highlights:
• Mentorship: Entrepreneurs receive guidance from seasoned business leaders who provide insights, advice, and connections.
• Funding: Access to capital is a critical component, with the program facilitating connections to investors, financial institutions, and providing a grant for those who complete the 100Knoxville Grant Program.
• Networking: Regular events and meetups foster a supportive community where participants can share experiences and learn from one another.
The Works: Accelerating Early-Stage Software, Technology, and Tech-Enabled Companies
The Works Accelerator is KEC’s flagship program designed to help early-stage startups scale quickly and effectively. This intensive, three-month program provides startups with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to accelerate their growth. KEC has run 13 cohorts of their accelerator program, making it the longest running startup accelerator in the area.
Program Features:
• Tailored Mentorship: Startups are matched with mentors who have relevant industry experience.
• Workshops and Training: Participants engage in a series of workshops covering essential topics such as business model development, marketing strategies, and financial planning.
• Demo Day: The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their progress to a panel of investors, potential partners, and the broader entrepreneurial community.
Women in Entrepreneurship: Monthly Support and Inspiration
KEC’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs is exemplified through its monthly Women in Entrepreneurship program. This series of events provides a platform for women business owners to connect, share experiences, and access resources tailored to their needs.
Key Elements:
• Speakers and Panels: Each event features successful entrepreneurs who share their journeys, challenges, and successes.
• Networking: Attendees have the opportunity to build relationships with other women entrepreneurs, fostering a supportive community.
• Resources and Support: The program provides access to resources such as funding opportunities, business advice, and professional development workshops.
The Maker City Summit: Where Creativity Meets Commerce (there is a graphic for this)
The Maker City Summit is more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of Knoxville’s vibrant maker community. This annual event, happening this September 27-29, brings together artisans, technologists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to share knowledge, inspire creativity, and build connections. Here’s why you should consider purchasing a ticket for this year’s event:
1. Inspiring Speakers and Breakout Sessions: The Summit features an array of speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. From successful entrepreneurs and innovative makers to thought-provoking artists, these speakers share insights that can spark new ideas and approaches. Additionally, Breakout Sessions offer practical skills and knowledge that attendees can directly apply to their ventures.
2. Networking Opportunities: One of the greatest benefits of attending the Maker City Summit is the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you are looking to collaborate on a project, find a mentor, or simply exchange ideas, the networking opportunities are unparalleled.
3. Access to Resources and Support: Attendees gain access to a wealth of resources, including funding opportunities, business support services, and information on the latest industry trends. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to scale their operations or enter new markets.
4. Community Building: The Maker City Summit is about building a stronger, more connected community. It encourages collaboration over competition and highlights the importance of supporting each other’s endeavors.
There is so much to discover during the three days of the Maker City Summit. Tickets and more information can be found at TheMakerCitySummit.org. Join us at the Summit to be inspired, connect with fellow innovators, and contribute to a thriving community of makers and doers.
Investing in the Future
The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is more than just a resource for entrepreneurs; it is a catalyst for change and growth in the Knoxville community. By supporting and nurturing a diverse array of entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Maker City Summit, 100Knoxville, The Works Accelerator, and the Women in Entrepreneurship program, KEC is helping to build a vibrant and inclusive local economy.
The programs highlighted in this feature are just the beginning of the opportunities KEC offers entrepreneurs. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or have already created and sold a company, there is a place for you in the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center Ecosystem. Head to their website, knoxec.com, to learn more about their educational programs or to join the support team for Knoxville entrepreneurs as a mentor. The KEC team would love to connect with you and hear about your big ideas at hello@knoxec.net.
Become a Friend of KEC!
• Attend The Maker City Summit September 27-29
• Go to KnoxEC.com for a PayPal donation link
• Follow KEC on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (X)
• Tag your social media stories and posts with #madeforknoxville!
• Become a mentor helping to create the next generation of entrepreneurs
• Don’t quite know how you fit in, but think it sounds like fun? Come learn more!
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, KEC is funded through sponsorships, partnerships, grants, and programming fees. In addition to support from the City of Knoxville and the State of Tennessee, KEC relies on the generous contributions of leading East Tennessee corporations, successful entrepreneurs, and those who have a vested interest in the success of new businesses in our region. THANK YOU for being a valuable part of our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is building a vibrant and inclusive local economy.
Our Mission: To create a thriving entrepreneurial community that is accessible, diverse, and sustainable.
Our Vision: For Knoxville to become the most founder-friendly city in America.