Launch Tennessee adding two new entrepreneur centers
The new centers will serve Northwest and Southern Middle Tennessee counties. Funding of up to $250,000 will be available for each successful applicant.
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) is seeking two new entrepreneur centers for its partner network — taking another step toward its goal of providing additional support services in all the state’s 95 counties.
The statewide nonprofit organization, which has a goal to make Tennessee the top state for start-ups, is seeking entrepreneur centers to serve the Northwest and Southern Middle Tennessee regions. The two new centers will join seven others that are a part of LaunchTN’s network.
“We know that innovators reside in every part of Tennessee, and we want to meet them where they are with resources,” said Lindsey Cox, LaunchTN Chief Executive Officer. “Expanding services will help ensure we provide support to all corners of the state.”
The new Network Partners will support entrepreneurs in a variety of ways, including acting as the regional “front door” as well as by providing connections, commercialization support, and capital access. They will join regional entrepreneur centers in Cookeville, Chattanooga, Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis.
Organizations can view the RFP and apply until May 12. Among other criteria, applicants must have a brick-and-mortar location in the Northwest or Southern Middle Tennessee region. Funding of up to $250,000 will be available for each successful applicant, and LaunchTN will announce decisions in June.
Northwest is defined as Lake, Dyer, Obion, Crockett, Gibson, Weakley, Carroll, Henry, and Benton counties. Southern Middle is defined as Perry, Wayne, Hickman, Lewis, Lawrence, Maury, Giles, Marshall, Lincoln, Bedford, Moore, Coffee, and Franklin counties.
