Local Stories

Businesses and people from around the Upper Cumberland.

22 articles

Laptop displaying a stock market candlestick chart on its screen in a trading setup

Local StoriesJune 24, 20264 min read

Pricing Without Apologizing: How To Raise Rates and Keep Your Customers

Why We Apologize in the First Place Underpricing usually isn’t a math problem. It’s a confidence problem. When you’re the one doing the work, it’s hard to separate your worth from your rate. A “no” can feel personal. So you pad the conversation with disclaimers — “I know it’s a little high,” “I can probably…

Tiffany Anton

Local StoriesOctober 20, 20252 min read

“My Big Idea” Brings Youth Entrepreneurship Education to Fentress County Schools

Fentress County, TN, The Biz Foundry’s youth division, My Big Idea, is inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs right here in Fentress County. The program has officially launched in Allardt Elementary, South Fentress Elementary, and York Institute, bringing hands-on business education directly into the classroom. Led by Jessica Hinton, Youth Entrepreneurship Director for The Biz…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesOctober 20, 20252 min read

Crossville Hosts First Annual “My Big Idea” Fall Youth Entrepreneur Fair

Event celebrates creativity, business skills, and community spirit among local youth Crossville, TN, The Biz Foundry’s My Big Idea, in collaboration with Dirty Girl Nursery and other community partners, is thrilled to announce the first annual “My Big Idea” Fall Youth Entrepreneur Fair, coming to Crossville on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Dirty Girl Nursery.…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesJune 16, 20253 min read

Coming Soon to Crossville: Workbase Powered by The Biz Foundry

By Kaylin Campbell, Biz Foundry storyteller and big believer in beginners. Big things are happening and we’re excited to finally share a sneak peek with you! The Biz Foundry is expanding, and our next stop is a town we already know and love: Crossville, Tennessee. We’re proud to announce Workbase: a brand-new coworking and office…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesFebruary 10, 20253 min read

The Story of The Biz Foundry: Supporting Entrepreneurs in Tennessee

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…

Tiffany Anton

Local StoriesJanuary 13, 20252 min read

Entrepreneurs in Cookeville: Don’t Miss This Business Growth Opportunity

Starting something new can feel overwhelming. You’ve got a business idea simmering in your mind—one that excites you—but how do you take that first step? Where do you even start? That’s where Start Up: Business Bootcamp comes in. This program isn’t just another class; it’s a hands-on, practical way to turn your dream into something tangible. Why…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesJanuary 7, 20252 min read

How to Figure Out if Your Business Idea Will Work

How to Figure Out if Your Business Idea Will Work Starting a business is exciting—like jumping into a pool for the first time. It’s thrilling, but you don’t want to belly-flop! Before diving in, you need to know if your idea will float. Here are three simple ways to figure it out (and avoid a…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesJanuary 1, 20253 min read

Kickstart Your Business in 2025: 5 Unique New Year’s Tips for Upper Cumberland Entrepreneurs

5 Unique New Year’s Tips for Upper Cumberland Entrepreneurs Welcome to 2025! There’s nothing quite like the buzz of a fresh start to get you dreaming big and planning bold moves for your business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, the new year is your time to shine. Here are five creative,…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesDecember 17, 20243 min read

Why Wholesale is an Amazing Growth Strategy for Makers

5 Reasons Every Maker Should Consider Wholesale As a maker, you pour your heart, soul, and countless hours into creating beautiful, unique products. Whether you sell at local markets, online, or in a storefront, it’s easy to get comfortable with the way you’ve always done things. But have you thought about wholesale? Selling your products…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesDecember 12, 20243 min read

From Maker To Wholesale: Lessons From Lenny & Eva’s Journey

From Maker to Wholesale: Lessons from Lenny & Eva’s Journey Entrepreneurship often feels like navigating unpredictable seasons—some sunny, some stormy, all full of lessons. For Kellie Fitzpatrick, founder of the globally recognized jewelry brand Lenny & Eva, every season has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and create. What started as a small-town dream turned…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesDecember 10, 20243 min read

Wholesale 101 For Makers: How To Get Your Products In Stores

Wholesale vs. Retail: A Maker’s Guide to Both As a local maker in the Upper Cumberland, you know that creating beautiful, handcrafted products takes time, skill, and passion. But what happens when makers are ready to grow their business and reach more customers? That’s where the worlds of wholesale and retail come in. If you’ve…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesDecember 3, 20244 min read

12 Holiday Tips to Prepare Your Business for a Prosperous New Year

12 Days of Business Growth Tips The holidays are a magical time, but they’re also perfect for focusing on your business’s growth. Inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas,” we’ve crafted 12 practical tips to help you reflect on the past year and prepare for a successful 2025 for your business. Let’s unwrap some strategies…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesNovember 26, 20243 min read

Who Won the 2024 Start Here Pitch Competition?

Quantum Turf Takes Home $10,000 at the 2024 Start Here Pitch Competition On November 20, 2024, entrepreneurial energy filled the air at 37 Cedar as The Biz Foundry hosted the annual Start Here Pitch Competition. Local innovators took to the stage to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience,…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesNovember 5, 20243 min read

What is the Start Here Pitch Competition?

The Start Here Pitch Competition: Where Big Ideas Take Center Stage in Cookeville Are you curious about the incredible business ideas being developed right here in the Upper Cumberland? Do you want to see the next generation of startups in action? Join us at the Start Here Pitch Competition on November 20th at 37 Cedar…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesJuly 23, 20243 min read

9 Reasons Public Relations are Important

Why is Public Relations Important for a Small Biz? Public relations is the professional maintenance of a favorable public image by a company or other organization or a famous person. What does that mean? People have an opinion of your small business. Is that opinion good or bad? Do you know? You actually have a…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesMay 30, 20241 min read

Blissful Bundts and Cakes Open New Location in Livingston

Introduction We are thrilled to announce that Blissful Bundts and Cakes, a proud graduate of our Start-Up: Business Bootcamp, has opened a new location at 209 S. Spring St, Livingston, right next to the Steel Coop. Their Journey Blissful Bundts and Cakes began their entrepreneurial journey with a dream of bringing joy through delicious baked…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesMay 20, 20243 min read

MetaFlex Therapy Glove: UCIA Invests in ATS Innovation

UCIA’s Inaugural Investment Marks a Milestone for Regional Innovation and Economic Growth Cookeville, TN – March 25, 2024 The Upper Cumberland Investment Alliance (UCIA) proudly announces its first investment in ATS Innovations, a pioneering medical device company, to support the development and commercialization of their groundbreaking product, the MetaFlex Therapy Glove. This strategic investment marks…

Jeff Brown

Local StoriesApril 15, 20242 min read

Discover Unique Treasures at the 5th Annual Made Here Market!

The 5th Annual Made Here Market! Are you ready for a day of exploration, creativity, and supporting local talent? Look no further than the 5th Annual Made Here Market, happening on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. right here at The Biz Foundry. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant…

Kaylin Campbell

Local StoriesFebruary 5, 20243 min read

Investing in Community: The Heartbeat of Small Business Success

Introduction: As a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and challenges of running your enterprise. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial not to lose sight of your community that surrounds you. Investing in community goes beyond transactions – it’s about building meaningful connections that can significantly…

Kaylin Campbell

Celebrate Makers of the Upper Cumberland at Made Here Market

Local StoriesApril 17, 20232 min read

Celebrating The Upper Cumberland’s Local Makers

This Saturday April 29th, 2023 from 9:00am to 3:00pm is our 4th annual Made Here Market. We’re excited to once again celebrate local makers, artists, musicians and food vendors from the Upper Cumberland region during this family friendly outdoor event. Why Made Here Market? As the Upper Cumberland entrepreneur center, we believe entrepreneurs of every…

Jess Lewis

Local StoriesMay 2, 20221 min read

Celebrate Makers of the Upper Cumberland

This Saturday May 7th, 2022 from 9:00am to 3:00pm is our 3rd annual Made Here Market. We are excited to celebrate local makers, artists, musicians and food from the Upper Cumberland region during this family friendly outdoor event. Why Made Here Market? As the Upper Cumberland Entrepreneur Center located in the heart of downtown Cookeville’s…

Jess Lewis

Rita Julian Bookkeeper sitting outside in Cookeville Tennessee

Local StoriesAugust 11, 20212 min read

Success Stories | Julian Bookkeeping

Do you have an awesome business idea, but you’re hesitating turning into a reality? You aren’t alone! Most starters struggle with launching for one reason… simply not knowing where to start. Yes, there are countless things you need to do and know to start a business, but we are here to show you three ways to overcome that obstacle and launch your business once and for all.

Jess Lewis