When you sign a 6-month lease at Workbase Crossville. Limited offices available.
When you sign a 6-month lease at Workbase Crossville. Limited offices available.
In partnership with Tennessee Center for Rural Innovation at TTU, we’re hosting the Start Here Pitch Competition in Tennessee during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Local, regional, and national startups looking to start here in the Upper Cumberland region will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win either $10k, $5k, or $2.5k, as well as an opportunity to pitch to the Upper Cumberland Angel Investors Fund
Interested entrepreneurs will apply through the following steps:
1. Submit an application and video through our application form here by November 1st.
2. Applications will be reviewed by The Biz Foundry and our 6 finalists will be announced on November 4th.
3. Finalists will work with The Biz Foundry Business Coaches to prepare their pitches.
4. Finalists will pitch at the Start Here Pitch Competition at 37 Cedar November 19, 2025 at 5:30pm.
Open to entrepreneurs in the concept or startup phase that meet the following requirements:
Must plan on growing to 1 million plus in revenue or add 1 Million plus in revenue within 3 years
Must plan to grow to more than 5 employees or add more than 5 employees within 3 years
Must serve a regional or national market
Must have some lineage to the Upper Cumberland region. Started here, will start here, interested in starting here, or interested in relocating to the Upper Cumberland Region
Must have less than 50 employees
1st Place: Matthew Martin, Quantum Turf
Award: $10,000 Grand Prize
About the Business: Quantum Turf is revolutionizing the agricultural green industry with a SaaS platform designed to optimize lawn care. Using cutting-edge AI and the latest turfgrass algorithms, Quantum Turf helps lawn care businesses reduce costs, improve sustainability, and boost profitability. The platform creates tailored care programs based on factors like location, soil conditions, and weather, empowering businesses to achieve better results while positively impacting the environment.
How They’ll Use the Prize: The $10,000 prize will be used to refine Quantum Turf’s user experience and interface, ensuring a seamless launch that serves customers effectively
See who will be pitching at this year’s event!
Location: Granville, TN
Industry: Food & Beverage
About Better Butter Cookie Company
Better Butter Cookie Company began in a small kitchen in Cookeville, TN with a simple belief: cookies should taste like they did when grandma made them. No shortcuts. No artificial ingredients. Just real butter, quality flour, and recipes that have stood the test of time.
Investment Goal
Tee plans to transform an old factory space in Cookeville into the headquarters of Better Butter Cookie Company. This facility will not only house our cookie production line but in the future also offer a fully equipped commissary kitchen for local food vendors.
Learn More: http://Betterbuttercookiecompany.com
Location: Riddleton, TN
Industry: Transportation, Trucking & Railroads
About Volunteer Bulk Transfer System
We are dedicated to lowering emissions and improving the efficiency of methods to deliver powdered and small grade dry products. Our innovative solutions streamline operations, and enhance productivity for businesses in the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Construction sectors.
Investment Goal
Mike plans to finalize and produce a prototype for proof of concept testing and then place it at a working plant for field testing. If successful, Mike could revolutionize the transportation industry.
Learn More: vbts.net
Location: McMinnville, TN
Industry: Food & Beverage
About Otto’s Sweetener
This natural, plant-based sweetener offers the perfect balance of sweetness without the guilt. Made from pure botanical ingredients, it delivers delicious flavor while supporting a healthy lifestyle. Ideal for beverages, baking, and everyday use, it’s a clean alternative to refined sugar.
Investment Goal
Setting up an e-commerce system, website, and production process will create a strong foundation for sustainable growth and customer reach. This investment will streamline operations, increase sales potential, and enhance brand visibility in the digital marketplace. By building these systems, the company positions itself for scalability, efficiency, and long-term profitability.
Location: Cookeville, TN
Industry: Information Technology and Services
About Digithreads
Thomas hopes to provide consulting and software development services to organizations in the region, with plans to expand nationwide. By partnering with local universities like Tennessee Technological University, he aims to connect students and researchers with real-world projects and industry needs. This collaboration will generate market-ready software solutions that create consistent revenue streams while fostering local job growth and innovation opportunities.
Investment Goal
Thomas will be using investment to onboard additional employees and skilled freelancers to support growing project demands. Funds will also help cover Tennessee Technological University’s buyout policies, ensuring smooth collaboration and partnership development. Additionally, the investment will allow the company to expand its operational areas, increasing capacity and market reach.
Location: McMinnville, TN
Industry: Hospital & Health Care
About Rebabit Health
Rehabit Health is on a mission to revolutionize physical therapy by empowering individuals to reclaim their lives after injuries or health setbacks. According to their website, they developed an innovative guided system for balance and gait therapy—created through intense testing and designed to offer real-time feedback in a portable, affordable format. The company’s founders bring together deep clinical experience and engineering expertise, and their products are developed and manufactured in the USA to set a new standard in rehab care.
Investment Goal
Rehabit Health aims to bring its innovative rehabilitation tool to market, making it accessible to therapists, therapy programs, and individuals with gait and balance impairments. The investment will support product launch efforts, marketing, and distribution to reach a wider audience in the rehabilitation community. Ultimately, these funds will help expand access to effective, technology-driven therapy solutions that improve mobility and quality of life.
Learn More: https://www.rehabithealth.com/
Location: Cookeville, TN
Industry: Computer Software
About Quantum Turf
ElevateTrak is a cutting-edge platform dedicated to enhancing career planning and development. Our innovative tools and resources are specifically tailored to the needs of individuals seeking entry-level jobs, internships, and cooperative education assignments.
Investment Goal
The company plans to accelerate sales by scaling deployment of its career-planning platform to students, entry-level job seekers, and higher-education institutions. Investment will also drive product development—enhancing features, expanding resources, and refining the user experience to meet diverse career-planning needs. Together these efforts will fuel growth, broaden market reach, and position the company for long-term revenue momentum.
Learn More: www.elevatetrak.com
The Start Here Pitch Competition is an opportunity for local, regional, and national entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to win cash prizes, with the grand prize of $10,000, pitch to the Upper Cumberland Angel Investors Fund, and also help boost the community and economic development of our region.
Next Pitch Event: November 19, 2025 at 6:00pm
Have questions about the Start Here Pitch Competition?
Complete the form below and we will get back to you within 48 business hours.
