theCO

Applications are now open for CO.STARTERS, a 9-week program designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, insights, and connections to turn their business ideas into action. Whether you have a new business idea or seek clarity in running an existing business, CO.STARTERS offers guidance in marketing, operations, and strategic growth. The program is led by Lisa Garner, theCO’s CEO and owner of Garner Blue Shop. Applications close January 21st, and sessions will meet every Tuesday from 5:30-8:30pm, beginning February 4th.

Join us for CircleUp on November 7th from 6-8pm, where female business owners and community leaders can connect in a creative space! This event is all about engaging with familiar faces + making new connections while participating in hands-on mini-workshops led by local female makers. Create macrame with The Restorative Willow, collage with Crackerjack Vintage Co., and decorate a sweet treat with JC Sweets Sugar Cookies. Our goal is to foster genuine connections that inspire collaboration. Tickets are now on sale— don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your network and creativity! https://lu.ma/pnm2vd6d

Join us for the final Spark event of 2024, a TED Talk spinoff featuring three inspiring local speakers: Cassidy Sheppard Spencer on creating impactful events through thoughtful experiences and sponsorships, Trunetta Atwater on balancing life and work while navigating grief, and Aaron Hardin on the courage to start over and embrace new beginnings. Don’t miss this chance to learn, network, and ignite your own spark of success. Spark is free, but registration is required: https://lu.ma/fq6uqxkl.

Running a small business can feel overwhelming, especially with the holidays just around the corner. But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’re here to help. Let’s sit down together, talk through your challenges, set some goals, and make sure you’re ready to thrive this season. Schedule a free wayfinding meeting below.

Our Christmas Marketing Roundtable is back on October 1st! Bring your lunch and join fellow product-based businesses as we swap tried-and-true holiday strategies and fresh ideas.

Meet the first-place ScaleUp Kitchen winners,?Skillet Junction! Located at 575 S Royal St in Jackson, they’re serving up delicious meals Thursday-Sunday from 8AM-3PM. Be sure to stop by, grab a bite, and show them some love! Special thanks to?Ford Philanthropy?for supporting the program and helping local businesses thrive.

Curious about selling on Etsy? Join us on September 19th at 6PM at theCO for a panel discussion with seasoned sellers Beth & Lee Wilson and Terran Qualls. Discover how this platform has been a game-changer for their businesses, while also exploring the challenges that come with selling online. Whether you’re a current seller or just thinking about it, you’ll walk away with valuable insights and practical tips.

The ScaleUp Kitchen program, supported by Ford Philanthropy and hosted by Epicenter Memphis and theCO, empowered food entrepreneurs across West Tennessee to scale their businesses through a free, intensive 3-day accelerator, one-on-one consulting, and a pitch competition with prizes up to $20,000. Throughout August, participants showcased their culinary creations and pitched to a judging panel that included experts from Ford Motor Company and local lenders. This initiative provided support to help local food businesses achieve their growth ambitions and thrive in the regional market.

ScaleUp Kitchen was designed to help food-based businesses in Haywood, Madison, Shelby, and Tipton counties take their operations to the next level! With the support of Ford Philanthropy and hosted by Epicenter Memphis and theCO, entrepreneurs honed their branding, communications, planning, and strategy to prepare for regional procurement opportunities. The goal? Empowering our local food entrepreneurs for regional success. Out of 20 total participants, the winners are as follows: First place: Skillet Junction, Jackson, Tenn. Second place: Good Fortune, Memphis, Tenn.? Third place: Littlebird Bar & Restaurant, Jackson, Tenn. Third Place: Riko’s Kickin Chicken, Memphis, Tenn. Third Place: The Cellar Restaurant & Prohibition Bar, Covington, Tenn. Read the full release on our site to learn more about this impactful program!

Tickets are already going quickly for 3686,?LaunchTN's annual entrepreneurship conference, so get yours today! The three-day event in Nashville will take place Sept. 9-11 and will feature cutting-edge speaker content, networking meetups and hundreds of direct connections. This year’s programming includes a discussion on innovation from the four Tennessee mayors — from Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga — as well as a tech panel digging into how Tennessee's professional sports teams are thinking about tech and fan experiences. Attendees can also expect investor connections, dedicated networking time, meetups with startup founders and a chance to celebrate what Tennessee has to offer entrepreneurs. Get your ticket now at attend3686.com + use code THECONETWORK3686 to get $50 off your ticket!