2024 NEXT Awards announced
Awards recognize early stage start-ups and growth stage companies in the greater Nashville area.
Two Nashville-based entrepreneurs – Woody Baum of Local Infusion and Kaitlin Feriante of Redwood Literacy – were recognized as the top entrepreneurs of 2024 during Monday night’s 2024 NEXT Awards that spotlighted entrepreneurs reshaping industries and fueling Middle Tennessee’s growth.
Presented by Amazon and organized by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC), the annual event drew more than 600 attendees to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center where a total of 14 individuals and companies were recognized in two categories: start-up and growth. Baum was named “Start-up Entrepreneur of 2024,” while Feriante earned the recognition as “Growth Entrepreneur of 2024.”
The other 12 honorees by industry sector and category were:
- Healthcare: Start-up (Local Infusion) and Growth (Thalamus).
- Financial Services: Start-up (inRev) and Growth (Celero Commerce).
- Music, Sports, Gaming and Entertainment: Start-up (Absolutely Ridiculous) and Growth (Single).
- Products and Services: Start-up (HeroWear) and Growth (Redwood Literacy).
- Real Estate and Construction: Start-up (Urban Campus and Core LLC) and Growth (Grade A Construction LLC).
- Hospitality and Retail: Start-up (Killjoy) and Growth (The Nashville Black Market).
“This year’s 2024 NEXT Awards brought together Middle Tennessee’s vibrant business community
to celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation, making it our biggest night of the year,” said Sam
Davidson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the EC. “The accomplishments we’re honoring tonight are a testament to the power of collaboration. It’s through the collective efforts of our sponsors, donors, partners, NEXT Awards Committee, volunteers, and EC staff that we continue to realize our vision for Nashville’s entrepreneurial future. Together, we’re driving progress, and tonight’s
celebration is a reflection of what we can achieve when we unite with a shared purpose. Truly, we
are better, together.”
Announced in August, the EC also welcomed five inductees into the 2024 “Entrepreneurs’ Hall of
Fame” for their life-long contributions to Nashville’s entrepreneurial community. They were:
- Pat Emery, a distinguished real estate developer and community leader;
- Turner Nashe, a distinguished entrepreneur, inventor, and leader;
- Pam and Phil Pfeffer who were credited with significantly impacting multiple industries through innovation and strategic investments; and
- Michael Burcham who was the founding President and CEO of the EC.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!