View this email in your browser

The Messenger

December 14th, 2020

Virtual Events, Programs, and Ways to Connect:

USAF SBIR/STTR Webinars
Dec 15th + 17th | More Info + RSVP >>

Maker Meet-in: Maximizing Pinterest For Your Business
Thursday, Dec 17th | RSVP >>

2021 KEC LiftOff dates are live!
Sign up for spot at our virtual info sessions | RSVP>>

Tennessee AgTech Mentor Network Info Sessions
Jan 8th + 15th | RSVP >>

KEC Launches Made for Knoxville Campaign to Empower Entrepreneurial Community

Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is excited to launch the new “Made for Knoxville” campaign to elevate awareness of Knoxville’s diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, and inspire action. The goal is to connect and empower the diverse entrepreneurial community in the Knoxville region — ranging from “solo-preneurs,” makers, growth stage tech companies, investors, and established institutions.

“Made for Knoxville” will shine the light on the big wins, everyday hustles, and ongoing challenges that our entrepreneurial ecosystem faces in unprecedented times.

Calling all Entrepreneurs, Makers, Dreamers, and Doers: What’s your story?
This is an opportunity for small business owners, startups, and community leaders to be part of a multimedia campaign to celebrate the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region.

Visit madeforknoxville.com to tell your story!

Apply NOW for the next round of Rural Relief Small Business Grants

As part of Rural LISC's continuing commitment to elevate our impact in rural America, OneLISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program. To find out more about who is eligible, to sign up for updates, and to apply, please visit the LISC website.

Rural LISC is grateful for Lowe’s generous support for rural small businesses. They are committed to the integrity of the grant application process and to the security of applicants’ information. A couple of things to keep in mind:

Valid grant applications are only accepted through the links posted on www.lisc.org
We will never request copies of personal documentation such as driver’s licenses, passports, and/or green cards.
The application is easy to fill out, requiring basic business information – professional grant writing assistance will not increase the chances of selection.

More Info >>

LaunchTN Internship Program
Host Applications Due January 15th

LaunchTN invites Tennessee startup companies to apply to host a student intern for Summer 2021 (May-August). LaunchTN will provide intern recruitment, onboarding support, and will share costs for the student stipend. Applications are due January 15, 2021. Questions? Contact morgan@launchtn.org.

Let Her Speak: 2020 Holiday Hunt
December 5th - January 5th | Winners Announced by January 15th

It’s been a tough year for all of us - so this holiday season we wanted to bring a little cheer to each and every one of you. Introducing the first-ever Let Her Speak Holiday Hunt featuring 25 women-owned businesses in East Tennessee. We created a virtualscavenger hunt BINGO game filled with clues about the amazing women-owned businesses we're spotlighting this year. Anyone can play along and enter our giveaway drawing for TONS of prizes.

It's the most wonderful time of the year to slow down, treat yourself, and support small businesses! Check out the Let Her Speak website for more info and to download your Bingo card.

Some Reading:

How to Build a Chatbot for Your Business
From Entrepreneur.com
Read Me >>

Is It Time to Rethink Your Business Structure?
From Forbes
Read Me >>

Follow along with us on social media!