During the Season of Small Business, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrated the graduation of 15 small business leaders from its 2024 THRIVE Nashville program. These entrepreneurs from Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Dyersburg, Tennessee, marked the culmination of six months of no cost, intensive executive training with the presentation of their capstone projects for graduation.

“Small businesses power Tennessee’s economy, and seeing the commitment and growth in these business entrepreneurs over the last six months has been an inspiration,” said SBA District Director for Tennessee David Glasgow. “These business leaders have developed new strategies to grow, hire, and expand their market. Their success directly supports the local economy for their communities.”

Over six months, participants engaged in over 100 hours of instruction, combining virtual and in-person learning to create three-year strategic growth plans. The program featured mentoring, business coaching, and peer support. This year’s graduates include leaders from sectors such as music production, construction, design, hospitality, retail, home services, and custom automotive.

“Especially during the holiday season, we encourage everyone to experience the joy and unique memories of shopping and dining at local establishments to support these key job creators in your community,” said Glasgow.

According to the Small Business Index, eight in 10 small businesses say the holiday season is important for their overall annual profit. Constant Contact reports that the majority of small businesses rely on holiday shopping for at least one quarter of their annual revenue. SBA’s Season of Small Business campaign builds on momentum from Small Business Saturday and encourages shopping small all holiday season long.

Business leaders who completed the 2024 program in Nashville include:

•    Henry Flood, Epikos Comics and Games, Chattanooga

•    Amber Ferguson, TruBlue Home Service Ally, Chattanooga

•    Michaael Aseron, Shane’s Rib Shack, Cleveland

•    Kevin Evans, Still Evans Contractors, Dyersburg

•    Gema Robles, Four Mile Ranch Golf Course, Fort Campbell

•    Buffy Stancill, Faith and Grace Flooring, Murfreesboro

•    Sheila Ohrenberg, Sorella Group, Murfreesboro

•    Chad White, Noir Kitchen and Cocktails, Nashville

•    Gibran Sponchiado, Top Track Studios, Nashville

•    Jonathan Oye, Oye Coffee Company, Nashville

•    Laura McCoy, McCoy Design, Nashville

•    Wilson Brim, Southern Trophy House, Nashville

•    Jonathan Clark, Community Solutions by Design, Nashville

•    Ashley Vega, Vega Designs US Fleet Pros, Nashville

•    Doris Dills, Napakiak Environmental and Construction, Oak Ridge

SBA’s THRIVE Emerging Leaders Reimagined program provides complementary entrepreneurship education and training for executives of high-performing small businesses. Over six months, this intensive executive entrepreneurship training series includes in-person coaching, self-paced instruction, mentoring, and classroom time. The program allows participants to work with a network of experienced subject matter experts in core business topics like accounting, business strategy, marketing, and human resources customized for the unique needs of small business owners.

THRIVE’s design removes the one-size-fits-all model in exchange for engagement, problem-solving, and peer-to-peer interaction within the cohorts. The 2024 Nashville cohort was led by Debra Sunderland of Sunderland Coaching.