Nothing can stop . whose time has come.

Impact Report FY 2022

How do we
measure success?

Success isn’t measured by novelty, personality, or facilitation, but our ability to drive meaningful change — advancing the entrepreneurial spirit and creating equity within our communities. Helping founders and innovators thrive within our region.

As an entrepreneurial organization with an emphasis on the economic and social impact role entrepreneurship plays in Northeast Tennessee, we focus on open dialogue and alignment of vision where our local, regional, and state partners goals can be best achieved, as we create a new launchpad for our entrepreneurs and innovators.

The outcome is always a result of collaboration and a focus on the greater impact. The ecosystem is the enabler for an entrepreneur’s success. At its most effective, the ecosystem provides the right tools and resources at the right time to amplify the founder’s journey and product, while ceding importance along the way.

From partnerships, programs and perseverance, Sync Space has led a vision of building an ecosystem for the region and developed a pipeline of resources for local entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from around the nation who are considering East Tennessee for the first time. A further look into the efforts of this past year help contextualize the impact of the more than 200 startups and small businesses that continually trust Sync Space throughout their entrepreneurial journey.

The Data.

Support Throughout Northeast TN

Our reach of impact spans much farther than just the Appalachian Highlands. We've recruited companies and partnerships from across the United States, and several partners reach beyond that.

82 Companies
Across 7 Programs

45% Female | 55% Male

24% Minority

41 Mentors & 264 1:1 Mentor Sessions

12 Corporate Partnerships for Founders

40+ Events
Sponsored

It has been a fast-paced and fulfilling year for the Sync Space team. We’ve continued to cultivate new connections, bigger opportunities, and strengthen existing partnerships. And we haven't even scratched the surface.

Our Mission

We believe Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is poised to be the Nation's Epicenter for Rural Entrepreneurship and pioneers of rural health, education, and industrial innovation.

Supporting
Entrepreneurs

Our accelerator programs give selected start-ups the guidance and resources needed in their field. From business plan development to marketing support, our goal is to provide access to the marketplace.

Solving Regional
Challenges

Our region faces challenges with health, education, and economic development. Sync Space works to introduce innovation and entrepreneurship to strengthen our community for the next generation.

Creating
Partnerships

Through our on-boarding process for participating start-ups, our partners experience strong working relationships with entrepreneurs producing innovation for their organization and goals.

Solve
Problems

Our region faces challenges with health, education, and economic development. Sync Space works to introduce innovation and entrepreneurship to strengthen our community for the next generation.

Support
Entrepreneurs

Our accelerator programs give selected start-ups the guidance and resources needed in their field. From business plan development to marketing support, our goal is to provide access to the marketplace.

Create
Partnerships

Through our on-boarding process for participating start-ups, our partners experience strong working relationships with entrepreneurs producing innovation for their organization and goals.

Top Stories

Mid-Year Report

It is with great enthusiasm that we present to you the Sync Space Mid-Year Report for 2023. As we delve into the pages of this ...
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D.R. Horton and Sync Space Announce New Front Door to Construction Trades Technology Programs in Northeast Tennessee

D.R. Horton’s East Tennessee division announces regional partnerships with Sync Space and other organizations to create a workforce program for construction trade skills, professional development, small business support and to inspire students in trades and technology.

Sync Space announces the hiring of Ryan Shipley as Director of Special Projects.

 The role will provide robust technology-focused programs for entrepreneurs and business owners, expanding digital production training, and innovation-in-education initiatives throughout the region.

Create Better
Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Northeast State Community College has partnered with Sync Space Entrepreneur Center on an 8-week program to help entrepreneurs and small businesses build a digital marketing strategy and learn creative design skills.

The program will be led by community experts, and upon course completion, participants will know available creative software and understand how to build strategies for marketing their business online.

Regional Shirt Design Contest

Calling all of our region’s entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries!

We need YOU to design a shirt that represents our ecosystem’s energy and unity that we’ve created together over the last few years. 

Our theme is “Nothing Can Stop A Region Whose Time Has Come” and we’re excited to see what original designs this phrase will inspire!

The winner will receive a free shirt with their design, free tickets to the 3686 event in Nashville this September, and a few other Sync Space goodies. All entries will be highlighted on the Sync Space website to showcase everyone’s work!

We are accepting entries from August 8th-31st. 

City Of Bristol, Tennessee and Sync Space Entrepreneur Center Announce Partnership

 

The City of Bristol, Tennessee and Sync Space Entrepreneur Center are partnering to expand programs and resources for entrepreneurs, creators and small businesses. The City of Bristol’s Industrial Development Board approved a grant on Monday for the partnership and when combined with matching funding from Sync Space will bring the total investment in Bristol to more than $75,000. 

Sync Space Inducted Into Distinguished President’s Trust

 

The Distinguished President’s Trust (DPT) is comprised of individuals, organizations and businesses whose cumulative giving to ETSU is in excess of $10,000 each, usually the result of annual giving or combinations of significant major or realized planned gifts. 

Business and Arts at the Ballpark

Business and Arts at the Ballpark We’re proud to sponsor this night of networking with ...
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Kingsport’s Innovation Village Wins Multiple IEDC Awards

IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards October 2022 International Economic Development Council recognizes Kingsport, Sync ...
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3686 // 2022

3686 3686 Festival was back in action for an in-person event, and it was fantastic. ...
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City of Kingsport Announces Innovation Village Partnership with Sync Space, Create Appalachia, and Other Local Businesses

City of Kingsport announces Innovation Village, partnership with Create Appalachia, others to create Kingsport Center ...
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Join Our Team

Interested in working with startups and helping elevate the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Tennessee? Join our team and let’s accelerate our region!

Become a Partner

We have great corporate partners working with us to accelerate startups in our region and are looking for more partners to engage in our exciting programs!

We're Accelerating The Region

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Our Locations

Kingsport Entrepreneur Center

227 E Sullivan St, Kingsport, TN 37660

Inventor Center

118 Shelby St, Kingsport, TN 37660

Create Appalachia Digital Media Centers

225 W. Center St., Suite 115, Kingsport, TN 37660

714 W Walnut Street
Johnson City, TN 37604

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