EPICENTER IN THE NEWS
2019 Summer of Acceleration startups announced
Three Memphis startups are among eight emerging companies that will collaborate with business mentors for an intensive summer of learning on how to market products and grow their businesses.
With County budget, Mayor Harris eyes robot workers of the future — and how to protect local interests
In his $1.3 billion proposed operating budget, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris would like to invest $1.25 million in technology startups that, if successful, could potentially replace some of the thousands of jobs Shelby County could lose to automation.
At forum on racial inequality, Strickland says Memphis needs to grow
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland once again said Memphis’ biggest issue is population loss.
On Tuesday, April 23, Strickland cited violent crime and a lack of educational achievement within the city limits as two of the primary reasons for Memphis' continuing loss of population.
Ideas swirl for Brooks Museum, MCA spaces at Overton Park
MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - A new school, a restaurant, or an African-American art gallery – these are just a few of the proposals to re-purpose the Memphis College of Art and Brooks Museum.
Tours were offered in both buildings this week to show the potential each space has for transformation.
From the courtyard outside to the wood shop inside, every part of Rust Hall's 75,000 square feet is being toured.
City of Memphis wants your input naming Overton Park buildings
MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Calling all dreamers! The City of Memphis is looking for your ideas to fill a soon to be massive vacancy in Overton Park.
The City of Memphis says don't be afraid to think outside the box on what they should call the Brooks Museum and Memphis College of Arts home. The deadline to pitch your idea is fast approaching.
Guest column: Workforce development can help Memphis maintain momentum
Good things are happening in Memphis.
ServiceMaster, FedEx, and Indigo Ag have made large investments to grow their businesses Downtown. Transformative construction projects, such as One Beale and Union Row, are beginning to take shape. And, Frommers recently included Memphis on its “Best Places to Go in 2019” list, raising the profile of our tourism industry. Positive momentum certainly seems to be building.
Why Capital Should Come To The Majority-Minority City Building Inclusive Innovation
Memphians want to be known for more than Elvis and BBQ. And they aren’t the only ones. Steve Case, co-founder of America Online(AOL) and founder of Revolution and J.D. Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy and managing partner of Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, made a stop in Memphis last year, hunting for the next best founders and ideas.
Venture capitalist spreading funding to Middle America
Billionaire Steve Case says too much venture capitalist money goes to businesses on the coasts. So he's touring the middle of the country on a bus in search of the next big idea
Memphis economy gaining traction, but buy-in isn't universal
Tennessee economic development chief Bob Rolfe sees Memphis headed in the right direction, though the state could be doing more to help in key areas of job retention and small business growth.
Making a move? Locally-owned property firm connects renters with residences across Memphis
Hustler. Socialite. Intermediary. What comes to mind when someone says they are in real estate? Try matchmaker. Leasing Angels, a full-service real estate firm, acts as a leasing agent for apartment communities and single-family homes.
Emerge Memphis sells building, changes mission
When Bryan Eagle launched Emerge Memphis in 2001, the city had no other incubator or accelerators for startups.
Memphis' Goal: To Grow Revenue At Minority-Owned Firms By $50M In Five Years
The future of entrepreneurship in America will include many more people of color than in the past, as recent data shows. The city of Memphis is making the most of the trend.
Ann Arbor and Memphis are among the top cities for female founders raising their first round
Data on startups and venture capital financing in so-called second- and third-tier startup hubs across the midwestern and southern United States is fairly spotty.
Evanoff: Memphis after Electrolux looks positive, says the chamber's Richard Smith
Just about a year ago, Richard Smith declared, quite publicly, that a culture of complacency had mired Memphis, stagnating the economy.
City Will Not Invest Pension Money In Epicenter Fund
A city official confirmed Wednesday that Memphis will not invest a portion of its pension money into a local nonprofit’s investment fund.
This Entrepreneur is Helping Women Invest in Memphis Restaurants
Through the Broad Angels Network, founder Lisa Toro is helping female-run businesses thrive in the city
Seize the Day: Finding the next big thing
This is Memphis, a city of renowned entrepreneurs, dreamers who act, creative people whose ideas have changed the world. It’s exciting to think about the next big thing that will come out of Memphis.
With FedEx challenge, local nonprofit raises $40 million for entrepreneurs
A local nonprofit has raised $40 million to help the region's entrepreneurs.
With an initial challenge grant of $10 million from FedEx Corp., Memphis' Epicenter announced Wednesday, Sept. 26, that it had raised an additional $30 million from philanthropic foundations, economic development organizations and individuals.