Nashville Celebrates Graduation of 15 THRIVE Entrepreneurs

News Summary

This week, Nashville recognized 15 inspiring entrepreneurs who graduated from the 2024 THRIVE Nashville program, a U.S. SBA initiative. Over six months, these business leaders received extensive training and developed strategic plans to enhance their businesses, demonstrating the crucial role small businesses play in the local economy. As the holiday season approaches, their readiness to seize opportunities could crucially impact their success and the Nashville community’s growth.

Nashville Cheers on 15 Entrepreneurs Graduating from THRIVE Program

This week in Nashville, the spotlight shined brightly on 15 amazing small business leaders as they celebrated their graduation from the 2024 THRIVE Nashville program. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) organized this event, highlighting the journeys of entrepreneurs from Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Dyersburg, Tennessee.

A Six-Month Adventure in Business Growth

These graduates wrapped up a transformative six-month period filled with intensive executive training and tons of learning. Their hard work culminated in the presentation of their impressive capstone projects, showcasing new strategies to grow their companies, hire more staff, and expand into fresh markets.

David Glasgow, the SBA District Director for Tennessee, took a moment to spotlight the vital role small businesses play in Tennessee’s economy. He emphasized that these entrepreneurs aren’t just building their businesses—they’re building the local economy!

Cracking the Code of Success

During their time in the THRIVE program, participants engaged in more than 100 hours of instruction, mixing virtual and in-person learning. They worked diligently to create tailored three-year strategic growth plans, preparing them for the exciting (and sometimes challenging) world of entrepreneurship.

But this was more than just sitting in lectures. The program included valuable experiences like mentoring, business coaching, and peer support. The variety of businesses represented by these graduates is impressive. We’re talking about sectors from music production to construction, design, hospitality, retail, home services, and custom automotive. Talk about a diverse crowd!

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

As the holidays approach, it’s a crucial time for small businesses. The SBA’s Season of Small Business campaign encourages everyone to support local shops especially during this festive time. According to the Small Business Index, a whopping 80% of small businesses believe that the holiday season is pivotal for their annual profits. In fact, many small businesses rely on holiday shopping for at least one-quarter of their annual revenue. This is a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs, and these graduates are gearing up for it!

Introducing the Graduates

Here’s a quick peek at the dynamic graduates of the 2024 THRIVE Nashville program:

Henry Flood – Epikos Comics and Games, Chattanooga
Amber Ferguson – TruBlue Home Service Ally, Chattanooga
Michaael Aseron – Shane’s Rib Shack, Cleveland
Kevin Evans – Still Evans Contractors, Dyersburg
Gema Robles – Four Mile Ranch Golf Course, Fort Campbell
Buffy Stancill – Faith and Grace Flooring, Murfreesboro
Sheila Ohrenberg – Sorella Group, Murfreesboro
Chad White – Noir Kitchen and Cocktails, Nashville
Gibran Sponchiado – Top Track Studios, Nashville
Jonathan Oye – Oye Coffee Company, Nashville
Laura McCoy – McCoy Design, Nashville
Wilson Brim – Southern Trophy House, Nashville
Jonathan Clark – Community Solutions by Design, Nashville
Ashley Vega – Vega Designs US Fleet Pros, Nashville
Doris Dills – Napakiak Environmental and Construction, Oak Ridge

An Education for Tomorrow’s Leaders

The THRIVE Emerging Leaders Reimagined program from the SBA is designed specifically for high-performing small business executives. It covers a range of important topics that can make or break a business, such as accounting, business strategy, marketing, and human resources—all focused on the unique needs of small business owners.

The enthusiasm and dedication displayed over the past months by this Nashville cohort, expertly led by industry veteran Debra Sunderland of Sunderland Coaching, prove that the future of small business in Tennessee looks bright!

With all the skills learned and connections made, these graduates are ready to dive into the business world, tackle challenges, and make a lasting mark in their communities. Here’s to their success and the continued growth of small businesses across Tennessee!