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Knoxville Business News Tennessee Mountain Scenery Background
January 30, 2024 | Tom Ballard

Twende selects 56 business leaders for its 2024 cohort

For the first time, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center-led program has linked up formally with Tennessee State University and the Sync Space Entrepreneur Center.

The Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) has announced its 2024 Twendé cohort for founders of color. Twendé, Kiswahili for “let’s go,” is a statewide, six-month accelerator program helping minority businesses grow their professional network and scale their businesses.

This statewide program will bring 56 business leaders together in the latest cohort where they will be provided access to statewide connections, on-demand curriculum, capital resources, individualized coaching and mentorship, and B2B (business-to-business) and B2G (business-to-government) resources.

“Building a thriving community of business owners of color isn’t just about diversity; it’s about economic vitality,” said Sam Davidson, the EC’s Chief Executive Officer. “When we unite, share our experiences, and create opportunities for growth, we strengthen the foundation of our state’s economy, making it more resilient and inclusive for all.”

New this year, the program is welcoming students from Tennessee State University (TSU) to integrate into the broader Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem. Also new for 2024 is the Sync Space Entrepreneur Center, Launch Tennessee’s network partner in Northeast Tennessee. It will host a group of founders to hold on-site programming in the Tri-Cities area.

“We are excited for the minority founders of Northeast Tennessee to be joining this year’s Twende cohort,” said Heath Guinn, Sync Space President, “The leadership and connectivity the program provides is incredibly valuable as we help companies continue to grow and create jobs in our region.”

The 2024 cohort will participate in 15 modules of on-demand curriculum, a minimum of six facilitated peer group and one-on-one coaching sessions, 10 monthly themed calls that are made up of Roleplay Labs, Coaching Q&A’s, and CEO Circles. Founders will also have access to the EC’s Capital Connector, advisor platform, and large community of members and alumni.

The program will culminate with a two-day Customer Connection Pitch event followed by a graduation celebration.

The 56 participants can be found at this link.



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