Twendé Statewide 2024 Cohort - Entrepreneur Center

Fifty-six Entrepreneurs Gather to Connect, Learn and Grow – A Driver for Tennessee’s Economy

Nashville, Tenn. (January 25, 2024) – Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC), today announced its 2024 Twendé cohort for founders of color. Twendé, Kiswahili for “let’s go,” is a statewide, 6-month accelerator program helping minority businesses grow their professional network and scale their businesses.

This statewide program will bring 56 business leaders together providing access to statewide connections, on-demand curriculum, capital resources, individualized coaching and mentorship, plus B2B (business to business) and B2G (business to government) resources.

“Building a thriving community of business owners of color isn’t just about diversity; it’s about economic vitality,” said Sam Davidson, CEO of Nashville Entrepreneur Center. “When we unite, share our experiences, and create opportunities for growth, we strengthen the foundation of our state’s economy, making it more resilient and inclusive for all.”

Twendé will be led by the following Entrepreneurs in Residences (EIR) and Coaches:

2024 Twendé Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR):

Dr. Isaac Addae

Shani Dowell

Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones

Bill McCleskey

“I am very proud of the EC for creating this program to support founders of color across Tennessee,” said Dr. Isaac Addae, small & minority business engagement liaison with Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. “Twendé gives entrepreneurs the tools and resources needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. We’ve seen many success stories from Twendé alumni, and I’m excited to see the impact made by the new cohort.”

2024 Twendé Coaches:

The 56 startups (see list below) are generating millions in revenue creating more than 80 jobs in the tech, professional services, consumer goods, healthcare, and hospitality industries. New this year, the program is welcoming students from Tennessee State University (TSU) to integrate into the broader Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem. Also new is Launch Tennessee’s network partner, Sync Space, establishing a group of founders to hold on-site programming in the Tri-Cities area.

“Entrepreneurial education at HBCUs empowers Black students with business skills, fosters their economic self-determination, and fuels innovation for a local and global benefit, said Twendé Coach and TSU Faculty Member Aaron McGee.”

The 2024 cohort will participate in 15 modules of on-demand curriculum, a minimum of six facilitated peer group and one-on-one coaching sessions, 10 monthly themed calls that are made up of Roleplay Labs, Coaching Q&A’s, and CEO Circles. Founders will also have access to the EC’s Capital Connector, advisor platform, and large community of members and alumni. The program will culminate with a two-day Customer Connection Pitch event followed by a graduation celebration.

All are welcome to join the EC in its first 2024 Twendé celebration, “Nashville Black Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day,” on February 22 at 4 pm. RSVP here.

The EC’s Twendé Program is made possible by its partners at Baker Donelson, CLA, LBMC, Wells Fargo and Launch Tennessee. To learn more about this program, click here or email Twendé Program Manager, Em Wilder, em.wilder@ec.co.

About Nashville Entrepreneur Center

The Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2010 by business leaders to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and to celebrate the spirit and tenacity of the entrepreneurial community. The EC serves as Nashville’s center for entrepreneurship, supporting visionaries—from every background, in any industry, and at all phases—by connecting them to critical resources and championing their desire to change the world. Learn more about the EC by following @entrecenter on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at www.EC.co.

2024 Twende Cohort:

A Traveled Path Homes | Shapree’ Marshall

Adir | Jaden Bouldin-Miller (TSU)

Apollo Services LLC | Tommy Smith

BNatural35 | Brandi Alderson

Boutique Disposal Company | Ron (Ronnie) Greer

B2 Apparel | Barrion Boyle Jr. (TSU)

Confidential Fitz | Kennedy Burgess (TSU)

Creating Marks | Jackie Marks

Culture Architecture and Design | Joseph Cole

DNYLL Welsh and Company, LLC | Danyell Welsh

Drinks R Us & Events LLC | Kayla Donaldson