Nashville’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: Starting a Business in Music City

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Nashville’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: Starting a Business in Music City

By Mike Robinson 

Nashville is renowned not only for its rich musical heritage but also for its growing business landscape. The city is fast becoming a hub for innovative startups and established enterprises. Central to this evolution is Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit. As this guide delves into the key steps for starting a business in the area, you will gain insights into the city’s unique advantages to entrepreneurs and the broader business community.

Why Nashville?

The Culture

Nashville is a city deeply rooted in its unique traditions and cultural influences. These traditions foster a nurturing environment for businesses, allowing them to thrive and innovate. Beyond its musical legacy, this place has cultivated an entrepreneurial culture where creativity meets commerce. The diverse community fosters collaboration and brings together a rich tapestry of ideas. This blend of creativity and business acumen sets the city apart, making it a favorable destination for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Economic Advantages

The city’s economy offers numerous advantages for established and new businesses. The city boasts a lower cost of living than other major urban centers, providing a financial edge for startups. Additionally, Tennessee’s favorable tax policies can benefit businesses in terms of operational costs and profit margins. Various resources and infrastructural developments further make this place an attractive hub. Collectively, these economic factors create an ecosystem conducive to business growth and success.

A woman working at a laptop on finances with money on a table
A great advantage of starting a business in this city is that life here is very financially lucrative

Preliminary Steps: Laying the Groundwork

Market Research

Market research stands as the cornerstone for any business venture in Nashville. Understanding your target audience’s specific needs, preferences, and behaviors is crucial. Fortunately, the city provides many tools and platforms to gather this vital information. By tapping into local consumer data and trends, businesses can tailor their offerings and strategies more effectively. This tailored approach, rooted in solid research, can significantly enhance a business’s chances of success in Music City.

Business Plan

In the dynamic environment of the music city, a well-structured business plan is indispensable. It is a comprehensive blueprint detailing a business’s objectives, operational strategies, and projected financial outcomes. Such a plan offers clarity to internal stakeholders and becomes essential when seeking external funding or partnerships.

Legal Requirements

Navigating the legal landscape is fundamental to establishing a business here. Entrepreneurs must familiarize themselves with local regulations and obtain the necessary permits and licenses specific to their industry. Beyond basic business registration, understanding Tennessee’s state-specific laws can prevent potential legal pitfalls. By ensuring compliance from the outset, businesses safeguard their operations, reputation, and financial interests, paving the way for a smoother entrepreneurial journey.

Finding the Perfect Location

Neighborhoods to Consider

The diverse neighborhoods offer distinct benefits to businesses. From the bustling streets of Downtown with its high foot traffic to the serene charm of East Nashville’s artisan hubs, location plays a pivotal role in a business’s success. Entrepreneurs should carefully evaluate factors like target audience proximity, accessibility, and neighboring businesses. Selecting the right neighborhood can influence brand visibility, customer engagement, and a company’s growth trajectory.

Downtown Nashville skyline at sunset
Choosing the right neighborhood is important in getting the most out of Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit (Photo by: unsplash.com | Tanner Boriack).

Rental vs. Purchase

Deciding between renting and purchasing commercial space requires careful consideration of a business’s financial standing and long-term goals. While renting offers flexibility, especially for startups needing short-term solutions, purchasing is an investment in future stability. Entrepreneurs should also explore alternatives to traditional office setups. For instance, many startups use co-working spaces to save on costs and enhance networking opportunities. That’s one of the main reasons these spaces are growing in popularity throughout the city.

Funding Your Dream

Bootstrapping

Bootstrapping, or self-funding, is a popular financing method among the city’s entrepreneurs. Businesses can maintain greater control over their operations by relying primarily on personal savings or reinvested profits. While this method demands prudent financial management, it enables companies to overcome common cash flow challenges as a small business. The discipline and resourcefulness required in bootstrapping often lay a robust foundation for long-term fiscal responsibility and business resilience.

Venture Capital and Angel Investors

In a city pulsing with innovation, Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit has naturally attracted a notable presence of venture capitalists and angel investors. These investors are constantly seeking promising startups and businesses that showcase growth potential. By aligning with the right investors, entrepreneurs can secure funds, industry insights, and mentorship. Businesses must craft compelling pitches highlighting their unique value propositions and resonating with the vibrant investment landscape.

Small Business Loans

Access to financial resources can often dictate the pace of growth for many businesses. Here, small business loans emerge as a reliable avenue for securing necessary funds. Offered by various local banks and financial institutions, these loans are tailored to meet the unique needs of emerging businesses. When applying, entrepreneurs should be well-prepared, presenting clear business plans and financial projections.

Networking in Music City

Business Chambers and Organizations

Its numerous business chambers and organizations further enrich the city’s robust business ecosystem. These entities serve as platforms for networking, advocacy, and education for entrepreneurs. Engaging with them provides businesses access to industry-specific resources, training opportunities, and potential partnerships. Additionally, being affiliated with such chambers can boost a company’s credibility and local presence. Entrepreneurs who embed themselves in the business community should consider joining these organizations to maximize growth and outreach.

Events and Meetups

The music city frequently hosts various business events and meetups catering to its diverse entrepreneurial community. These gatherings offer invaluable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Whether it’s industry-specific seminars or broader business mixers, attendees can gain insights from seasoned experts and establish connections with potential partners or clients. Regularly attending these events is essential for those keen to stay updated on industry trends and expand their professional network in Music City.

People networking at a business event
An important thing to do when starting a business in Music City is to start networking with local business owners immediately.

Hiring and Team Building

Where to Find Talent

Finding the right talent is crucial for any Nashville-based business aiming for growth. The city’s educational institutions, including local universities, regularly produce a pool of skilled graduates eager to start their careers. Recruitment agencies, job fairs, and online platforms further streamline talent acquisition.

Company Culture

Cultivating a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment isn’t just a perk; it’s necessary for businesses aiming for longevity and success in the city. Such a culture fosters teamwork, innovation, and loyalty among employees. By aligning a company’s values, mission, and practices, businesses can harness the city’s vibrant energy and ethos, ensuring employee satisfaction and organizational growth.

Scaling and Growth

Digital Marketing

In today’s interconnected era, leveraging digital platforms is crucial for any business’s visibility and growth. With its tech-savvy population, the city offers fertile ground for new approaches to digital marketing. Businesses must continuously evolve and adapt to the latest trends, from social media strategies to search engine optimization. By staying updated and experimenting with innovative online tactics, companies can effectively reach their target audience, fostering engagement and driving sales.

Local Partnerships

Forming strategic local partnerships can significantly amplify a business’s presence. Collaborations with complementary businesses or community organizations offer mutual benefits, from co-branding opportunities to shared resources. Such partnerships increase brand visibility and create trust within the local community. Engaging in joint ventures or promotional campaigns with local partners can yield dividends in customer loyalty, resource optimization, and broader market reach, solidifying a firm foothold in the city’s competitive landscape.

Wrapping Up on Nashville’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

With its unique blend of culture, innovation, and business opportunities, Nashville beckons entrepreneurs from all over. While business success demands dedication, resources, and strategy, Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit is the guiding light and provides motivation and direction. By harnessing this energy and utilizing the myriad of resources highlighted in this guide, any entrepreneur can carve their own success story in Music City.

Author’s bio

Mike Robinson is a realtor and a freelance writer for AmeriSafe Moving Services. In his free time, he enjoys reading modern American novels and cooking.

Unveiling the Legend: The ‘Lead Belly’ Documentary Release”

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Unveiling the Legend: The ‘Lead Belly’ Documentary Release”

The official authorized full-length documentary “Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll’ explores the extraordinary journey of music icon, Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.

Nashville, TN – Iconic American musician Lead Belly’s captivating story is brought to life in the awe-inspiring documentary, “Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll.” This full-length documentary pays homage to the remarkable career, perseverance, and lasting impact of the musical genius. Through intimate interviews with Lead Belly’s niece, Tiny Robinson, and a star-studded lineup including Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, Arlo Guthrie, Odetta, Joan Baez, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, and Alan Lomax, this masterful documentary unfolds the life of an iconic artist.

From the depths of playing in Jim Crow nightclubs to his tumultuous time on notorious prison farms, Lead Belly’s indomitable spirit shines through every triumph and tribulation. The film echoes his relentless pursuit of self-determination and his unwavering love for music, ultimately leading him to international stages such as Carnegie Hall, and captivating audiences across Europe.

Exploring Lead Belly’s musical legacy is more relevant now than ever before. The documentary elegantly showcases the profound influence this phenomenal artist had on some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. From Bob Dylan to B.B. King, Nirvana to countless others, Lead Belly’s raw talent paved the way for future generations. His music transcends boundaries and continues to resonate with audiences across all genres and borders.

“Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll” offers a vibrant and uplifting journey through the life of a true musical pioneer. It celebrates his achievements, sheds light on his significant contribution to music history, and emphasizes the importance of his story in today’s current affairs. As we navigate complex social issues and seek inspiration, Lead Belly’s unwavering spirit and enduring legacy remind us of the power of resilience, unity, and the ability of music to bring people together.

Directed by Curt Hahn, this compelling documentary is a must-watch for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the transformative power of art. Don’t miss “Lead Belly: A The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll” as it tours across film festivals and private screenings across the country.

Federal officials present funding for Antioch Transit Center

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Federal officials present funding for Antioch Transit Center

Nashville, TN – Officials with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) presented WeGo with $5 million Tuesday for a project that will build a regional mobility center in Antioch. The funds are part of $17.5 million that has been raised thus far. The Antioch Transit Center (ATC) will be part of the Metro Nashville redevelopment plan for the former Global Mall property.

“Today is an important step for Nashville, particularly for people in the southeast,” said FTA Regional Administrator Yvette Taylor. “We applaud WeGo Public Transit for creating a better transportation future with the new Antioch Transit Center, which will make it safer and easier for people to catch buses and get wherever they need to go in the city and beyond.”

“There has been talk about redeveloping this site for many, many years,” said Nashville Mayor John Cooper. “It’s the teamwork of the city, the state, and the federal government that gets us to where we are today. This long overdue regional mobility center would not be possible without all of us working together. I’m grateful for the collaboration and dedication of everyone involved.”

“This is another step in our ongoing commitment to increase service and provide people with new transit options across Davidson County,” WeGo CEO Steve Bland said. “Federal and state funding is crucial to that effort. We appreciate the leadership of Mayor Cooper and the Metro Council, and particularly Council Member Joy Styles. The transit center will be an integral part of the continuing transformation of the area into a community center piece.”

When completed, the regional mobility center will feature between six and eight bus bays with seating in a climate-controlled waiting area with amenities. It will help riders conveniently transfer between routes and modes, including pedestrian and bike access, car and van pool pick-up, car and bike sharing options, and it will include a park and ride. The site is on the southern end of the highest ridership bus route in the WeGo system- Route 55 Murfreesboro Pike. WeGo will implement new local and express services when ATC opens. The project was originally called the Hickory Hollow Transit Center (HHTC) when the grant award was first announced.

MNPS Launches Historic Partnership with National Education Equity Lab to Offer Credit-Bearing Courses from Prestigious Universities Across the Country to High School Students

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MNPS Launches Historic Partnership with National Education Equity Lab to Offer Credit-Bearing Courses from Prestigious Universities Across the Country to High School Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 20, 2023) – Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) today announced a partnership with the National Education Equity Lab (Ed Equity Lab), an education justice nonprofit that delivers college-credit bearing courses from top universities to historically underserved communities around the country. This revolutionary collaboration with Ed Equity Lab, the first of its kind in the state, aims to enhance the academic journey of MNPS students by offering them a chance to enroll in college-level courses, at no cost, while still in high school.

Starting this fall, pilot programs have been launched at Maplewood High School and Antioch High School. Maplewood is offering an environmental science dual enrollment course in partnership with Howard University. Antioch is offering a computer science course in conjunction with Stanford University. Like all dual enrollment courses, the credits earned will be designed to be transferable to other universities.

“Metro Nashville Public Schools is deeply committed to equity and excellence, and this groundbreaking partnership with the National Education Equity Lab will unlock incredible opportunities for our students,” said MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle. “We aim to show our students—many of whom come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds—that higher education is not only attainable but also achievable. Through this initiative, we expect to see an uptick in the number of MNPS graduates attending colleges locally and nationwide.”

“Our work is rooted in the idea that while talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not. We aim to change that — by providing scholars in high schools nationwide with the access and support to succeed in rigorous courses from the country’s top colleges,” said Leslie Cornfeld, Founder and CEO of the National Education Equity Lab. “By pioneering this education justice effort in the state of Tennessee, MNPS is setting a precedent for what is possible when schools and universities work collaboratively to break down barriers to higher education.”

Founded in 2019, the National Education Equity Lab aims to democratize access to higher education by collaborating with leading colleges and universities to provide, and support, professor-led college-level courses in Title 1 high school classrooms across the country. To date, the Lab has served nearly 15,000 students in 134 cities across 30 states. More than 80% of participating scholars who complete their courses achieve a passing grade, earning transferable college credits and a university transcript.

Maplewood High School and Antioch High School are the first MNPS schools to partner with the Lab. The initial offering for this semester has enrolled a select group of students into the pilot programs.

This state-of-the-art educational model is made possible through the generosity and vision of community sponsors and supporters who believe in the potential of our young scholars to excel in college and beyond.

“By harnessing the power of this innovative partnership, Metro Nashville Public Schools is setting the stage for a future where all students have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to achieve their best potential in higher education and their careers,” concluded Dr. Battle.

The Ed Equity Lab partnership falls under the umbrella of the University MNPS initiative launched by Dr. Battle to strengthen relationships with colleges and universities to provide students with early post-secondary course access and preparation and opportunities for full-tuition scholarships for post-secondary success, along with programs to provide mentorship, early teaching contracts, and support resources to set students up for success in college and beyond.

Previously announced University MNPS partnerships include Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Belmont University, Nashville State Community College, and Fisk University, which offer MNPS students full-tuition scholarships in various fields of study, from business and education to health sciences.

Supper Club on Belcourt to Open Nashville Location This Fall

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Supper Club on Belcourt to Open Nashville Location This Fall

Make A Play Hospitality Group is bringing its popular fine-casual dining to
Hillsboro Village

Supper Club on Belcourt, an American steakhouse concept harmonizing food and cocktails, is set to open its doors this fall in historic Hillsboro Village. This will be Supper Club’s second Tennessee location, following behind Supper Club on 2nd, which has received rave reviews since opening its doors in Memphis in August of last year.

Owned and operated by Joe Johnson and Robert Higgins of Make A Play Hospitality Group, the restaurant marks the duo’s eighth hospitality venture. Past Nashville openings for the group include Jazz & Jokes Lounge, a former popular hangout off of Printers Alley.

Located at 2000 Belcourt Ave, the 4,800-square-foot space consists of an attached outdoor patio and a fully refurbished interior. Tastefully designed throughout with chic, trendsetting decor and moody tones, the restaurant seats just over 120 across its two main dining rooms, two bar tops, and two private dining rooms. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich elegance of Art Deco fused with a warm vintage flair, and a space rooted in intimate interactions and heartfelt moments. Intended to be a space for all to gather, Supper Club on Belcourt welcomes families to dine and celebrate all occasions.

Philadelphia native Chef Brandon Truesdale’s modern yet elegant menu combines sophisticated American steakhouse with southern cuisine, in addition to a variety of cutting-edge cocktails. Highlights include traditional steakhouse sides to compliment the restaurant’s roots, and standouts such as the Golden Tomahawk Steak which can be wrapped in real edible 24-karat gold.

“We’re looking forward to being part of the revitalization of the high-end restaurant scene in Hillsboro Village,” said Co-owner Joseph Johnson. “We’re ready to bring Supper Club’s energy and excitement to Nashville. We’re not just opening a restaurant; we’re crafting an experience that resonates with every soul that walks through our doors.”

With Supper Club on Belcourt, Make A Play Hospitality Group aims to expand its success by offering an unmatched selection of hand-crafted cocktails, generous prime cuts, seafood, and poultry blended with exceptional quality and impeccable service.

In addition to SCOB, Make A Play Hospitality is slated to open another fine dining venture, along with a cocktail club, in Hillsboro Village this fall.

Address:

2000 Belcourt Ave, Nashville, TN 37212

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 5-11pm
Friday-Saturday 5pm-1am
Brunch (Sat-Sun) 11am-3pm
High-res images: Linked here

Instagram: @supperclubonbelcourt

Facebook: Supper Club on Belcourt

Mayor Cooper Releases Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan

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Mayor Cooper Releases Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan

Metro Departments and Community Stakeholders Collaborate on Draft Roadmap to Prepare Nashville for Climate Impacts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor John Cooper today released a draft Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) that identifies strategies for preparing the city for impacts resulting from a changing climate. The community is encouraged to review the draft CARP and provide feedback via online survey through October 31.

CARP builds upon prior planning efforts and engaged more than 50 Metro departments and hundreds of community stakeholders during development. The plan represents the city’s first effort to approach the climate crisis from a stance of resilience and is intended to inform future Metro investments and programs.

“We have all witnessed many recent extreme weather events that resulted in loss of life and have wreaked havoc on Nashville’s infrastructure and communities,” said Mayor Cooper. “We recognize that the earth’s climate has already changed, and, while we will continue to work tirelessly toward our zero emission goals, it is time to adapt and prepare for the inevitable impacts that will challenge our way of life.”

CARP sets forth a wealth of strategies to strengthen and prepare Nashville’s infrastructure, community and culture, natural environment, economy, and public safety systems so that the city is better positioned to withstand, recover from, and thrive in spite of climate events. In its prioritization of Nashville’s people, it recognizes that inequality of access to opportunities, resources, and a healthy environment has placed a disproportionate burden on many communities and requires targeted intervention and correction of historic wrongs.

Strategies are organized under four overarching goals:

  1. Ensure Nashville is equitable, safe, accessible, and affordable for all residents in the context of a changing climate.
  2. Improve and protect public infrastructure and services from growing climate risks.
    Protect and preserve nature for future generations.
  3. Make climate resilience a standard operating procedure for Metro Government.
  4. As a living document, the plan is to be reviewed and updated annually to ensure it addresses the city’s most urgent needs and challenges.

“It’s exciting to see our city take steps to build resilience into operations and across the community,” said Dr. Janey Camp, Research Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of Vanderbilt Engineering’s Center for Transportation and Operational Resiliency (VECTOR), and member of Mayor Cooper’s 2021 Sustainability Advisory Committee. “Identifying Nashville’s key risk areas, vulnerabilities, and corresponding adaptation strategies will improve the ability of the city and its partners to make informed decisions toward improved resilience for all our residents.”

“It is hugely important in building a sustainable and resilient Nashville that no one is left behind as we adapt to a changing climate,” said Jaclyn Mothupi, Director of Social Innovation at the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt and member of Mayor Cooper’s 2021 Sustainability Advisory Committee. “I have great hope that we will continue to innovate, and this Plan puts us on the path to becoming a stronger and more resilient city.”

CARP is a companion document to the Sustainability Advisory Committee’s 2021 Climate Action Plan, which focused on efforts to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change. CARP is being released together with an internal Climate Resiliency Toolkit that provides knowledge and tools to help Metro departments reduce their environmental impacts and improve readiness and resiliency. Together, these resources equip Nashville to execute mitigation and adaptation commitments under the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy.

Sustainability accomplishments during Mayor Cooper’s administration include:

  • A streetlight upgrade that will save Nashville $20 million in energy costs and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 metric tons over the next 10 years.
  • An assessment of costs and benefits of installing solar on Metro sites, which identified an estimated $79 million in potential cost savings across 235 metro-owned properties.
  • Addition of renewable energy generation producing 93,948,000 kWh annually, which represents a 9,584% increase from 2019 and supports Metro’s compliance with its renewable portfolio standard.
  • Establishing an “Energy Savings Program” and annual benchmarking to improve operational and energy efficiency of Metro facilities.
  • Launching a local C-PACER program to unlock low-interest and long-term financing for sustainable and resilient commercial development.
  • Creating the Root Nashville campaign to plant 500,000 trees by 2050 and a dedicated revenue stream to support tree canopy restoration and maintenance on private properties, extending stewardship of natural resources across the community.
  • Increasing frequency of curbside recycling collection from once per month to once every other week.
  • Establishing a Sustainability Advisory Committee in Metro Code to replace the current ad hoc sustainability committee.
  • Engaging in a heat mapping campaign and developing a heat story map that identifies where Nashville’s most heat vulnerable communities are.

BC Holdings of Tennessee Selected to Accenture Ventures Black Founders Development Program

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BC Holdings of Tennessee Selected to Accenture Ventures Black Founders Development Program

National Program Provides Investment, Mentoring and Connections to Build Black Businesses   

NASHVILLE, Tenn., – September 5, 2023 – BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC, a leading financial wellness and workforce training company, announces today it has been selected as a member of Accenture Ventures Black Founders Development Program, a Project Spotlight initiative. The program was created to invest in and support Black technology startup founders and entrepreneurs. The goal is to help Black entrepreneurs and leaders grow their technology businesses through broader, more direct access to venture capital, corporate mentorship, and strategic connections with Accenture business partners and clients.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to participate in Accenture Ventures Black Founders Development Program,” says Saundra B. Curry, co-founder, BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC. “We highly value their guidance, funding, and business coaching to help us further lean into technology for our Destination: Financial Wellness programs and services.”

BC Holdings of Tennessee launched its comprehensive financial learning management system, Destination: Financial Wellness (DFW), in November 2020. The online portal includes 23 interactive learning modules with more than 350 mini-lessons, 88 videos, 36 animations, 136 audios, 18 simulations and deeper dives including wealth management planning, goal setting, net worth, emergency funds, debt reduction, credit analysis, retirement planning, and investment education. “Accenture’s winning combination of access to capital and customers will help us scale more quickly,” says Sidney T. Curry, co-founder, BC Holdings of Tennessee. “We’re on a high growth trajectory and this incredible partnership will catapult us to global markets and the metaverse.”

For more information on the DFW program, visit https://bcholdingsllc.com/financial-wellness-products/. Access the BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC press kit with bios, articles, company backgrounders and more.

Nashville Black Business Owners, Community Leaders, and Preservationist Launches Pac to Advance Black Wealth and Culture

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Nashville Black Business Owners, Community Leaders, and Preservationist Launches Pac to Advance Black Wealth and Culture

New Group Raises Funds to Boost Young Black Voters Ahead of the Nashville Mayoral Run-off Election.

NASHVILLE, TN – The Young, Gifted, and Black (YGB) Political Action Committee launched a mission to foster economic empowerment, political engagement, and collective advancement for Black families in Nashville. The newly formed PAC will empower its agenda by uniting entrepreneurship, policy, and culture through monthly meetings where twenty-five of Nashville’s most influential young leaders will strategize initiatives for advocacy and community civic engagement. YGB aspires to amplify the economic potential of intergenerational leadership through its established membership model. YGB aims to expand Black prosperity across a growing Music City. To learn more about YGB and its founding initiatives visit www.ygbpac.org.

“We are seeing in real-time a new era of leadership form in Nashville, and the leaders are young, talented, invested, and Black”, said Robert Higgins Jr., Restaurateur + Entertainment Mogul

The 10 founding members: Gerald Onuoha, MD + Founder of Everybody vs. Racism; Robert Higgins Jr. Restaurateur and Entertainment Mogul; Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones, CEO of MOJO MKTG + PR; Danielle McGee, CEO of Black Business Boom; Calvin Bryant, Community Leader; Quawn Clark, Co-Founder of Pivot Technology; Tequila Johnson, CEO of The Equity Alliance; Joshua Mundy, Co-Founder of Pivot Technology; Contrecia Tharpe, Ed.D, CEO of FayeVaughn Creative and Carlos Partee, Co-Founder of Nashville Black Market are all notable community leaders and top business owners in the City of Nashville.

The YGB PAC members curated five key pillars with the vision to activate rapidly across Nashville over the next year. The following pillars will act as the cornerstone for YGB and Nashville collectively.

Pillar 1: Economic Mobility and Collaboration 

Pillar 2: Cultural Amplification and Preservation 

Pillar 3: Inclusive Workforce and Technological Advancements 

Pillar 4: Inclusive Leadership and Political Engagement 

Pillar 5: Advocacy for Justice and Equity

“The Young Gifted and Black PAC is a powerful testament to the potential of our collective impact and capacity to shape a brighter future. Through collaborative action, unwavering determination, and a commitment to justice, we are igniting a new era of change. Our mission stands resolute – to build economic advancement, collective Black wealth, and civic power within Nashville’s young entrepreneurial community. We invite all who share our vision to join us in fostering a movement that uplifts, empowers, and paves the way for a more equitable tomorrow.”

“Everything about us, especially as Black people, is attached to a policy.” Carlos Partee, Co-Founder of The Nashville Black Market. “So it’s crucial that we have a seat at the table where the decisions that will impact our lives for generations to come are made. We saw no seats left, so we built our own table.”

The Young, Gifted, and Black PAC invites you to an exclusive networking reception on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 6-8 PM at Minerva Avenue, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet the founding members of YGB, learn about us and ways to plug into our initiatives and mission. As Nashville grows so does the need for all communities including and without limits, the Black community.

Metro Government and Partners Bring Affordable Internet to Residents

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Metro Government and Partners Bring Affordable Internet to Residents

Metro Digital Inclusion and Partners Launch a Countywide Initiative to Help Residents Pay for Home Internet Service and Computers

Nashville, TENN. – The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a bipartisan Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. ACP gives a $30/month home internet discount to individuals or households that qualify. For many, this means free home internet.

“But many people who qualify for ACP don’t know it exists,” says Pearl Amanfu, Metro’s Digital Inclusion Officer. “More than 150,000 households are eligible in Nashville alone. Only about 33,000 have signed up. Awareness of the program is the biggest issue.”

Metro Digital Inclusion, Nashville Public Library, hubNashville, Black Churches for Digital Equity (BC4DE), and CivicTN have organized a series of outreach activities, including live sign-up events, to get the word out.

“This is not just about technology,” says Keith Durbin, Metro’s Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology Services. “Affordable internet equals expanded opportunities, and our goal is for everyone to have the same access regardless of zip code or income level.”

The first in-person sign-up event, sponsored by BC4DE, is September 9th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The registration event will feature free food, music, and children’s activities as part of Greater Bethel’s Community Day.

State and local officials will be on hand for the festivities. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson will join remotely from D.C. to speak to community members.

“We are excited to be part of this effort,” says Reverend Garland Pierce, an Executive Director of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Faith centers, like libraries and places of learning, are anchor institutions in the community. We want our congregants to thrive in every part of life. These days, internet access and use aren’t options; they are necessities.”

Nashville Public Library staff will be onsite to support live registration. Guests can also schedule appointments in person or online with the library for a future date. Local volunteers will be onsite to provide Spanish language support. Blacks in Technology – Nashville Chapter, a longtime partner to both Metro and BC4DE, is providing additional volunteer support for the event.

In addition to registering people for affordable connectivity, Metro is taking action to provide support beyond broadband. On August 31st, Metro Digital Inclusion launched the Digital Inclusion Asset Map. This interactive map is a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coded list of organizations, or assets, in the community whose services residents can leverage for help with digital skills training, tech support, and more.

Matia Powell, Executive Director of CivicTN, says this ongoing support is necessary. “Digital opportunity is layered. Broadband internet is critical, but it isn’t the only puzzle piece. We aim to fully empower residents to apply technology for better employment, education, and, importantly, civic engagement.”

As part of the countywide initiative, hubNashville, Metro’s 311 information resource, has launched a new service offering: Metro Nashville and Davidson County residents can call 311 to get help with ACP or visit hub.nashville.gov and use the “Affordable Internet” request.

Erin Williams, hubNashville Director, says this is a natural fit for hubNashville. “Our dedicated team is always looking to find more ways for people who live here to access Metro services and information. Our goal is to support programs that improve the lives of Metro Nashville and Davidson County residents, and ACP does just that.”

Empowering Nashville’s Future: Doubling College Graduation Rates with Persist Nashville’s Vision

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Empowering Nashville’s Future: Doubling College Graduation Rates with Persist Nashville’s Vision

Nashville, TN, August 29th – Persist Nashville, a trailblazing nonprofit, is reshaping the
educational landscape in the heart of Music City by championing college persistence. With
Metro Nashville Public School’s (MNPS) college graduation rate hovering at a mere 27%,
Persist Nashville is taking center stage with an ambitious goal: to unify the community and
double the rate of college graduates. Through their unique blend of coaching, community
engagement, and vital financial support, they are poised to change the trajectory of countless lives.

Persist Nashville’s success story is etched into the lives they’ve touched. Emerging as a beacon of hope, they’ve ignited empowerment in more than 2200 college students locally and beyond, driving an inspiring transformation. Their integrated approach has produced extraordinary outcomes: a remarkable 30% higher enrollment rate among engaged students compared to their Nashville peers. In a significant stride towards equity, Black and Latino students now match enrollment and engagement rates with their white and Asian peers. The momentum doesn’t stop there – Persist Nashville-assisted students outperform their Nashville peers by over 10% in persistence rates, highlighting their unparalleled dedication. Remarkably, a resounding 92% of surveyed Persist students express a strong inclination to recommend the organization to their peers, underscoring the profound impact they’ve made.

“What excites me most about our work right now is that we are addressing a problem, college persistence, which can be solved, and we have a team that can solve it. As a city, we must do better, and we are starting to. We can absolutely double our college graduate rate, but the solution must be scalable,” shares Scott Campbell, Executive Director of Persist Nashville.

Persist Nashville has constructed a robust support system, incorporating innovative methods such as text-based coaching, leadership development, emergency aid, and workforce initiatives. Their impact reverberates nationwide with campuses across the U.S. benefiting from their coaching services. Igniting futures by bridging financial gaps, they consider critical financial support as the backbone of their mission. Over the past year, Persist Nashville has disbursed more than $63,000 in microgrants, offering lifelines to students facing financial hardship. By steadfastly adapting and improving, they remain a steadfast ally in overcoming Nashville’s college persistence obstacles.

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