On Monday July 10, the Nashville Entrepreneur Center hosted a meet-and-greet featuring the three candidates vying for a Council Person spot in Metro Nashville’s District 19. The district includes Downtown, Germantown and the recently added East Bank development.
Our newly announced CEO Sam Davidson, on his first day in office, warmly welcomed attendees and underlined the importance of staying informed about the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Part of being a successful entrepreneur is understanding all the forces at play in your community and ecosystem, and the best way to do that is to stay informed,” Davidson noted. He voiced his enthusiasm about hosting the candidates who shared their visions for District 19 and the city. “In this critical election season, I’m thrilled the EC could host local candidates willing to share their visions for District 19 and the city. We’ll always be eager and willing to help spread the word of what our entrepreneurs need when it comes to local policies that can make it easier to start and grow a business.”
In District 19, we are building an entire neighborhood and area in the East Bank complete with multiple multi billion dollar development. The three candidates–Jasper Hendricks III, Jacob Kupin, and Jonathan Turner– took the stage to present their visions for District 19.
Jasper Hendricks, noting his experience as a public servant, underscored the critical economic role District 19 plays in Nashville and beyond. Drawing upon his background in public service and political outreach, Hendricks expressed, “I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with small business owners and residents. Because of the significant economic impact of local small businesses, it is important to have their voices at the table.”
Jacob Kupin, identifying himself as the “neighborhood guy,” shared his commitment to fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive. Drawing from his education in business and entrepreneurship, Kupin shared, “We have great incubators and phenomenal small businesses in this city…I am committed to fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive.” Noting the development projects on the East Bank, Kupin envisions a vibrant neighborhood teeming with opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Jonathan Turner, a Nashville native, emphasized his unique insights gained from growing up in the area and running a small business. He stressed, “There’s just too much opportunity, and we are just missing out on a lot.” Turner pledges to manage growth and reinforce infrastructure while boosting the entrepreneurial ecosystem of District 19, harnessing local talent, and diversifying the business segment beyond music to include healthcare, manufacturing, and more.
Following introductions, attendees engaged directly with the candidates in breakout sessions, offering an opportunity for them to express their specific concerns and ideas. We look forward to hosting more such engaging events to inspire thoughtful dialogue about the future of our city. Early voting commences on July 14, and election day occurs August 3rd. Find your district and all voting information at Nashville.gov/vote. Photos by Isaac Wetzel.
