BRISTOL, Tenn. — Bristol, Tennessee has awarded a grant to a nonprofit that will create a music, digital media and entertainment business accelerator program.
Sync Space is the official Northeast Tennessee partner of Launch Tennessee, a state-funded program focused on empowering entrepreneurs and innovation in the state. Sync Space has been working to provide mentoring, funding and resources to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem to attract entrepreneurs to the region. It has six accelerators and programs, such as the STRIVE veteran entrepreneurs program with East Tennessee State University, as well as CO.STARTERS, a community-based entrepreneurship program in Tennessee.
Tom Anderson, the city’s economic development director, said he is looking forward to working with Sync Space and the resources and assistance it will provide for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Bristol.
Sync Space is already working closely with its partners in Nashville to potentially create a joint program that would allow Bristol’s entertainment, technology, and digital media entrepreneurs to tap into the network and resources of Nashville, Guinn said.
“Bristol is experiencing increasing economic growth from major industry relocation, retail and downtown investment, and in our entrepreneurial community.” states Tom Anderson, Economic Development Director of Bristol, “We are excited about the partnership with Sync Space and proud of the city’s leadership in providing additional resources to help small businesses.”
Planned programs in Bristol include the expansion of the region’s premier startup accelerator, where companies with a technology or service will prepare a strategy for rapid growth and identify new customers. The partnership also features a focused approach for Bristol’s brand as the Birthplace of Country Music, including a platform to connect and recruit innovative ideas across the entertainment and creator industries.
“Bristol has an incredible story of being an innovative city ranging from the development of pharmaceuticals, technology and as the birthplace of the country music industry.” says Heath Guinn, President of Sync Space. “We also believe that Bristol is positioned to be a leader in Tennessee’s surging creator economy and are excited to bring additional resources for growing companies.”
Additional programs will be provided for those just getting started in business, growing your restaurant or food-based businesses and more. There will also be opportunities for eligible startup companies to apply for grants which help them through the professional services including accounting, intellectual property, marketing strategies and other professional service needs.
To learn more about Sync Space Entrepreneur Center, visit: https://syncspace.org/
Contact: Heath Guinn, President, heath@syncspace.org, 423.676.7228
###
Sync Space Entrepreneur Centers is a 501(c)3 and the Launch Tennessee partner for northeast Tennessee. Sync Space programs range from early idea validation and workshops, to accelerator programs uniquely focused on support for local and recruited startups considering northeast Tennessee as a place to grow or expand their business. Sync Space programming aligns startups with key partners and industries that offer mentorship, opportunity for investment, and pilot program opportunities.
