Biz Foundry Events & Workshops
Join us at one of our free or low-cost events, focused on real entrepreneurs and are open to the public.
Monthly recurring Events
Entrepreneur's Lunch Club
First Wednesday Of Every Month
A working-lunch conversation for entrepreneurs trying to build successful businesses without burning themselves out in the process. At Entrepreneur’s Lunch Club on June 3rd, with Michael England of The Exceptional Bean, attendees will:
• Explore the connection between physical health, personal boundaries, and long-term business performance
• Gain practical insight from Michael England — Boston Marathon finisher, running enthusiast, and co-founder/general manager of The Exceptional Bean — on balancing entrepreneurship, wellness, and leadership
• Learn how burnout quietly impacts decision-making, relationships, consistency, and growth — and how intentional habits can help prevent it
• Discuss sustainable ways to lead, work, and grow without sacrificing your health, your family, or the life you’re building your business for
Designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to pursue growth with discipline and sustainability — while protecting the energy and mindset required to keep showing up well in business and life.
Powered By Her
Second Thursday of Every Month
.jpg)
A practical working-lunch conversation for business owners who want their marketing to feel more human, more strategic, and more effective — without sounding forced, generic, or overly sales-driven.
At Powered By Her on May 14th, with Heather Karellas of Streetlamp Creative, attendees:
- Explore how storytelling can make your marketing more engaging, clear, and memorable across websites, email, social media, and print
- Gain practical insight from Heather Karellas, a Cookeville-based marketing strategist, on using authentic messaging to build trust, strengthen relationships, and connect with the people you serve
- Walk away with actionable strategies to clarify your message, stand out in a crowded market.
Designed for founders, service-based business owners, and nonprofit leaders who want more intentional marketing that reflects who they are, what they do, and why it matters.
Not Sure Where To Start at the biz?
Find Your Best Next Step with The Biz Foundry
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll match you with the program or event that fits you best.
Where are you in your business journey?
What’s the main thing you want help with right now?
Do you identify as a woman entrepreneur and want a women-focused space?
How do you prefer to learn and get support?
What does your schedule realistically allow for right now?
Small Business Workshops
Third Thursday of Every Month
A free, founder-focused event for entrepreneurs who want to understand capital, meet the right funding partners, and learn how to access resources in the Upper Cumberland.
At Capital Conversations Cookeville, you will:
• Learn how InvestTN works (LaunchTN’s $70M equity fund) and what it’s built to support
• Connect with LaunchTN’s Capital team, The Biz Foundry, and finance experts from Pinnacle Financial Partners + Pathway Lending
• Leave with one clear next step to move your funding plan forward
Join us Tuesday, February 17, 4–6 p.m. CT at 37 Cedar.
Start Up Business Bootcamp
Monthly 4 Week Program
A hands-on bootcamp for founders who want to build real momentum—clearer offers, cleaner numbers, and a plan you can actually execute.
At Start Here Business Bootcamp, you will:
• Work through practical lessons designed for early-stage business owners
• Get direct feedback as you refine your offer, messaging, and next steps
• Leave with a simple action plan you can follow immediately and ways to sustain that growth.
Our next class begins February in Cookeville.
The Biz Foundry Special Events & Workshops
Beyond our monthly lunches, we provide free mission-driven workshops, bootcamps, and partner events throughout the year to help local founders grow and thrive. Check out this month’s events below and register easily by clicking the link.
From Lab to Market: Accelerating AI Innovation
May 19, 2026
.jpg)
From Lab to Market: Accelerating AI Innovation is a free statewide event focused on moving AI research into real-world use, commercialization, and job creation across Tennessee. It brings together industry leaders, startups, faculty researchers, government, and other stakeholders for programming on applied AI, startup and talent showcases, and industry-academic collaboration.
The event takes place May 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM CDT at the Ashraf Islam Engineering Building at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.
Powered By Her | Livingston
March 11, 2026
A lunchtime, founder-focused conversation for women who are building businesses rooted in connection, purpose, and community.
At Powered by Her: Lunch & Learn – Livingston, you will:
• Hear how community-driven entrepreneurship can shape stronger, more sustainable businesses
• Learn how local relationships and visibility can support long-term growth
• Gain real-world insight from Chelsea Dartez, owner of Upper Cumberland Lifestyle Magazine, on building a platform that serves both people and business
• Connect with other women entrepreneurs and professionals in the Upper Cumberland
Designed for women business owners, entrepreneurs, and those exploring their next step.
March 11, 12:00–1:00 PM
Livingston Chamber of Commerce
Check Back Soon for more Special events...
More "Biz Buzz"
The 10 AI Prompts Every Entrepreneur Should Have Saved
You didn’t start a business to stare at a blank screen. But here you are — 10 p.m., trying to write a follow-up email, update
Insurance and Risk: Protecting Yourself Before Something Goes Wrong
Why risk matters in business April has been about protecting what you’re building. We’ve talked about choosing the right business structure, understanding licenses and paperwork,
What Is The Biz Foundry’s Online Start Up Program?
What Is The Biz Foundry’s Online Start Up Program? Starting a business is exciting until the questions start stacking up. Is the idea actually good?