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Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator Kickoff
2024-03-18 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Join Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator for it’s kickoff event. Meet the founders and network with colleagues and industry leaders. Heavy appetizers and refreshments. Sponsored by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority, and University of Tennessee.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM- Arrive and network

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM- Meet the founders

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Network with colleagues

Lunch & Learn: Business Finance Basics with Truist
2024-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
Lunch & Learn: Business Finance Basics with Truist
Knoxville, TN – March 18, 2024 – The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is pleased to announce a collaborative event with Truist, one of the nation’s leading financial services companies, to present a Lunch & Learn session on Business Finance Basics. This educational opportunity will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center located at 37902.
This Lunch & Learn session aims to equip entrepreneurs and business owners with essential knowledge about managing finances effectively. Representatives from Truist will delve into crucial topics including managing business cash flow, strategies for building and expanding businesses, and methods to safeguard business assets.
“Understanding the fundamentals of business finance is paramount for the success of any venture,” said Jim Biggs, Executive Director at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. “We are excited to partner with Truist to offer this invaluable learning opportunity to our community of entrepreneurs.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals in the financial industry, gaining insights and strategies to better manage their business finances and drive growth.
Lunch will be provided for all attendees, offering a relaxed and interactive environment for networking and learning.
To register for the Lunch & Learn: Business Finance Basics with Truist, please visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/knoxvilleentrepreneurcenter/1185615.

Capitol Connections - Knoxville Chamber
2024-04-05 08:00 - 09:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Learn what’s happening at the Tennessee General Assembly during a discussion with members of the House of Representatives. Each representative will have an opportunity to share their priorities for 2024 and thoughts on current business issues within our community.
*Light breakfast and refreshments will be served.

Building an Ecosystem: Advising & Investing into Tennessee Ventures
2024-04-05 16:00 - 18:00 | 465 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Join Duofounder for an enlightening workshop at Techstars Industries of the Future led by Sergio Marrero of the Robin Hood Foundation.
​This event is designed for venture capital investors and startups keen on exploring strategies for fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through insightful investing and mentorship.
​Dive into the dynamics of ecosystem building and discover how you can play a pivotal role in nurturing Tennessee’s burgeoning venture scene.

​Understand the Current Landscape: Gain a comprehensive overview of Tennessee’s venture ecosystem, identifying key players, achievements, and untapped opportunities.
​Actionable Strategies: Equip yourself with actionable strategies for attracting investment, securing mentorship, and leveraging ecosystem resources to accelerate your startup’s growth.
​Best Practices for Ecosystem Building: Learn best practices for contributing to and benefiting from a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, focusing on collaboration and innovation.

​Hybrid Session: 4 pm – 5 pm
​You can choose to join us in person or attend virtually.
​Setting the Stage with Taylor Bozarth from Duofounder: An overview of the agenda and a welcome to the Tennessee startup ecosystem.
​About Duofounder
​ DuoFounder provides Co-founder as a Service, connecting Tennessee startups with fractional experts who share their vision and fill essential skills gaps. Duofounder acts as a bridge within the Tennessee startup community, promoting synergy between startups, industry partners, and active investors, all driving forward the innovation ecosystem in Tennessee.
​Ecosystem Overview with Eller Kelliher from Launch Tennessee: An introduction to Tennessee’s current venture landscape, highlighting key players, achievements, and opportunities.
​​About Launch Tennessee
​​Launch Tennessee is a 501(c)3 that supports the startup ecosystem through capital, connections and commercialization. They are a public-private partnership uniquely positioned to provide direct investment, while also supporting collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, private sector institutions and government.
​Building an Investment Ecosystem with Sergio Marrero: A deep dive into the principles of ecosystem building, sharing best practices for investment and mentorship to fuel growth and innovation.
​About Sergio Marrero
​​Sergio Marrero is the Managing Director of Blue Ridge Labs, the innovation lab of the Robin Hood Foundation, the largest poverty fighting organization in New York City. He is also Founder of Rebel One, an investor network focused on accelerating founders for a better world. He graduated from the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Previously he led the George Schultz Innovation Fund at the University of Chicago and worked at Gotham Ventures, PepsiCo, Teach For America, and Deloitte Consulting. While in graduate school he conducted his thesis on venture studios and accelerating impact innovation at the intersection of business and government.
​In-Person: 5pm – 6pm
​Happy Hour: A networking session for attendees to connect, share insights, and foster collaborations over drinks. A perfect opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and discuss potential synergies in a relaxed environment.

Wellness Innovation Summit
2024-04-06 16:00 - 20:30 | Knoxville Convention Center
Billed as a transformative and immersive experience designed to enrich both an individual’s personal growth and professional journey, the event begins at 4 p.m. EDT with a two-hour lineup of speakers who are thought leaders in health, wellness, technology, entertainment, and inspiration. These experts will share insights and innovations, offering attendees a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration from the best in the field. Speakers include:

Stacie Croffe, Chief Executive Officer of Facey Stacey Health Spa in Novi, MI;
Emily Steines, a Holistic Health Coach and Founder of boopbod;
Dr. Leslie Dobson, a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with more than 20 years of experience; and
Wedge Martin, a serial entrepreneur who founded several start-ups in Data Analytics, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence including Badgeville that raised $ 40 million in its first two years and pioneered Gamification in Silicon Valley.

At 6 p.m., the event transitions into an elegant dinner.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will be dedicated to Let Her Speak in support of its mission to elevate all women’s voices, to facilitate deeper conversations, to inspire lasting change in our communities, and to build a stronger support system for more women to lead.
“Get ready to delve into a world of inspiration and exploration like never before seen in Knoxville,” says Malhotra. During the event, she will unveil her new book titled Women in Wellness: The Empowering Journey of 35 Female Leaders in Wellness. This collection of empowering stories showcases the resilience, leadership, and innovation of 35 influential women in the wellness industry.
Tickets are available at this link.

The Wellness Innovation Summit
2024-04-06 16:00 - 21:00 | Knoxville Convention Center

Women in Entrepreneurship: Social media marketing myths
2024-04-09 09:00 - 10:30 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE) is a local group committed to empowering women in business through community and connection.
Started in 2016, Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE) is a community of entrepreneurs, supporters, and advocates that meetup to share stories, tips, and advice for any woman either running a business or wanting to start one.
Join us on Tuesday, April 9th! In this month’s meeting, we will host a panel discussion with social media marketing experts! Panelist info coming soon.
This month’s breakfast is sponsored by: Amazing Graze!

Lunch and Learn - ACEI
2024-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 | ACEI Accelerator, UT Research Foundation’s (UTRF) Business Incubator behind the College of Veterinary Medicine
The ACEI Accelerator Lunch & Learn Series hosts several Lunch & Learns throughout the semester bringing in industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs to tell their story and provide valuable insights. Throughout this series, you will find a vast variety of topics that are relevant to any entrepreneur, intrapreneur and innovative thinkers. Lunch is always provided, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while gaining practical tips and networking with like-minded individuals, making this event a powerful opportunity to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
These Lunch & Learns are open to ALL UTK students, faculty, staff, and the Knoxville community members. They are currently in-person only.

Lunch & Learn - CO.LAB - Mental Health in the Workplace
2024-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 | 410 E 8th Street Suite 212 Chattanooga, TN 37403
Come learn at UTC’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship with CO.LAB!
There are so many topics you can expand your knowledge on… and we want to help you!
Come create new skill sets and build your professional profile through a number of courses, including topics like:
✨ Building your Brand
✨ EVERYTHING Sustainable Mobility (quantum, freight, etc.)
✨ Mental Health Resources in your Workplace
Reserve your spot today!
This event is on the second floor of the James R. Mapp building. Pizza will be provided.
In-person fee: $5
Virtual attendance options are available.

Ballard Innovation Award
2024-04-10 15:00 - 17:30 | Jewelry TV, 9600 Parkside Drive, Knoxville
The Ballard Innovation Award is the largest gift of cash and in-kind services available to East Tennessee entrepreneurs and startups—a reflection of PYA’s commitment to the region.
RSVP today: https://www.pyapc.com/ballard-innovation-award-rsvp/

Knoxville Entrepreneur Center - Open House
2024-04-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
If you are new to Knoxville and looking to get connected to the KEC community, this is the event for you! https://www.tickettailor.com/events/knoxvilleentrepreneurcenter/1113665?

Amplify 423
2024-04-11 12:00 - 13:00 | White Star Station, 133 W Broadway Avenue, Maryville
Amplify423 is a NEW series of events and workshops dedicated to helping Tennessee founders learn, grow, and stay connected. Our mission is to provide startups with the tools and resources they need to launch and grow successfully—in our region and beyond. Most importantly, we hope to spotlight founders and industry leaders in our community and emphasize the innovation happening here in the mountains.
Best of all, you don’t have to be a founder or apart of a startup to join us! Everyone is welcome! Come be apart of the biggest entrepreneurial network in our region.
Sponsored by FoundersForge
FoundersForge is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization on a mission to build the Startup ecosystem in the Appalachian Highlands. We believe in underdog Entrepreneurs and helping them on their Startup journey.

Find your funding, professional panel
2024-04-16 17:30 - 19:30 | 114 N Cedar Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501
Join The Biz Foundry for an exciting event where you can learn all about securing funding for your business! A panel of experts will share their insights and experiences to help you navigate the world of funding. Whether you’re a startup looking for investors or an established business seeking growth capital, this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and get valuable advice from local industry professionals.

Knox County Schools Hiring Expo
2024-04-18 09:00 - 14:00 | Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park
The 2024 Knox County Schools (KCS) Hiring Expo is taking place at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center on April 18, 2024! KCS is excited to offer this opportunity to 11th and 12th grade students from Knox County High Schools and community members.
Business and Post-Secondary Organizations (Vendors) may have two representatives present at their booth.
DATE:
Thursday, April 18, 2024
EVENT TIME:
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – KCS Students
LOCATION:
Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center
ADDRESS:
3301 E Magnolia Ave Knoxville, TN 37914
SETUP TIMES:
Thursday, April 18, 2024 – 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
BOOTH INFORMATION:
Booths are $200. Each booth contains one rectangular table with two chairs, and Wi-Fi access. Breakfast and lunch are also provided. An electrical connection is available upon request. (Extension cords are not provided.)
REMINDERS: A confirmation email will be sent once you have registered for the Hiring Expo. Reminder emails with additional information will be sent out leading up to the event.
For questions, please email 865ready@knoxschools.org.

South Waterfront Pedestrian Bridge Informational Session
2024-04-18 09:00 - 22:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join the Knoxville Chamber as we welcome Rebekah Jane Justice, Chief of Urban Design and Development for the City of Knoxville, Ben Bentley, Executive Director and CEO of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, and Brandon Pace, Architect with Sanders Pace Architecture as they share about the South Waterfront Pedestrian bridge proposal, planning, and partnerships.
The City of Knoxville has long been an advocate for a pedestrian bridge that would link the South Knoxville community to the downtown area and the University of Tennessee. Last September, the project experienced significant advancement when the city accepted $20 million in Tennessee Department of Transportation funds specifically earmarked for building the bridge. The project has again progressed with the City’s application for $25 million in federal funds through the RAISE grant.
The pedestrian bridge will continue to reflect the 20-year plan for the revitalization and preservation of the South Waterfront in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Innovation Crossroads networking
2024-04-18 15:30 - 17:30 | Smoky Mountain Brewery (11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934)
🍻 Raise a glass to entrepreneurs! Join John E. Derrick, CEO of Authentrics.ai, as he speaks about his journey to founding a company.
📅 Thursday, April 18, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
📍 Smoky Mountain Brewery (11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934)
We hope to see you there!

'In the Room' with Gera Grinberg
2024-04-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
April’s topic is: “Commercial Leases”
Things to consider when signing a commercial lease for your business, including personal liability for the owner / tenant. And, yes, you pay base rent, but typically, you also pay a pro rata share of NNNs (Maintenance, Taxes, and Insurance).
About Gera Grinberg:
Gera founded Grinberg Law Offices in 2007, a full-service practice representing businesses, boards, and individuals. Gera serves as a fractional General Counsel and business consultant, and provides leadership development and practical training for in-house legal departments as well as executive coaching for C-Suite and boards of directors. Grinberg has represented Fortune 100 companies, international media and technology companies, the largest healthcare company in the world, and he has managed mergers & acquisitions totaling over $1,000,000,000,000.

Boyd Venture Challenge & Awards
2024-05-07 16:00 - 17:00 | ACEI Accelerator in the UTRF Business Incubator
The Boyd Venture Challenge is a seed-fund grant competition conducted in the spring semester each year. Companies are awarded up to $30,000 in startup capital. Funds may be awarded to one company or split among several companies.

The Launch Pad Pitch Competition
2024-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 | White Star Station, 133 W Broadway Avenue, Maryville
Be a part of the biggest pitch event in Blount County.
Enjoy an evening of:
• Networking
• Blount County Celebrities
• Audience Participation
• Hors d’oeuvres & Cash Bar

America's Seed Fund 2024 Road Tour: Southeast- Knoxville, Tennessee
2024-05-15 07:00 - 17:00 | 600 Henley Street, Knoxville Tennessee
America’s Seed Fund Road Tour is a national outreach effort to connect innovators and entrepreneurs to non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known as “America’s Seed Fund”.
Federal Agency representatives will meet with companies attending the event to help attendees navigate over $4 billion in early-stage funding opportunities available through America’s Seed Fund.
Register to attend the in-person event to learn more about SBIR/STTR programs from experts!
General agenda:
7:15- 8:00 Check-In
8:00 – 12:15 America’s Seed Fund Overview, Panels, and 1:1 Meetings with Agency Representatives
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:30 Local and State Resources and Panels of Success
3:30-4:00 Meet Fund Tennessee: InvestTN & LendTN
4:00-5:00 Happy Hour Networking (Light Bites and Drinks)
The agenda will include:

Overview of America’s Seed Fund
Reverse Pitches from Federal Agency Representatives
Panels & Presentations (Examples of potential panels include – SBIR/STTR Agency specific panels, proposal support resources & programs, entrepreneur success stories, resources available through Tennessee FAST Awardee (Launch Tennessee) and the TENNESSEE SBTDC, SBIR/STTR support programs, proposal tips and strategies, among other potential topics)
Opportunity to meet with local and statewide entrepreneurial support organizations
One-on-one meetings with Federal Agency Representatives

Knoxville Chamber Briefing Breakfast
2024-05-15 09:30 - 10:30 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
The Knoxville Chamber would like to invite new investors, new team members of investors, community members, and anyone who wants to hear more about our mission to join them for the Chamber Briefing Breakfast.
They will share more about what is going on in economic development, regional enhancement, and talent retention and attraction efforts.

CO.MOBILITY Summit 2024
2024-05-20 - 2024-05-22 | Chattanooga Convention Center
Our world is changing.
Electric vehicles are becoming more mainstream every day. Quantum technology is advancing at warp-speed. Supply chain innovations are at an all-time high.
How will this affect our future?
Join us as we highlight some of the world’s most innovative startups, industry experts, and legislators who are changing the way we move and consume energy.
‍Don’t miss out on 3 days of highly engaging conversation about the ‍future-forward movement of people, goods, energy, and data.
‍Don’t wait—join the movement.

Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator Demo Day
2024-06-06 16:00 - 20:00 | 333 West Depot Avenue Knoxville, TN 37917
Join Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator for Demo Day. Watch the founders pitch live, meet the founders, and network with colleagues and industry leaders. Heavy appetizers and refreshments.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM- Arrive and network

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM- Watch the founders pitch live

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM- Meet the founders and network

"The WORKS" Accelerator Kickoff
2024-06-12 14:00 - 17:00 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square

AgLaunch Final Pitches
2024-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Techstars Office, 465 South Gay Street, Knoxville

Founders Forge Pitch Competition
2024-06-17 18:00 - 20:00 | 510 Bert Street Johnson City, TN 37601
Head out to TVA Credit Union Ballpark, home of the Johnson City Doughboys, for FoundersForge’s 7th annual Startup Pitch Competition. Come see the region’s top startups pitch their ideas for a chance to win 10k in cash prizes for their business. Bring your family and friends to cheer on our local entrepreneurship community and see the future of our region. Admission is FREE but RSVP is required! FREE food & drinks will also be provided.

Founders’ Forum: Market Square Ventures conversation
2024-06-20 15:30 - 17:00 | Smoky Mountain Brewery (11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934)
Mark your calendar for the Innovation Crossroads Founders’ Forum featuring John Bruck of Market Square Ventures!
Founders’ Forums are monthly informal events gathering entrepreneurs throughout the ecosystem to hear talks, lessons learned, and participate in Q&A with program alumni, community members, and experienced startups founders. A networking happy hour will follow.
Feel free to invite friends and/or colleagues who might be interested in networking with the Knoxville hard-tech entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What: Innovation Crossroads Founders’ Forum + Networking Happy Hour
When: Thursday, June 20, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Where: Smoky Mountain Brewery (11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934), Private Room
Guest speaker:
John Bruck, Co-Founder + General Partner, Market Square Ventures
About Market Square Ventures:
Market Square Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Knoxville with a focus on early stage (pre-seed, seed) startups in Tennessee, the Southeast, and Appalachia.
Learn more about the recent launch of Market Square Ventures from Teknovation.biz https://www.teknovation.biz/market-square-ventures-launches-new-venture-capital-firm-in-knoxville/.

Knoxville Chamber: Annual Business Opportunities Breakfast
2024-06-26 07:30 - 11:00 | 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave.
Enjoy a full-menu breakfast at the City of Knoxville’s 15th Annual Business Opportunities Breakfast meet-and-greet. Talk with City department managers, as well as representatives from KAT, KCDC, KUB, PBA, MKAA and ASM Global and get the lowdown on upcoming bid opportunities.

KEC 'In the Room' with Gera Grinberg
2024-06-27 08:00 - 10:00 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
June’s topic is: “Intellectual Property”
Copyrights, trademarks, patents, the USPTO, foreign IP filings, registration protection, filing “counterfeit protection documents” with customs (border control) – and generally what matters and what doesn’t.

Truist Workshop at KEC
2024-07-11 11:30 - 13:00 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, 17 Market Square
Learn about Borrowing for Small Businesses from TRUIST financial experts during a Lunch & Learn at Knoxville Entrepreneur Center.
In this course, you’ll learn why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding, and how the lending process works to get you to a smoother, smarter, and often more successful outcome. We’ll also provide valuable take-away resources to help you and your business.
