Biz Foundry Events & Workshops
Join us at one of our free or low-cost events, focused on real entrepreneurs and are open to the public.
Monthly recurring Events
Entrepreneur's Lunch Club
First Wednesday Of Every Month
- Explore what it actually takes to grow a small business in Cookeville — the opportunities, the obstacles, and the reality on the ground
- Hear practical lessons from Chad Gilbert on building, leading, and making real decisions under real pressure
- Discuss the moments that test you as a business owner — and what you learn about yourself and your business when things get hard
- Exchange honest insight on what sustainable growth looks like when you’re the one doing the work every day
Designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want straight talk from someone in the trenches — and who are ready to have the kind of conversation that actually moves the needle.
Powered By Her | Cookeville
Second Thursday of Every Month
A practical working-lunch conversation for business owners and creatives who want to grow their revenue by showing up where their customers are already searching — without needing to be a tech expert to make it happen.
At Powered By Her on June 11th, with Christy Hunter of SEO Coaching for Creatives, attendees:
- Explore how SEO works for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs — and why visibility in online search directly impacts revenue
- Gain practical insight from Christy Hunter, an SEO specialist and photographer, on using authentic, searchable content to attract the right clients and stand out in a crowded digital landscape
- Walk away with actionable strategies to improve how your business shows up online and connect with more of the people you’re meant to serve
Designed for founders, creative entrepreneurs, and service-based business owners who want a smarter, more intentional online presence that works for them — even when they’re not in the room.
Not Sure Where To Start at the biz?
Find Your Best Next Step with The Biz Foundry
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll match you with the program or event that fits you best.
Where are you in your business journey?
What’s the main thing you want help with right now?
Do you identify as a woman entrepreneur and want a women-focused space?
How do you prefer to learn and get support?
What does your schedule realistically allow for right now?
Small Business Workshops
Third Thursday of Every Month
A free, founder-focused event for entrepreneurs who want to understand capital, meet the right funding partners, and learn how to access resources in the Upper Cumberland.
At Capital Conversations Cookeville, you will:
• Learn how InvestTN works (LaunchTN’s $70M equity fund) and what it’s built to support
• Connect with LaunchTN’s Capital team, The Biz Foundry, and finance experts from Pinnacle Financial Partners + Pathway Lending
• Leave with one clear next step to move your funding plan forward
Join us Tuesday, February 17, 4–6 p.m. CT at 37 Cedar.
Start Up Business Bootcamp
Monthly 4 Week Program
A hands-on bootcamp for founders who want to build real momentum—clearer offers, cleaner numbers, and a plan you can actually execute.
At Start Here Business Bootcamp, you will:
• Work through practical lessons designed for early-stage business owners
• Get direct feedback as you refine your offer, messaging, and next steps
• Leave with a simple action plan you can follow immediately and ways to sustain that growth.
Our next class begins February in Cookeville.
The Biz Foundry Special Events & Workshops
Beyond our monthly lunches, we provide free mission-driven workshops, bootcamps, and partner events throughout the year to help local founders grow and thrive. Check out this month’s events below and register easily by clicking the link.
From Lab to Market: Accelerating AI Innovation
May 19, 2026
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From Lab to Market: Accelerating AI Innovation is a free statewide event focused on moving AI research into real-world use, commercialization, and job creation across Tennessee. It brings together industry leaders, startups, faculty researchers, government, and other stakeholders for programming on applied AI, startup and talent showcases, and industry-academic collaboration.
The event takes place May 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM CDT at the Ashraf Islam Engineering Building at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.
Powered By Her | Livingston
March 11, 2026
A lunchtime, founder-focused conversation for women who are building businesses rooted in connection, purpose, and community.
At Powered by Her: Lunch & Learn – Livingston, you will:
• Hear how community-driven entrepreneurship can shape stronger, more sustainable businesses
• Learn how local relationships and visibility can support long-term growth
• Gain real-world insight from Chelsea Dartez, owner of Upper Cumberland Lifestyle Magazine, on building a platform that serves both people and business
• Connect with other women entrepreneurs and professionals in the Upper Cumberland
Designed for women business owners, entrepreneurs, and those exploring their next step.
March 11, 12:00–1:00 PM
Livingston Chamber of Commerce
Check Back Soon for more Special events...
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