Corner to Corner’s Director of The Academy, Shana Berkeley, talks about the importance of Nashpreneurs getting connected to the entrepreneurial community.
Shana Berkeley
Director of The Academy
Corner to Corner
What is your organization’s premier services?
Corner to Corner offers a 10-week business course entitled “The Academy.” This program allows entrepreneurs to use their God given creativity, passion and drive to plan, start and grow their own small business. The Academy also offers guidance and opportunity for new business owners to learn from established business leaders, creating a supportive business ecosystem.
Who is the target business that you work with?
We work with under-estimated neighborhood entrepreneurs to help them turn their business dream into a money-making reality.
Why do you do what you do?
Corner to Corner exists to extend the hope of Christ to every corner of our community, in Gospel word and loving deed. We want all of our neighbors to flourish, which is why we created The Academy.
What is your favorite part of your organization?
We have graduated 149 entrepreneurs in the last 2 years,bringing more than $2.6 million into the neighborhood economy (according to the annual SBA report card). We love to see our neighbors discover their passions, build on their strengths and provide for their families, which in turn, strengths and revitalizes our communities.
What advice do you have for Nashpreneurs?
Each and every Nashpreneur should get connected to the entrepreneurial community here in Nashville. When you show up to events and programming, you learn more about yourself and how you can positively contribute to the Nashville communities. This allows entrepreneurship to be more than money– but a way to see all of our neighbors flourish.
Why is the Nashville region a great place to be a small business?
Nashville is a great place to start a small business because the locals and tourists are actively searching for new and interesting things. There are still a lot of industries that are untapped and places for growth in already established industries. Furthermore, the culture and history of Nashville communities, such as North Nashville, are inspiring and worth preserving and amplifying.
Nashpreneurs Partner Profiles put the spotlight on organizations in Middle Tennessee that help entrepreneurs succeed. To be featured in an upcoming profile, email Jordan Taylor Sloan at jtaylorsloan@nashvillechamber.com.
