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From Lab to Market: Accelerating AI Innovation
2026-05-19 | Ashraf Islam Engineering Building, 200 West 10th Street, Cookeville, TN, 38501, United States
Please join us for a statewide event designed to accelerate the transition of artificial intelligence research into real-world deployment, commercialization, and job creation across Tennessee. Hosted by AI Tennessee’s Industry Innovation Consortium, AI TechX, and supported by Launch TN’s Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), the convening will bring together industry leaders, startups, faculty researchers, government, and other relevant stakeholders to align applied AI Innovation with market and societal needs. The event will feature curated programming focused on applied AI use cases, research-to-commercialization pathways, startup and talent showcases, and facilitated conversations around industry-academic collaboration.

How to Start a Business in Blount County
2026-05-21 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Blount Partnership
Thu, May 21 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Blount Partnership
Downstairs Boardroom

Topic: Start-up Assistance

Are you interested in starting a business in Alcoa, Maryville, Townsend or any area located in Blount County?
This in person course is designed to provide an overview of what the first steps of starting a business in Blount County would be. Our center director will discuss the different forms of business organizations, tax requirements, business licenses, and financing options.
For a deeper dive into your specific business startup idea or interest, you will have an opportunity to schedule an appointment for one-on-one consulting after attending this event.

Speaker(s): Gregg Bostick – Director at the Knoxville SBDC
Co-Sponsor(s): Blount Partnership
For event related questions, please reach out to Samantha Fox: sfox@tsbdc.org
Fee: No Cost

Nashville Entrepreneur Day: Spring 2026
2026-05-21 13:00 - 18:00 | Geodis Park, 501 Benton Avenue, Nashville, 37203
Last year, 1000+ investors, advisors, and business leaders showed up to Nashville Entrepreneur Day. They didn’t come for inspiration. They came to meet companies with actual traction. Don’t miss your chance.

Evergreen Youth Startup Day
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Knoxville Entrepreneur Center,
A FREE half-day event for middle & high schoolers with a business idea. Take the Mogul Score quiz, pitch your idea, and meet real mentors.

You’ve got the idea. You’ve been thinking about it for weeks.
But is it actually ready to launch?
Evergreen Community Development Corp. invites middle and high school students in the Knoxville area to Evergreen Startup Day — a FREE, high-energy, half-day experience built for young entrepreneurs like you.
What You’ll Do
• Take the FREE Mogul Score quiz live at the event and find out exactly where your business idea stands
• Work in a small group with a real mentor who helps you sharpen your idea and map out your next steps
• Pitch your idea to the room — 60 seconds, no judgment, just practice saying it out loud to real people
• Get your official Mogul Score badge and be featured on the Evergreen Mogul Wall
• Connect with other young entrepreneurs from across Knoxville who share your drive
• Walk away with a personalized action plan and the next steps to actually launch
Who Is This For?
Any middle or high school student in the Knoxville area who has a business idea — no matter how big, small, or unfinished. No experience needed. No business plan required. No startup money necessary. You just need your idea and a willingness to show up. Whether you want to start a lawn care business, launch an Etsy shop, build an app, or sell your artwork — this event is for you.
The Schedule
1. 10:00 AM — Doors open, check-in, snacks, and meet your fellow moguls
2. 10:15 AM — Kickoff: the question every entrepreneur has to answer
3. 10:25 AM — Take the Mogul Score quiz live + badge reveal
4. 10:45 AM — Idea Bootcamp: small group mentorship session
5. 11:25 AM — The Mogul Pitch: 60 seconds, your idea, the room
6. 11:55 AM — Mogul Wall photos with your official badge
7. 12:15 PM — Closing, next steps, and how Evergreen can help you keep going
8. 12:30 PM — Open networking with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs
About the Venue
Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) — 17 Market Square, Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37902. KEC is downtown Knoxville’s premier entrepreneurship hub, right on Market Square. Parking is available at the Market Square Garage (1.7 min walk) and Langley Garage (3.9 min walk).
About Evergreen Community Development Corp.
Evergreen Community Development Corp. is a trusted nonprofit that has helped hundreds of young people in Knoxville turn big ideas into real businesses and projects. We are dedicated to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs right here in our community. Safe, supportive, and built to help you succeed.
This event is FREE. Spots are limited.

Shrimp Boil
2026-06-11 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for an evening of Peelin’ Eatin’ & Politickin’ at Shrimp Boil 2026!
This business climate program will feature great food and the opportunity for business community representatives to meet with local elected officials and others from across the state of Tennessee who have been invited to attend.
Two ticket options are available: individual tickets at standing cocktail tables, or table purchases for a sit-down experience.
Reserved tables include one table of ten (10), table sign displaying your logo, two drink tickets per guest + bucket of bottled beer, and a southern country boil buffet.
Parking will be available onsite.
Please email events@knoxvillechamber.com for invoice requests.

Sloss.Tech Conference in Birmingham, AL
2026-06-24 - 2026-06-26 | Downtown Birmingham, Alabama
Sloss Tech is the Southeast’s premier annual technology and innovation conference held in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, focusing on fostering, connecting, and showcasing the region’s growing tech scene. Founded in 2015, the three-day event features expert speakers, breakout sessions, and a major startup pitch competition with significant funding.

2026 NEXT Awards + Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame, Presented by Amazon
2026-10-19 17:30 - 22:00 | Schermerhorn Symphony Center
NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame is entrepreneurship’s biggest night to honor the up and comers, the game-changers and those that have left a legacy in their wake.
