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April 01, 2024 | Katelyn Keenehan

‘Hustle to Structure’ kicks off with six founders

The program, which is run through the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center helps small businesses scale.

Last Thursday evening, the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) kicked off its five-week “Hustle to Structure” program. The course is designed to help small business owners scale their operations efficiently and effectively.

Scaling a challenging battle for new start-ups, specifically when they face challenges with resources, hiring the right talent, operational complexities, market competition, cash flow management, leadership and management, maintaining company culture, customer acquisition and retention, adaptability and risk management, and founder’s role transition. It can be overwhelming.

Kandis Troutman, Chief Consulting Officer for the Creative Architect, will facilitate the ‘Hustle to Structure’ classes. She brings along decades of experience growing businesses and organizations. The group will meet each Thursday evening for the next month.

Meet the Spring Cohort:

  • Chris Pitchford – Rom Pablos Chicken & Tacos;
  • Ben Bostick – Stank Fitness LLC;
  • Craig Carnes & Genesis Howard – Ink & Oil LLC;
  • Frank James – Kids Cove Drop-in Child Care LLC;
  • Dashena Ford – Shena Ford Hairport; and
  • Keshadra Tate – Flower Fire LLC.


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