December 15, 2021, KNOXVILLE, TN
The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) is excited to announce the next cohort of 100Knoxville founders. Five founders will be matched with an all-star team of mentors for a 5-week sprint beginning in mid-January 2022 to clarify strategy, make connections across the entrepreneurial community, improve operations, and, most importantly, increase sales. “Each member of this 100Knoxville cohort has a strong focus on positive social impact,” said Dr. Angelique Adams, 100Knoxville mentor. “Our goal is to bring together these dedicated, resourceful founders in the Black community and give them the tools and connections to not only grow and sustain their businesses – but their communities as well.”
Meet the founders:
Kryshonna Wilson, Urz Professional
Urz Professional is a Black-owned spa that leases suites to people in the spa and wellness industry. Kryshonna is an aesthetician, make up artist, and the owner of a cosmetic line who provides Urz Professional as a place for women and men of color to not only receive wellness but also great self care.
Aly Taylor, Make a Way Foundation, LLC
Make A Way Foundation provides non-emergency medical transportation, removing barriers and increasing access to healthcare by providing community, outreach, and transportation for people living in urban and rural areas.
Andrew Osakue, Soul Good Kitchen
Soul Good Kitchen officially opened its doors in Mechanicsville in early 2021 to bring “food and faith to the soul” while transforming the community. Soul Good offers jobs and training to those in difficult times while connecting them with helpful resources in the area.
Reico Hopewell, Hopewell Helping Hands, Inc.
Hopewell Helping Hands minor repairs and upgrades to homes or business, and was created for the purpose of offering men an opportunity for employment who may have a less than perfect background and find difficulty finding a new way to live due to their past circumstances.
Jarius Bush, Good Guy Collective
Founded in 2013 by a group of like-minded artists who came together to share tools and resources to create music, Good Guy Collective produces projects and offers programs, affordable services and workshops with the vision of building a close-knit performing arts community while creating the platform for artists to express themselves through Hip-Hop.
Each company will also receive $5,000 towards growing their business thanks to our partner, Bank of America. “At Bank of America Knoxville, we are committed to supporting our community, advancing racial equality and economic mobility across East Tennessee,” said Terry Cline, president, Bank of America Knoxville. “ We support 100 Knoxville’s mission to grow minority-owned businesses and do our part in helping to give everyone the opportunity to climb the economic ladder.”
To apply for the next cohort, or to support 100Knoxville, please visit 100knoxville.com.
