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 building businesses in Cookeville — and learning from someone who’s started a coffee company, a creative agency, and a bakery while running marketing for a global manufacturer. At Entrepreneur’s Lunch Club with Zach Buckner, EVP of Marketing for Hörmann Americas, attendees will:
- Get the rare chance to ask a global marketing executive anything — how a Cookeville/Putnam County native ended up leading marketing across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America from a headquarters in Sparta
- Hear the origin stories behind three local businesses he helped start — what is now Vertical Coffee Company, The District Creative, and Sweetie Pies
- Discuss what a fourth-generation family business founded in 1935 — 6,000 employees, 40 factories worldwide — actually knows about the long game, and what translates to a company still hiring its first ten people
- Exchange honest insight with someone who’s worked both sides of the table — the scrappy local startup and the global corporate brand — and who goes looking for ways to collaborate with founders
Designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to think past the next quarter — and who are ready to have the kind of conversation that actually moves the needle.
Powered By Her | Cookeville
Second Thursday of Every Month
A conversation for women who are ready to build a brand people actually remember — and learn from someone who has done it twice. At Powered by Her, with Jessica Korthuis, Group Vice President at Full Tilt and Co-founder of Her Brand & Co., attendees will:
- Learn what it really takes to market a woman-owned business — clarifying your message, showing up consistently, and trusting your own instincts over the algorithm
- Hear practical guidance from Jessica on growing a company from idea to acquisition, drawn from building Her Brand & Co. into the leading marketing education platform for women-owned businesses before its 2024 acquisition by Full Tilt
- Discuss the moments when women founders get overlooked, underestimated, or talked over — and how to take up space anyway
- Exchange honest insight with other women on building a brand, a business, and a reputation that outlasts the trends
Designed for women who want real talk about marketing and entrepreneurship — and who are ready to have the kind of conversation that changes how they show up for their business.
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
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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...
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