In case you weren’t aware, Knoxville is a prime place for entrepreneurship and small business start-ups. Entrepreneurs of Knoxville and Knoxville Overground have formed in order to foster this entrepreneurial spirit in the East Tennessee area and thereby, encouraging entrepreneurship and the Creative Class in and around our beloved city.
Entrepreneurs of Knoxville (E.O.K.)
…provides a collaborative environment for members to share ideas, partner on projects, learn common business practices, mentor other members, locate resources, and help its members succeed in achieving their goals for their business.
What does all that really mean? It’s a “Rubber Meets the Road” organization. You may have a great idea for a business, but have no idea how to get started. They can hook you up with marketers, business executives, accountants, web designers, or just plain smart people that know how to get things done. The membership currently stands at just under 200 individuals, and EOK holds events throughout the year (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and randomly) to educate its members, collaborate on projects, and…sometimes…just hang out and have a few pints. And if that’s not enough to get you interested…membership is FREE.
…is a grassroots not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering independents with the community infrastructure, practical education, and professional credibility that they need to be successful entrepreneurs and stewards of the public interest.
KO’s five values, also known as its “five pillars,” are entrepreneurship, public service, education, community, and coworking. KO has already established a Co-Working space in Knoxville – 1204 Kenesaw Ave (in Sequoyah Hills). KO is also working with other business resources in the area to establish partnerships and realtionships in order help their members find funding through KO’s relationships/partnerships. KO also provides guidance to its members through the various levels of entrepreneurship in order to make its members as successful in their projects and businesses as possible. Check out Knoxville Overground for details on membership.
In these tough enconomic times, it may be just the right time to declare yourself an entrepreneur and start working on the next great thing. These organizations can help you get there.
[Note: the author is a member of both organizations and a Board Member of each]
