FoundersForge launches Avante Platform
It is designed for small to medium-size communities, including economic development and entrepreneurial support organizations.
FoundersForge, the Johnson City-based organization focused on underdog entrepreneurs and all things related to them, has announced a new initiative with a catchy name.
Known as Avante, which David Nelson says is a Spanish battle cry word for moving forward, the initiative will be launched in late April in conjunction with the Johnson City Chamber. It is a six-week business bootcamp designed to equip founders with the skills, resources, and network they need to turn ideas into successful businesses.
“We’re thrilled to launch Avante and collaborate with community partners to bring meaningful, hands-on programming to founders in our region,” said Nelson, Executive Director of FoundersForge. “Our mission is to strengthen rural ecosystems through entrepreneurship and help founders build successful businesses right in their communities.”
The website for Avante notes that the multi-faceted platform is intended to change economic development by helping organizations cultivate local entrepreneurship while creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers businesses at all stages to thrive.
It is a hands-on, community-driven accelerator built specifically for founders in emerging, rural ecosystems. By combining mentorship, programming, and a powerful community, Avante empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses that strengthen the local economy.
Over six weeks, founders will gain critical insights into:
- Validating their idea;
- Understanding their customers;
- Creating a plan;
- Building and pitching their business;
- Managing their finances; and
- Marketing their business.
What makes Avante unique is its lasting impact beyond the six-week bootcamp. Founders become part of a thriving community that continues well after the program ends. Participants will gain exclusive access to a video library for continued learning and development, advanced resources to help them scale their businesses, and ongoing support designed to keep founders engaged and growing.
FoundersForge believes all founders should have access to the same resources, programs, and support found in larger start-up communities. Avante helps organizations expand their impact and build a supportive community for everyone involved.
Nelson says that Avante is targeted toward smaller to medium-size cities, and the pricing model reflects that view. Interested organizations can learn more on the Avante website.
“Programs like Avante are essential for founders in rural communities,” said Adriana Dew, FoundersForge Program Director. “Avante is designed to deliver programming and resources to founders in rural areas, where access to opportunities and resources is often limited.”
Applications are now open for the first Avante Bootcamp.
As previously reported in teknovation.biz, Nelson moved to Northeast Tennessee more than a decade ago and quickly became a leader in the start-up ecosystem. He joined three others in launching Startup Tri-Cities in March 2017 (see teknovation.biz article here), the predecessor to FoundersForge that was officially rebranded and expanded in early 2020.
Nelson is also the driving force behind the annual “Startup Mountain Summit.”
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