Pictured: Kiana Jones, Founder of Plush Moon Terrarium Co and member of the 11th 100Knoxville cohort.
Helping Black-owned businesses grow in Knoxville.
Launched in Spring of 2021, the 100Knoxville program was an effort to help black businesses grow by ten million dollars over five years. Throughout this time we have been privileged to work with so many extraordinary entrepreneurs and blessed by the talents of experienced mentors who helped to guide the journey.
Find a full list of alumni here. We’re excited to continue working with graduates of the 100knoxville program and encourage you to patron these incredible businesses.
For anyone interested in programming and events focused on entrepreneurship, you can find more through the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center website.
Read about the impact of the 100Knoxville Grant Cohorts, hear from our facilitator - Kandis Troutman, and see how the 2024 grant program has impacted local business owner, Melanie Bell, in a case study for her business - Bell Leotards.
Thank you to the Black entrepreneurs who are making Knoxville a great place to live and work. Thank you to The 800 Initiative in Memphis for inspiring our efforts in Knoxville. Thank you to the many people who have contributed their time and talent so far including Jim Biggs, Brandon Bruce, Don Bruce, John Bruck, Carter Hall, Deidra Harper, Tanika Harper, Rick Held, Kenneth Herring, Lina Kornmeyer, Doug Minter, Nancy Nabors, Amy Nolan, Mike Odom, Matt Padgett, Tennion Reed, Tommy Smith, Rick Staples, Darris Upton, Clarence Vaughn, Stephanie Welch, Kanika White, and many more.
It’s a team effort.
