NCNashville Entrepreneur Center logo

Nashville Entrepreneur Center Unclaimed

Startup Ecosystem

ec.co

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

A nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, and access to capital to grow startups.

Nonprofit organization focused on increasing the likelihood of startup success by delivering education, mentorship, access to capital, and a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurial founders across stages.

Our mission is to increase the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs.

What we offer

TakeOff

Accelerate your launch with expert guidance and resources for Nashville founders.

ec.co/accelerators/takeoff/

InFlight

Accelerate your business growth with InFlight’s tailored support and resources.

ec.co/accelerators/inflight/

Project Healthcare

Accelerate healthcare innovations with expert mentorship and industry connections.

ec.co/accelerators/project-healthcare/

Twende

Empowers minority founders with resources and mentorship to scale their businesses.

ec.co/accelerators/twende/

Space Rental

Service

Flexible rooms equipped for podcasts, events, and meetings.

ec.co/space-rental/

GrowthMarketing.Studio

Empower founders with expert-driven content generation and marketing support.

growthmarketing.studio/

Membership

Access a supportive community and resources to enhance your entrepreneurial journey.

ec.co/membership/

Market segments

Accelerator programs

Programs providing time-bound curriculum, mentorship, investor showcase access, and operational scaling support for startups at launch or growth stages.

Founder mentorship and advisory networks

Networks and structured mentorship that connect founders with volunteer advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, assigned mentors, and peer founder boards to accelerate decision-making and access expertise.

Growth marketing and content coaching

Services that embed marketing expertise into the content creation workflow to produce brand-consistent messaging and provide ongoing coaching for founder-led marketing.

Flexible workspace and event venues

Shared coworking memberships and rentable studios, meeting rooms, and event spaces with professional AV and on-site support for recordings, meetings, and public events.

Minority founder acceleration and procurement access

Targeted programs for minority founders offering mentor matching, capital access sessions, certification workshops, procurement connections, and grant opportunities to increase growth and supplier inclusion.

More information about our offering

TakeOff

TakeOff is an accelerator for Nashville-based founders with a validated business plan who want to launch in the next 2–3 months or who have recently launched. It focuses on go-to-market acceleration for founders in any industry and provides a structured path to move from concept to customer, helping teams reach launch readiness quickly.

  • Achieve Launch Readiness Quickly
    TakeOff supports you in refining your business model and validating your market, ensuring you're ready to go live efficiently.
  • Follow a Guided Process to Market
    With structured sessions and support, participants can navigate the complexities of launching a new product effectively.
  • Receive Expert Guidance
    Mentorship from industry veterans helps refine your strategy and navigate challenges specific to your business.
  • Focus on Immediate Launch Goals
    Participants are expected to be in a position to launch soon, ensuring the program meets urgent market needs.
  • Gain Visibility with Key Stakeholders
    Showcase your business to a curated audience, facilitating critical connections for future growth.
  • Engage with Local Ecosystem
    The program connects you with local resources, including networking opportunities with experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.

InFlight

InFlight is NEC’s growth-stage accelerator for companies with traction, designed to help scale operations and teams. It offers an immersive program with a curated curriculum, mentorship, and access to a broad advisor network to propel growth.

  • Gain Expert Guidance
    Leverage a vast network of advisors who offer strategic insights and support tailored to your business needs.
  • Enhance Your Skills
    Participate in educational modules designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge for scaling your business.
  • Receive Personalized Mentorship
    Work closely with experienced entrepreneurs who offer tailored advice, helping you navigate your growth challenges effectively.
  • Access Collaborative Workspace
    Enjoy a conducive work environment equipped with all necessary amenities to boost productivity during your accelerator journey.
  • Gain Exposure to Investors
    Present your business to a network of potential investors and customers, enhancing your visibility in the market.
  • Join a Supportive Network
    Engage with fellow founders in collaborative sessions where you can share insights, challenges, and strategies for growth.
  • Build Valuable Connections
    Engage with influential entrepreneurs and stakeholders in various networking events, fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Project Healthcare

Project Healthcare is NEC’s healthcare-focused accelerator. It offers a tailored, hands-on curriculum and leverages Nashville’s healthcare ecosystem to connect health-tech founders with customers, partners, and support networks.

  • Access Industry Experts
    Mentees receive guidance from over 75 vetted mentors specifically dedicated to serving healthcare entrepreneurs.
  • Network with Health Systems
    With easy access to major health systems in Nashville, founders can secure warm introductions and better customer engagement.
  • Engage in Relevant Training
    Key curriculum sessions include selling into health systems, partnering with payers, and regulatory compliance tailored for healthcare startups.
  • Gain Visibility
    Founders can show off their innovations directly to investors and industry leaders in an organized event.
  • Utilize Collaborative Workspaces
    Participants can work in a vibrant community space equipped with office amenities.

Twende

Twende is the EC’s program for minority founders, offering resources, mentorship, and networking to grow their businesses. It provides a regular cadence of events, workshops, and connections to capital and procurement opportunities.

  • Connect With Experienced Advisors
    Engage with a network of over 170 volunteer advisors, providing tailored guidance and insights to help minority founders navigate their entrepreneurial journey.
  • Receive Tailored Mentorship
    Get matched with seasoned mentors who can provide focused advice and support for specific business challenges faced by minority founders.
  • Gain Insights Into Funding Opportunities
    Participate in monthly capital access sessions to discuss community loans, grants, and alternative funding sources specifically tailored for minority entrepreneurs.
  • Apply for Capital Grants
    Eligible members can apply for the Re:Generate Fund and other grant opportunities designed to help minority entrepreneurs scale their businesses.
  • Navigate Business Certifications
    Attend quarterly workshops designed to help minority entrepreneurs gain essential business certifications necessary for government contracting and supplier diversity.
  • Access Corporate and Government Opportunities
    Secure valuable connections with corporate and government entities to enhance business opportunities and procurement processes.
  • Learn From Successful Founders
    Engage in deep-dive Q&A discussions with successful founders who share their journey and insights on building and selling businesses.
  • Utilize Coworking and Meeting Spaces
    Enjoy membership access to EC facilities, including coworking spaces and meeting rooms, fostering collaboration and community among members.
  • Join Supportive Peer Groups
    Participate in regular peer group sessions where founders share experiences, advice, and support in a collaborative environment.

Space Rental

Space Rental provides rooms for podcasting, events, and meetings at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. It includes multiple spaces with professional AV setups and on-site support to accommodate a range of activities.

  • Create High-Quality Content
    The Chase Studio allows for high-end content creation, ensuring your podcast or video looks and sounds professional with expert support.
  • Host Executive Meetings
    The Ingram Board Room is designed for high-level discussions, equipped with advanced technology to ensure seamless presentations.
  • Accommodate Large Events
    The Learning Center is ideal for workshops and conferences, featuring customizable setups to meet a variety of needs, including outside catering.
  • Produce Engaging Video Content
    The DIY Studio features professional lighting and green screen capabilities, enabling users to create dynamic social media content without needing extensive resources.
  • Facilitate Productive Gatherings
    These Meeting Rooms provide a comfortable environment to brainstorm and collaborate, with essential technology for seamless communication.

GrowthMarketing.Studio

GrowthMarketing.Studio is a marketing platform that embeds founder marketing expertise into the content generation process. It ensures on-brand, on-message output and offers ongoing coaching, with EC member discounts.

  • Ensures On-Brand Messaging
    GrowthMarketing.Studio guarantees that all marketing materials reflect the brand voice and identity, enhancing recognition and relevance in the market.
  • Integrates Founder Expertise
    By embedding expert marketing strategies into the content generation process, the platform helps founders implement their vision effectively.
  • Ongoing Strategic Support
    Regular coaching sessions ensure that users remain focused and adapt their strategies as needed, resulting in sustained marketing effectiveness.
  • Affordable Access for Members
    Exclusive pricing for Nashville Entrepreneur Center members makes the platform more accessible, supporting their growth journey.

Membership

Membership offers access to NEC CoWork+ and downtown space, with accompanying benefits for founders such as event access and community resources.

  • Utilize Shared Workspace
    Gain access to a professional working environment equipped with modern amenities to foster collaboration.
  • Save on Events
    Participate in valuable events at reduced rates, promoting your business and expanding your network.
  • Get Expert Guidance
    Receive tailored advice from seasoned professionals who can help you navigate startup challenges.
  • Enjoy Convenient Location
    Benefit from a prime downtown location that facilitates networking and community engagement.
  • Connect With Funders
    Enhance your chances of securing funding by connecting with a network of investors looking for new opportunities.

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