Three entrepreneurial fellowships awarded to Memphis entrepreneurs Epicenter’s 901 Entrepreneurs

Fellowship program is part of Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Cohen

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Dec. 8, 2023) – As a result of Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) in fiscal year 2023, Epicenter is awarding three one-year fellowships to entrepreneurs who are scaling their business in the Memphis area. The fellowships were announced today by Congressman Cohen at a press conference at Epicenter’s downtown Memphis offices.

The 901 Entrepreneurs Fellowships, which include a $65,000 stipend, enable early-stage, underrepresented founders to focus on scaling their business full-time or, for example, to help acquire a piece of equipment or additional staff to accomplish business growth milestones. In addition, fellows will receive wraparound services through Epicenter, such as access to subject matter experts and coworking space.

The fellows are:

• Erika Dillard, MD, PhD, PopCheck Technologies (https://popchecktechnologies.com), a medical innovation that reduces post-surgery venous clots.

• Stuart P. Lott, Backbone Technologies (https://www.joinbackbone.com), a software platform that helps small business owners manage accounting more easily.

• Kiamesha Wilson, Kaye’s Pints and Scoops (https://www.kayesicecream.com/), a small-batch ice creamery located in Whitehaven.

“We know that underrepresented or traditionally marginalized entrepreneurs face more hurdles when starting and growing a business, including access to capital, customers, expertise, and professional networks,” said Congressman Cohen. “I was pleased to advocate for the 901 Entrepreneurs program, which creates opportunities for founders to build their businesses here in Memphis with fewer barriers.”

Startup founders and small business owners who had previously participated in an Epicenter program were invited to apply for the fellowships. Following the competitive application process, fellowships were awarded based on proposed uses of the stipend, progress to date, and the business’s potential economic impact in Memphis, including potential job growth.

“Entrepreneurs are the heart and soul of our economy, and we’re grateful for Congressman Cohen’s support of these business owners and their innovative products,” said Jessica Taveau, president and CEO, Epicenter. “These fellowships may be the springboard that the awardees need to build businesses that, when scaled, have the potential to provide economic opportunities for the founders and good local jobs for Memphians.”

The fellowships are part of the 901 Entrepreneurs Program, which includes business planning, programming, and growth resources to support small businesses and entrepreneurs who have the potential to strengthen the Memphis economy. Funding for the 901 Entrepreneurs Program was secured by Congressman Cohen as part of the final 2023 federal appropriations government funding package and is included in Community Project Funding for projects in Tennessee’s 9th District.

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About Epicenter

Epicenter (Vibrant Memphis, Inc. dba Epicenter) promotes and activates local innovation and entrepreneurship, which are critical to building a vibrant, inclusive economy, by delivering high-impact resources to tech startups and scaling businesses in the Memphis and Shelby County region. For more information, visit epicentermemphis.org.