Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) has announced the next cohort of the 100Knoxville Grant Program.

This group of five founders has teamed up with an exceptional lineup of mentors for a dynamic five-week sprint that started last week, led by 100Knoxville Facilitator Kandis Troutman. Throughout the program, participants will refine their business strategies, expand their entrepreneurial networks, enhance operational efficiency, and learn how to boost sales. 

Each company will also receive $10,000 towards growing their business. KEC is grateful to the community of 100Knoxville supporters who have helped to make this happen.

The five start-ups in the newest cohort are:

1. Aaron Ingram | House of Lamar, LLC. The start-up is an Interior and Architectural Photography business. Their customers are interior designers, design firms, architects, and home builders. Ingram is an involved member of the Knoxville entrepreneur and creative community, serving as Chair for the 2026 Maker City Summit. The company’s mentor is Saray Taylor-Roman.
2. Jaleria Rivera | SpaceCraft. The start-up is Knoxville’s first arts studio cooperative and creative reuse center (SpaceJunk). The company is a conduit for culture and also hosts consistent gatherings that inspire joy, play, and community care. As a growing artists constellation, it understands that art flourishes when you give space to explore in a low-stakes and caring environment. Our mission is to minimize the barriers to becoming an artist through equitable access to community, space, and art supplies. The start-up’s mentor is Ashleigh Walters.
3. Annette Polanco | Legacy Pour Promotions. The start-up is a premium experiential marketing and staffing agency specializing in liquor brand activations, providing expertly trained brand ambassadors to increase product visibility, consumer engagement, and retail sales. Her mentor is Courtney DeLaura.
4. Monica Smith-Albright | D’vyne Creations. The business is a made-to-order bakery specializing in gourmet cookies—including the signature Oatmeal D’vyne Cookies—along with custom and specialty cakes, and other custom dessert creations. Each creation is handcrafted, inspired from a God-given recipe and made with love, purpose, and you in mind. Mentors are Mike Robinson and Kaleena Goldsworthy.
5. Jeremy Donald | Nappywingz. The start-up offers Memphis-style hot wings as well as other comfort food that is inspired by Memphis recipes. Along with those food items, NappyWingz also offers catering for events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. The mentor is Nolan Sherrill.

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