The Biz Foundry

06/05/2026

You know those moments when your kids do something that makes your heart just swell?

That’s what this one feels like.

We met Meg years ago when she came through our Start Up course. She was baking sourdough bread, and Luke was farming. They walked in with big dreams, a lot of courage, and a willingness to do the hard work.

Since then, we’ve had the joy of cheering them on as they opened Meg’s Bread in the middle of a pandemic. We’ve stood beside them as they grew into West Side Grocery. And when they were afraid they might lose their home, it was an honor to join with this community to help them put down permanent roots.

So much of what we do is behind the scenes. It’s not flashy, it’s not always visible, and it is definitely not always easy. But getting to watch our “kids” win—seeing them build something real, lasting, and rooted here—that’s the part that makes every bit of it worth it.

Meg & Luke, and your whole team: we are so proud of you.Ya know those times when your kids make you so proud?

06/04/2026

Sign up today!

Upcoming Event at Roane State Community College in partnership with the Cumberland Business Incubator. Hope to see you there! Follow the link to register: https://share.hsforms.com/1AWZzaoEbTFy-5VrHvnaBzwousg8

06/02/2026

Is it time to pull the goalie?

As a business owner you have to know when it's time.

06/01/2026

Working from home sounds great… until you realize your “coworkers” are laundry, distractions, and isolation.

Coworking gives you more than a desk.
It gives you momentum.

✨ A built-in community
✨ Better focus and productivity
✨ Flexible space that grows with you
✨ Opportunities to collaborate and connect
✨ A place where your business actually feels real

There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who are building, creating, and growing right alongside you.

You don’t have to build your business alone.

Come see what coworking at The Biz Foundry is all about. 💙

05/29/2026

Is it time for you to pull the goalie?

You can not afford NOT to!

05/27/2026

Entrepreneurship has a way of convincing us that exhaustion is just part of the job.

Long hours. Constant pressure. Always feeling “on.”
And somewhere along the way, health, boundaries, relationships, and rest quietly move to the bottom of the list.

But what if building a successful business didn’t have to cost you your well-being?

At Entrepreneur’s Lunch Club on June 3rd, Michael England — co-founder and general manager of The Exceptional Bean, TTU graduate, and Boston Marathon finisher — will lead an honest conversation about physical health, burnout, and learning how to create sustainable success as an entrepreneur.

This isn’t about hustle culture.
It’s about learning how to lead your business without losing yourself in the process.

We’ll talk about:
• Building healthier routines during busy seasons
• Protecting your energy as a leader
• Creating boundaries that actually stick
• Maintaining balance while growing something meaningful

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, running on empty, or wondering how long this pace is sustainable… this lunch is for you.

Sometimes the most productive thing an entrepreneur can do is stop pretending burnout is normal.

Register here for your FREE lunch: https://hubs.li/Q04hDXCx0

05/23/2026

Most businesses don’t fail because people aren’t talented enough.
They fail because people try to figure it all out alone.

The questions pile up fast:
How do I structure this legally?
What should I be tracking financially?
Am I charging enough?
What if I launch and nobody buys?
What if I make an expensive mistake before I even start?

That’s exactly why Startup Bootcamp exists.

This isn’t just another class. It’s a room full of people who are building alongside you — people who will challenge your ideas, sharpen your thinking, and help you move faster than you could on your own.

You’ll walk away with:
✔ Honest feedback on your business idea
✔ Guidance from a CPA, attorney, and insurance agent
✔ Real conversations about the things new business owners wish they knew sooner
✔ A clearer plan and more confidence to move forward

If you’re sitting on an idea… or stuck trying to turn your side hustle into something real… this is the step that keeps you from spinning your wheels for another six months.

The people who succeed aren’t always the smartest in the room.
They’re the ones willing to get in the room.

Startup Bootcamp is open now. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q04hvQbK0

05/20/2026

Your body is always communicating with you — but do you know what’s normal and what’s not? 💛

Join us for “Your Body. Your Baseline. Understanding the Importance of Women’s Health” — a real, judgment-free conversation with an experienced provider from Diana Health.

We’ll talk about:
✨ Understanding your body
✨ When to speak up about changes
✨ Why having a women’s health provider matters
✨ Feeling more confident and informed about your health

Come hungry, bring your questions, and leave empowered with practical knowledge you can actually use.

📍Overton Chamber of Commerce
📅 May 27, 2026
⏰ 12pm

Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04hlVp_0

Tag a friend who should come with you! 👯‍♀️
Thanks to Diana Health for sponsoring this lunch!

05/20/2026

Kelly is an incredible resource for out small businesses. We are lucky to have her in our ecosystem

✨Meet The Team!✨

Meet Kelly Sullivan, Small Business Development Center Director

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Kelly better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: I was born and raised in Cookeville TN. I attended Tennessee Tech and graduated with an Agriculture Degree with concentration in Agribusiness. I have two kiddos that are very active in dance and soccer.

Q: What was your path to the Small Business Development team?
A: I went to work for Farm Credit for 8 years while building a family. After having my second kiddo I went to work at Builtwell Bank as a Market Leader. I stayed with them for 6 years while focusing on business lending. My husband and I opened our business in 2020. We own BRIK's All Good Nutrition. I transitioned to Capital Navigator at the Biz Foundry in 2023 after closing our first business location due to TDOT construction. In January of 2024 I joined the economic team as the Director of the Small Business Development Center.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: Mark and Jeff Brown asked me to transition from The Biz Foundry to this role.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: To expand the SBDC program to reach a higher number of small business owners across the Upper Cumberland.

Thank you, Kelly, for your dedication and all the hard work you put in every day! We’re so grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate everything you do! 👏 🩵