EPICENTER IN THE NEWS
An Inside Look: See How The Culture of Memphis Reigns Supreme For These Black Entrepreneurs
Hip hop, social justice, soul music, soul food – the city of Memphis is a cultural mecca of the South with good reason. But, it wouldn’t be known for what it is today without the people who reside there.
Read More via Afrotech.com
Two Black-owned, Memphis startups — MedHaul and SecondKeys — receive $50K awards from Google for Startups
On Oct. 6, Google for Startups announced the 76 recipients of its $5 million Black Founders Fund, which provides promising Black founders with non-dilutive cash awards to boost their businesses. Both Plybeah and Hayes each received awards of $50,000 for their startups.
Exclusive: SweetBio CEO talks national recognition, Vandy trials, and startup momentum
A local entrepreneur joins marquee business founders on the Inc. Female Founders 100 list.
Kayla Rodriguez Graff, cofounder and CEO of SweetBio, is the only business founder on the list from Tennessee.
More via Memphis Business Journal
News Release: Epicenter President and CEO Stepping Down
Epicenter President and CEO Stepping Down
Leslie Lynn Smith to lead national tech initiative; Epicenter board appoints interim leadership
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Sept. 16, 2020) – Epicenter announced today that Leslie Lynn Smith, founding president and CEO, is stepping down to lead a new national technology initiative.
How The City of Memphis’ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Is Helping Black Women’s Businesses Thrive
For countless years, Black women have had to justify their need for support and respect in seemingly every area of their lives, including their business endeavors.
Read More via Afrotech.com
How Memphis is Becoming the Top Market for Black Entrepreneurs
Memphis is laying the foundation for how other cities across the country should support Black entrepreneurs and businesses. The pathway to entrepreneurship in the city is paved with an ecosystem of opportunity, resources, and programs, unlike any other in the nation.
Read More via AfroTech
Frayser gets $1.3 million grant to build community
The Frayser community is getting a $1.3 million grant from the MassMutual Foundation to support small businesses, help Frayser families save money, improve communication among residents and carry out ideas of a soon-to-form community advisory board.
Press Release: Sixteen tech startups participating in Memphis accelerator
In the fifth year of their partnership, Epicenter and Start Co. are serving 16 early-stage tech startup companies through a virtual pre-accelerator program this summer.
Memphis orgs win more than $1M for local startups
Two Memphis organizations recently won economic development grants and will receive funds to help their missions of assisting startups.
U of M and Epicenter launch 'patented' program to create new startups
On Thursday, June 6, the University of Memphis and regional entrepreneurial organization Epicenter announced a postdoctoral fellowship program called Patents2Products.
Meet the 3 Memphis 'Summer of Acceleration' companies
Three Memphis companies are among the eight startups participating in the 2019 “Summer of Acceleration” business incubator in Memphis that got underway this month.
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.