On Saturday, May 2, 2026, we're bringing together 200+ young professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for a powerful one-day conference at the University of Tennessee Conference Center attendees will experience a full day of programming built to help them grow, connect, and lead with purpose. What's waiting for you inside: Keynote Speakers — hear from leaders who've...
Women are launching businesses at a faster rate than ever before, making up the majority of new business owners in recent years. Yet, they still receive a disproportionately small slice of the funding pie. To make matters more urgent, the very funds designed to support women are currently coming under attack. It’s time to change...
Join us on Tuesday, May 5th for a KEC Mentor Network Mingle at Ricky's Bar! We're bringing together our KEC Mentors and founders that are actively participating in or interested in getting connected to the KEC Mentor Network. This is the perfect opportunity to connect and network with other founders, ask our KEC Mentors questions, and find...
Whether launching a start-up concept or building a business for a class project, students will showcase their creativity, innovative spirit, and business skills while pitching their proposed business venture and competing for funding. Community members, family, friends, local business leaders, and the Pellissippi community are invited to attend and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Watch live...
Join us for Capitol Connections with Tennessee General Assembly Representatives. Learn what’s happening at the Tennessee General Assembly during a discussion with our local State Senators. They will share their priorities for 2026 and current business issues within our community. *Light breakfast and refreshments will be served.
Your voice, your business, and the future of Knoxville’s food landscape. From farm stands to independent grocers, the success of Knoxville’s food entrepreneurs depends on more than just great products—it depends on the rules and spaces that govern our city. Whether you are a producer, a grower, or a retail owner, you are a vital...
Hosted by TennSMART, the Tennessee Smart Mobility Expo is a celebration of the latest transportation technologies, innovations, and research that make Tennessee an emerging leader in mobility solutions. The expo is attended by leaders from vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, Tennessee based research institutions and universities, fleet operators, utilities, municipalities, state agencies, and the advanced transportation...
The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development is hosting the inaugural WorkSource Summit, a new statewide gathering of the leaders shaping Tennessee’s workforce and economy. This no-cost to register, two-day conference brings together employers, educators, workforce professionals, policymakers, and economic development leaders around a shared goal: strengthening a talent ecosystem that meets industry needs. Attendees will...
National Small Business Week is here—and we’re bringing together Tennessee’s top entrepreneurs, business leaders, and resource partners for an Awards & Networking Session designed to connect and inspire. May 12, 2026 TSU Avon Williams Campus, 330 10th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203 Free Parking 1:00 – 2:30 PM CST Come celebrate and connect with the people shaping...
Wednesday, May 13 | Covenant Health Park | Knoxville, Tennessee Join founders, innovators, investors, and the wider Knoxville community for an afternoon and evening celebrating innovation. 12:00-2:00 PM Investor Pitch: $100K Opportunity Join us for lunch in the Clubhouse and watch top founders pitch their startups. Selected founders will have 3 minutes to pitch to...
