In September, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded a $218,000 contract through the Small Business Administration for the ScaleUp America program. One of only seven cities selected this year, the Nashville MSA has more than 37,000 small businesses. These businesses have passed the startup phase, but frequently lack access to support services and resources.
ScaleUp Nashville will provide two cohorts of small business owners each year with a community of fellow leaders that will help spark and direct growth. Each cohort will participate in 12 weeks of classes, receive an analysis of their companies’ finances, have access to mentoring and area-specific focus groups, networking with and connections to local business leaders, and membership to the Refinery and Nashville Entrepreneur Center.
Program partners Entrepreneur Center, Pathway Lending and Refinery will help shape and guide participating businesses’ growth. As more partners join, the network of resources will expand. The first group of participants will help shape the program for the long term, as it grows into a community of business leaders and a symbol of growth.
ScaleUp Nashville is accepting applications until Dec. 4 for its first cohort of small business owners. Because this is a new program, this application cycle will likely have the lowest number of applicants, so please encourage likely candidates to submit their applications! Visit scaleupnashville.com to learn more and apply online.
