STARTUP FINALISTS
Happenstance Distilling Co.
Paige Parker
Happenstance Distilling Co. is a 100% women-owned and led whiskey company based in Nashville. In an industry where nearly 40% of whiskey drinkers are women but less than 2% of companies are women-owned, Happenstance is carving out a bold new path. The brand has grown intentionally through bootstrapping, building distribution across the Southeast while earning national recognition for both quality and representation. With every bottle, Happenstance is reshaping the whiskey landscape—proving that exceptional spirits and inclusivity go hand in hand.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Expanded into four new markets (Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida), growing 112% in a down whiskey market
- Became headline tour sponsor for Ella Langley’s The Hungover Tour and featured in her music video, reaching 47M+ views
- Released Single Barrel 9-Year, which won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, alongside multiple golds for the Founder’s Edition label
- Launched in 57+ Total Wine stores and expanded placements across accounts including Four Seasons, Virgin Hotels, The Joseph, Nashville Airport, and more
- Featured in major outlets including Rolling Stone, People Magazine, HBO Max’s Hacks, and a Lifetime holiday movie
Oye Coffee Co.
Jonathan Oye & Christopher Oye
Oye Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee brand crafting bold, African culture–inspired coffee experiences. Founded by brothers Jonathan and Christopher Oye, the company is known for smooth, balanced flavors offered in both ready-to-drink canned coffee and whole-bean or ground options.
Rooted in culture, energy, and connection, Oye Coffee aims to bring people together over great coffee while celebrating heritage and community. With products now available in major retailers including The Fresh Market, Kroger, and Turnip Truck, the brand is expanding its reach without losing sight of its commitment to quality and authenticity.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Expanded retail distribution into major chains including The Fresh Market, Kroger, and Turnip Truck, with new markets in Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville
- Introduced ready-to-drink canned coffee, growing beyond bagged coffee into the grab-and-go market
- Showcased as the official coffee vendor at AFROTECH in Houston, one of the nation’s largest tech conferences, boosting national brand awareness
- Partnered with local organizations through farm-to-table events, in-store activations, and cultural collaborations
- Selected for Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management “Impact Investing Award 2025,” recognizing entrepreneurial leadership and growth potential
virsitour
Debbie Garcia
virsitour is transforming how meetings and events are sourced and planned. Founded by award-winning event planner Debbie Garcia, CMP, the company was born out of necessity during the pandemic, when traditional site visits and sourcing methods came to a halt. With no technical background but a clear vision, Debbie built virsitour from scratch—turning sticky notes and DIY videos into a fully functioning platform.
Today, virsitour helps planners save time, money, and stress by offering immersive virtual site tours, side-by-side comparisons, and real-time RFP management all in one place. Built by planners, for planners, the platform makes sourcing simpler, more transparent, and far more efficient—revolutionizing how the events industry works.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Expanded supplier listings on the platform by more than 300% across hotels, venues, destinations, and event services
- Transitioned to a commission-based revenue model and secured first supplier agreements under the new structure
- Generated over 1,000 RFPs and proposal comparisons through the platform
- Partnered with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to onboard entire cities and their local supplier base
- Increased agency-side planning revenue by 40% year-over-year by sourcing and managing high-value national events
GROWTH FINALISTS
Creative Soulz Printing
Thomas Kelly
Creative Soulz Printing is a custom printing and branding company that helps small businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs bring their visions to life through affordable, high-quality design solutions. What began with a single office printer has grown into a full-service print shop serving hundreds of clients across Middle Tennessee and beyond.
The company specializes in business cards, banners, branded merchandise, and large-format graphics, but its mission goes deeper than products. Creative Soulz is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs—especially small and minority-owned businesses—by offering accessible, culturally relevant, and time-sensitive printing services that help brands stand out. Through relationship-building and community-centered initiatives like the Nashville Black Business Coupon Book and the upcoming Soulz of Tomorrow youth entrepreneurship program, Creative Soulz Printing is committed to building legacies one brand at a time.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Voted “Best of Music City” in the printing category by The Tennessean
- Expanded product offerings to include building signage, branded merchandise, and a holiday gift line
- Launched e-commerce ordering and workflow automation tools to improve efficiency and scale
- Grew community impact through partnerships with organizations like PENCIL Foundation and Corner to Corner
- Expanded team with new part-time staff and structured training to support long-term growth
East Nashville Beer Works
Anthony Davis
East Nashville Beer Works is a community-focused brewery known for its welcoming taprooms, family- and dog-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to “beer is community.” Founded in 2016, the brewery has become a gathering place for good beer, good food, and good times, offering a full menu, expansive beer garden, and event-friendly spaces that bring people together.
In 2024, East Nashville Beer Works expanded in a big way, opening a 16,000-square-foot facility and taproom in Wilson County while continuing to brew at its original Trinity Lane location. Whether through collaborations with local breweries, sourcing ingredients from Nashville partners, or hosting hundreds of community events, East Nashville Beer Works is proving that great beer tastes even better when shared.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Opened 16,000 sq. ft. expansion facility & taproom in Lebanon, TN (Wilson County)
- Grew revenue more than 40% year-over-year, surpassing $2M in 2024
- Expanded beer garden and playground at the Trinity Lane taproom, enhancing family-friendly space
- Raised thousands for Friends of Shelby Park through Fridays by the River events
- Launched first holiday pop-up with the popular Home Alone–themed bar
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
Maliyah Bass & Bariangela Segovia
Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream is Tennessee’s first rolled ice cream food truck, founded by childhood friends Maliyah Bass and Bariangela Segovia. What began with a $1,500 bus and a bold idea has grown into a unique dessert brand known for handcrafted, made-to-order rolled ice cream and popsicles.
Beyond catering and festivals, the company operates The Roll Academy at the Nashville Farmers’ Market—the only hands-on rolled ice cream class of its kind in the United States. Guests learn to craft their own custom creations while enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience designed to bring joy, creativity, and connection. From collaborations with beloved local brands to serving at major events, Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream has built a reputation as more than a dessert company—it’s an experience brand.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Partnered with organizations like the Nashville Predators, Google Fiber, CMA, Target, Kroger, Vanderbilt, Belmont, and more
- Opened The Roll Academy at the historic Nashville Farmers’ Market, the only immersive rolled ice cream experience of its kind in the U.S.
- Increased Roll Academy attendance by 7%, on track to serve over 3,500 guests in 2025
- Collaborated with The Cupcake Collection on an Ice Cream & Cake Food Truck Tour, drawing strong community engagement
- Partnered with Tay Keith’s nonprofit to donate 300 rolled ice creams on National Ice Cream Day
To see other 2025 finalists, visit our NEXT Awards page or browse news.
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