A new two-year program called Innovate Xcelerate will work to build a more diverse pipeline of entrepreneurs in Memphis. 

Led by Epicenter, a nonprofit that helps Memphis-area entrepreneurs develop, launch and grow their ventures, the program is funded in part by a $380,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation. 

One of Memphis' most recognizable entrepreneurial hubs is launching a new two-year program for small businesses and startups that has been four years in the making.

On Tuesday, Memphis-based Epicenter announced its Innovate Xcelerate program. The program aims to build a pipeline for Memphis entrepreneurs and startups to help with sustained growth. The program is funded, in part, by a $380,000 grant from MassMutual Foundation.

Epicenter is launching a program to continue building a diverse local pipeline of entrepreneurs.

The Memphis-based organization has established the Innovate Xcelerate initiative, which is intended to expand Memphis' entrepreneurship culture. The two-year program is funded by a $380,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation.

Epicenter Launches Initiative to Build Diverse Pipeline of Innovative Entrepreneurs

The founders of four medical technology startups will showcase their work during Demo Day, part of Epicenter’s  ZeroTo510 Accelerator.

In this hour of Live at 9, Cameron Ross helps Germantown businesses grow, Health Director Dr. Michelle Taylor inspires with her breast cancer story, Nate Smith and Vijay Harrell share how Epicenter’s solving logistics problems and Jalyn Souchek ‘s top weekend picks.

Epicenter's interim CEO is now the permanent head of the organization.

Epicenter has selected five medtech startups for its ZeroTo510 Accelerator. They are set for a 13-week program to assist in the progression from early stage innovation to being ready to be marketed via the 510(k) premarket clearance from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

As part of the ScaleUp Kitchen program, which helps food entrepreneurs grow their businesses, 20 Tennessee-based participants pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. Five entrepreneurs won prizes ranging from $6,000 to $20,000, with Skillet Junction from Downtown Jackson, Tennessee, taking first place. Good Fortune and Riko’s Kickin Chicken, both from Memphis, Tennessee, secured second place and tied for third, respectively.

In this episode of Live at 9, Trustee Regina Newman’s warns payday loans are predatory, MMBC’s Jozelle Booker offers the key for entrepreneurs to build business wealth, Epicenter Memphis’ has a big opportunity for medtech startups and alt-rock band Joybomb performs!

Memphis, TN – [June 28, 2024] – ZeroTo510, renowned for its 90-day accelerator program aimed at early-stage startups in the MedTech industry, announced the opening of applications for its 2024 cohort. Going into its 11th year of programming, this highly competitive program offers innovative startups opportunities for growth, supported by mentorship, initial investment, and community.

Epicenter president and CEO Jessica Taveau was about to leave for a vacation when she was informed that the organization was a finalist for a major federal grant.

The news that Epicenter was one of 43 grant winners prompted Taveau to have a mid-vacation departure — quickly hopping on a plane to Washington, D.C.

Read More via Memphis Inno

Epicenter Memphis and the Alchemist Accelerator are proud to announce today the launch of Memphis Crucible, a pre-accelerator program designed to prepare early-stage startups to successfully apply to Alchemist’s Memphis Hub.

Read More via Memphis Business Journal

Being an entrepreneur and a small business owner can be stressful. Having someone walk alongside to alleviate some of the stress is where Epicenter comes in.

Read more via WREG

The Next Big Thing, an annual pitch competition, has come to its conclusion. And, as Pearson Crutcher, executive director of the Society of Entrepreneurs (SOE), reflects on this year’s event, she thinks not just of its success but the potential of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Read More via Memphis Business Journal

Launched a decade ago, the ZeroTo510 Medical Device Accelerator has witnessed an evolution of devices presented by participating startups. The bulk of the 2022 cohort’s products, for example, contained software and AI components.

Read More via Memphis Business Journal

Epicenter Relocates Primary Office Space to Downtown Memphis
Entrepreneurship hub will sublease innovation space from Terminix

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Business ownership is one key to wealth, and a center in Memphis is helping entrepreneurs unlock what it takes to make it on their own.

Read More via WREG

The #BlackTechFutures Research Institute recently launched in Memphis, Nashville, Houston and Birmingham, Alabama, with a goal of building a thriving, sustainable technology ecosystem for Black people in the four cities.

Read More via Daily Memphian

From the jewelry industry to branding and web consultancy, Black innovators are changing the face of entrepreneurship one idea at a time in Memphis. Meet the established innovators who are setting a foundation by inspiring start-up founders to be bold and brave in making their dreams come true.

Read More via Afrotech.com