CO.STARTERS Pitch Night!
From the start, theCO has been committed to helping entrepreneurs in West Tennessee, and CO.STARTERS is one of the programs we use to support them. It’s a nine-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn their business ideas into action. The 2020 CO.STARTERS class is coming to a close, and that means one thing: Pitch Night! If turning ideas into action are interests of yours, find a seat at Pitch Night at theCO on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm! To learn more about CO.STARTERS, click here.
CO.STARTERS Spotlight: Seth Nelson
Most early teenagers are starting high school and spending their free time hanging out with friends, but at the young age of fourteen, Seth Nelson was busy starting a business. Nelson’s homegrown business, The Farmer’s Perk Organic Coffee Co., started from scratch with only $400 and a kid’s entrepreneurial spirit. He bought fold-out tables and air pots and began showing up every Saturday morning at the farmers’ market to serve Jacksonians coffee while they browsed the produce.
2017: Another Great Year in the Books!
Every December I write this article reflecting on the moments, milestones, and amazing people that made 2017 a year to remember. From announcing another Best in the West business competition winner to accepting a state-funded grant in which we have been tasked with turning forty-foot motorhomes into rolling innovation labs, it’s been an extremely busy year for theCO.
However, overlooking the mistakes, the loses, and the setbacks for the year would be naive of us as an entrepreneur development center. Some of the greatest achievements and growth can be traced back to times of failure, and that’s perfectly okay! We’ve seen great ideas and potential businesses put on the back burner this year and understand that life gets in the way sometimes. Just know that theCO is here to help. Ask us questions, and tell us about your struggles. We want nothing more than to see you grow personally and help your business grow as well.
Best in the West: Top 10
theCO recently hosted its second edition of the Best in the West competition to foster entrepreneurial spirit in West Tennessee by connecting local entrepreneurs to funding and a collaborative community. Contestants from all sectors and industries pitched their original ideas. Among the many applicants, here are the ten ideas that stood out the most; find out how you can support these emerging local businesses.