The Nashville Area Chamber has announced the small businesses selected to participate in the first cohort of ScaleUp Nashville, the local version of ScaleUp America, a Small Business Administration-funded program designed to support entrepreneurs with business training and networking.

Our small business initiative, Business Studio, was awarded an initial grant of $218,000 from the SBA in November to launch ScaleUp Nashville, with the potential for funding of more than $1 million over five years. Business Studio will partner with Pathway Lending’s Women’s Business Center, Refinery Nashville and the Entrepreneur Center on the 12-week accelerator program.

The 2016 ScaleUp Nashville first cohort includes:

  • AJ Media Services, which provides compelling professional video-media and skilled editing services for government agencies, corporations, small businesses, nonprofits and universities.
  • Batch Nashville, a retail and gift company which helps individuals and corporate customers discover and give the tastes and products from their favorite Southern cities.
  • The Dailey Method Nashville, a fitness studio using spinal alignment and orthopedically safe movement for a full-body workout, incorporating elements of yoga, Pilates and ballet.
  • Diamond Restoration, which provides infection prevention and control services to the health care industry.
  • Finnley’s Good Findings, a women’s apparel and accessories boutique for the trendy young mom on the run.
  • Harpeth Marketing, which provides consulting, training and outsourced marketing services for companies in the market research sector.
  • Herbert Lawn Care and Landscaping, providing landscape design and care, including mowing, irrigation and design.
  • Hip Hues, which provides live screen-printing experiences at events through do-it-yourself custom printing of shirts, totes and bags.
  • Huckleberry Branding, a network of creative professionals developing one-of-a-kind marketing and branding solutions for clients at a fraction of traditional agency costs.
  • k2forma, a creative agency that works with small and medium businesses and nonprofits to help them find new audiences and elevate their visibility.
  • Let’s Booth It, LLC, a photography-based rental and experiential marketing company providing open-air photo booths for events and event photography services.
  • Nashville Nail and Salon by Na’Sah, providing a full range of

    manicure, aesthetics, hair cutting and styling options for customers at

    Nashville International Airport.

  • The Post East, LLC, a community-focused coffee, smoothie and juice bar in Lockeland Springs offering organic, fresh and whole foods.
  • Schaffer Law Firm, PLLC, providing legal services to entrepreneurs and clients in the hospitality, entertainment and nonprofit sectors through first understanding the core business.
  • SplashBox Marketing, a full-service advertising agency providing graphic design for print and web, as well as 508 document remediation and media-buying services.
  • STITCHMARK, which provides promotional products to businesses and facilitates online sales for direct marketing companies.
  • Third Coast Design Studio, providing land use planning and urban design services for developers, municipalities and planning professionals across the U.S.
  • Urban Communications, a print, media and event resource for Nashvillians seeking information about music, culture and activities with an urban perspective.

ScaleUp Nashville will be administered by the Nashville Chamber, with a curriculum developed by the Chamber and the Entrepreneur Center.

Participants will work with a certified public accountant to complete a financial analysis of their businesses, meet with area-specific focus groups, and work with a mentor. Additionally, each business owner will develop a plan for strategic growth and receive coaching focused on his or her particular area of need, such as developing a strategy for accessing capital or undergoing market research. Participants do not need to be Chamber members to apply, and outreach will focus on bolstering underserved communities.

Applications for the second cohort of small business participants will be accepted until Tuesday, March 15, and will be announced later this year. To apply, visit scaleupnashville.com.