100Knoxville Grant Cohort
5 Founders x 5 Mentors x 5 Weeks x $5,000
We’re inviting Black entrepreneurs who run firms in the Knoxville area to apply to be one of 5 companies in the next cohorts. Each company is matched with an all-star team of mentors who bring business experience and expertise.
Each company will embark on a 5-week sprint to clarify strategy, improve operations, and, most importantly, increase sales. At the completion of the program, each company is granted $5,000 to invest at the direction of the entrepreneur with the support of their team of mentors.
2024 TIMELINES:
COHORT 10: AUG 26 - SEPT 27, 2024
JUNE 17, 2024 - APPLICATIONS OPEN
JULY 1, 2024 - APPLICATIONS CLOSE
COHORT 11: OCT 21 - NOV 22, 2024
AUG 17, 2024 - APPLICATIONS OPEN
SEPT 3, 2024 - APPLICATIONS CLOSE
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Our selection committee looks at the following when determining their selections for each cohort:
Is the business located in the Greater Knoxville / Knox County area?
Is the business post-revenue? (Note: This program is for businesses that already have revenue / sales.)
Is the applicant a Black-owned business?
Did the applicant provide a detailed description of their business? Is there a website or social media presence that can be used to learn more?
If your business meets these requirements, then we invite you to apply!
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?
The 100Knoxville Grant Cohort Program is set up as a sprint over 5-weeks. It is an intensive program that dives deep into participating businesses to help create structure, systems, and strategies to grow their businesses. The program includes:
A pre-program workshop to help participants prep to maximize time during the 5-week program. This workshop includes tools to create a business model canvas and Profit & Loss statement which will be shared with mentors.
A "Meet Your Mentor" session so participants and program mentors can meet and schedule their weekly mentor sessions.
Weekly tasks, videos, and education sent by program facilitator.
A private FB Group set up for each cohort to upload assignments, ask questions, and share information.
Participants are expected every week to complete assignments, meet with mentor, and attend Friday coaching sessions. We anticipate this all should take 3 hours every week.
A feature story on all KEC social media platforms.
Other media interview requests during the program.
Following the completion of each program, the KEC team will set up a photoshoot and interview time for participants.
To receive the $5,000 grant at the completion of the program, cohort members must attend all sessions, meet with their mentor weekly, and turn in all assignments to facilitator by the deadline given.
“The biggest impact is the mentorship and connections gained along the way! Plus the lasting friendships I’ve made over the years.”
