The Beginning of The Biz Foundry
Passion and heart are two things that can be found within the walls of The Biz Foundry. Back in 2013, the state saw the need to support entrepreneurship. Tennessee knew that in order to have a huge economic impact throughout rural communities, there was a need to offer resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The thought was to connect with colleges and universities, provide funding, and poof… the entrepreneurial spirit would bloom!
In the Upper Cumberland region, the grant was provided to Roane State Cumberland Campus. Jeff Brown, The Biz Foundry president, was asked to come on board to run the grant. He knew that it was important to be in the center of the region and to form a board of entrepreneurs who have done it themselves as well. Fast forward, The Biz Foundry is located in Cookeville, TN, in the heart of the Upper Cumberland with a board of seven established entrepreneurs.
Early Years
In the early years, The Biz Foundry knew that in order to truly make an impact, having a space to work from and foster collaboration and innovation would be valuable. The first home in Cookeville was an old dialysis facility that was converted into a coworking space. Not exactly pretty, but it did the job it needed. The original space had a digital media studio for podcasting, filming, and photography. The location near Tech’s campus had a conference room, small kitchen area, and even a reception window.
The Biz Foundry focused on youth programs, workforce development with coding classes for young and old, and monthly Happy Hours with Red Silo Brewing. The mission was, and still is, to find the needs of the community in terms of entrepreneurship and meet those needs.
Local Impact
Through the years, The Biz Foundry has figured out how to make a local impact and fit into the small business ecosystem. With the addition of Made Here Market in 2019 as a way to boost makers of the Upper Cumberland, as well as Powered By Her launching in 2018, there are a variety of ways to connect and grow.
When the pandemic hit us in 2020, we moved our once-a-month Happy Hours to a virtual online funny pitch event that gave everyone some good laughs. We also have honed in on our month-long bootcamp, Start-Up, which offers local entrepreneurs the chance to sit and work on their business instead of in it. With alumni of the program like Meg’s Bread, Mint to Be, Jamie’s Eats & Sweets, and Optimal IV Hydration & Wellness, we have seen hundreds of small businesses launched due to our programs.
Looking Ahead
With over 10 years of The Biz Foundry under our belt, we have seen a lot. We have learned a lot and know when to pivot and when to hold strong. The best part of being part of a supportive community is seeing the successes that business owners have but also being there to help when they are struggling.
If you have not yet taken advantage of all that The Biz Foundry has to offer, you definitely should take advantage of the resources. We look forward to another decade of growth and local impact!
Need a Hand? We’ve Got You Covered!
The Biz Foundry is here for you! Our free business coaches and workshops can help you tackle the busy season with confidence. Don’t go it alone—join our community of entrepreneurs and get the tools and support you need to thrive.
