# Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
*Also known as KEC*

- Website: https://knoxec.com
- Location: Knoxville, TN, United States
- Agent profile: https://directory.haycion.ai/agents/knoxec-com

> Nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs start and grow companies through mentorship, access to resources, and community programs.

Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) is a nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurs in Knoxville and East Tennessee by connecting ideas to resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. It fosters a collaborative ecosystem with a physical space and ongoing events, and offers programs and networks that guide early-stage ventures through formation, growth, and practical learning. Serving entrepreneurs at all stages, KEC focuses on inclusivity, hands-on guidance, and building a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem through partnerships and community engagement.

**Mission:** We exist to help people with ideas become people with companies and increase the viability of early stage companies in Knoxville and East Tennessee by connecting them with the resources they need, from mentorship to capital.

## Products & Services

### [The Works Startup Accelerator](https://knoxec.com/theworks2025/)
*Service*
Accelerates high-potential startups with a focus on growth and investment readiness.

- **Investment Readiness** — Enhance Funding Opportunities
- **Customer Insights Focus** — Enhances Product Market Fit
- **Industry Connections** — Build Valuable Networks
- **Eight-Week Duration** — Fast-Track Your Startup
- **Cohort-Based Experience** — Foster Collaboration

### [Starting Your Business 101](https://knoxec.com/what-we-do/programs/starting-a-business-101/)
*Service*
Launch your business idea with a practical five-week program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs.

- **Intro-level Guidance** — Supportive Environment for Beginners
- **Action-oriented Learning** — Transform Ideas Into Action
- **Five-week Duration** — Comprehensive Five-Week Course
- **Community Networking** — Build Connections With Like-minded Individuals

### [What’s The Big Idea?](https://knoxec.com/what-we-do/programs/wtbi/)
*Service*
Inspires entrepreneurial action through a competitive pitch event with a $10,000 prize.

- **Finalist Pitch Prep** — Enhances Pitch Quality
- **Pitch Competition With Prize** — Offers Significant Incentive
- **Business Development Support** — Supports Growth
- **Public Voting** — Engages the Community
- **Community Building** — Builds Networking Opportunities

### [Growing Your Business 201](https://knoxec.com/what-we-do/programs/growing-your-business-201/)
*Service*
Empowers entrepreneurs to successfully scale their businesses through structured guidance and actionable insights.

- **Week 3: Metrics and Mindset** — Instill a Performance-driven Mindset
- **Week 1: 30,000-Foot View** — Reassess Business Foundations
- **Week 2: Growth Activities** — Focus on Essential Growth Activities
- **Practical Application** — Apply Learning to Real Businesses
- **Five-week Duration** — Facilitates Business Growth in Five Weeks

### [Brandcamp](https://knoxec.com/what-we-do/programs/brandcamp/)
*Service*
Empower your brand with clarity, confidence, and impactful growth strategies.

- **Expert Mentorship** — Access to Branding Professionals
- **Brand Development Focus** — Strengthens Market Position
- **Brand Strategy Guidance** — Aligns Strategy With Goals
- **Interactive Learning Experience** — Fosters Active Participation

### [Expert E-Commerce Class](https://knoxec.com/what-we-do/programs/expert-ecommerce-class/)
*Service*
Empowers entrepreneurs with actionable insights to enhance their online sales.

- **Five-part Course** — Provides Comprehensive Learning
- **Online Selling Focus** — Enhance Online Sales
- **Live Site Audits** — Receive Direct Feedback
- **Visual Storytelling Techniques** — Increase Engagement
- **Pricing and Logistics Strategies** — Optimize Operations

### [Marketing Mondays](https://knoxec.com/what-we-do/programs/marketing-mondays/)
*Service*
Empower entrepreneurs with practical marketing resources and community-driven sessions for smarter marketing.

- **In-person Events** — Engage in Interactive Learning
- **Expert Insights** — Learn from Industry Leaders
- **Curated Resources** — Enhance Marketing Knowledge
- **Resource Sharing** — Utilize Effective Marketing Tools
- **Weekly Sessions** — Consistent Learning Opportunities

### [Inflection Point Capital](https://knoxec.com/inflection-point-capital/)
*Service*
Empowers founders to optimize fundraising strategies through expert mentorship.

- **Investor Narrative Refinement** — Develop Compelling Investment Pitches
- **Cap Table and Term Sheet Education** — Learn Essential Financial Tools
- **Funding Strategy Development** — Craft Tailored Funding Roadmaps
- **Financial Storytelling** — Enhance Financial Narratives
- **Three-Week Intensive** — Engage in Focused Learning

### [AgTech Mentor Network](https://knoxec.com/agtech-mentor-network/)
*Service*
Provides AgTech startups with valuable mentorship for growth and success.

- **Industry-Specific Mentorship** — Connects with Experts
- **Guidance for Growth** — Advances Your Startup
- **Investment Readiness Training** — Prepares for Funding
- **Structured Mentoring Process** — Implements Feedback
- **Networking Opportunities** — Expands Your Network

### [100Knoxville](https://100knoxville.com/)
*Service*
Empowering Black-owned businesses in Knoxville to thrive and grow.

- **Growth Target** — Increase Business Value
- **Minority Business Support** — Provide Resources
- **Access to Mentorship** — Connect with Mentors
- **Corporate Engagement** — Facilitate Corporate Partnerships

### [KEC Mentor Network](https://knoxec.com/get-involved/kec-mentor-network/)
*Service*
Connect with experienced mentors to support your entrepreneurial journey.

- **Mentor-Mentee Pairing** — Match With Relevant Mentors
- **Flexible Cadence** — Adjust Participation Based On Availability
- **Verification by KEC** — Choose From Curated Mentor List
- **Office Hour Access** — Schedule One-On-One Mentoring
- **Community Engagement** — Build Network Through Community

### [The Maker City](https://knoxec.com/the-maker-city/)
*Service*
Empowering makers to build profitable businesses through community support and resources.

- **Maker-Focused Events** — Network and Collaborate
- **Make/Learn/Grow Series** — Gain Valuable Insights
- **Active Maker Directory** — Discover Local Talent
- **Mayor's Maker Council** — Receive Local Support

## Market Segments

- **Startup accelerators**: Cohort-based programs that accelerate early- and growth-stage startups through customer discovery, investor readiness, industry connections, and intensive mentorship.
- **Entrepreneur mentorship programs**: Structured mentor networks and matching programs that connect founders with verified, domain-expert advisors for ongoing guidance and office hours.
- **Small business training**: Short-format, curriculum-driven courses and workshops that teach practical skills for launching, marketing, branding, e-commerce, and scaling operations.
- **Minority business development**: Targeted programs that combine capital access, corporate partnerships, mentorship, and resources to grow minority- and Black-owned businesses.
- **Maker community support**: Services and community platforms for makers, artisans, and small-scale manufacturers offering directories, peer learning, events, and business support.