Small Business Initiatives

Small businesses power Middle Tennessee’s economy and communities. Representing 75% of Chamber membership, they spark innovation, create jobs, and keep our region competitive. The Chamber champions their growth through advocacy, resources, and connections.

Highlights

7th Annual Nashpreneurs Conference
Presented by Barge Design Solutions & Thrivence was held on June 26 and focused on practical ways small businesses can use AI to drive growth. Anna-Vija McCloud, founder and CEO of Piccolo Solutions, was named 2025 Nashpreneur of the Year for her decade of business scaling and community leadership.
Leadership Connect
In June, 10 members of the Leadership Connect cohort Graduated. Leadership Connect is a six-month program for small business owners and entrepreneurs that strengthens leadership skills, expands networks, and fosters community engagement:
Hannah Brandt, DPT
HLB Lifestyles LLC
Penny Haas
Penny Haas LLC
Tiffany Hardin
Gild Creative Group
Shira Levy, MA
ReMaGi Laser and Skin

Emerald Mitchell, MBA, EdD

Penny Haas LLC
Jonathan Oye
Oye Coffee Co. LLC
Demetrius Short
Transformation Life Center
Liz Veyhl
Small World Yoga Inc.
Robert Wilson, MBA
Culture Shift Team LLC
Tanisha “Tee” Wilson, M.Ed.
B.E. Academy for Girls
Truist Foundation Grant
Chamber secured a three-year, $120,000 grant to launch Navigate: Economic Mobility Accelerator, supporting under-resourced small business owners with training, technical assistance, and sustainability strategies.
Thrive: “Rewrite Your Rules” Economic Inclusion Breakfast
This event in May began with breakfast and networking, then attendees heard from influential business leader and author, Morgan DeBaun. Attendees received a free copy of the DeBaun’s book “Rewrite Your Rules.”

Member Spotlight Feature

Aura Holdings Group

“The Chamber isn’t just about connections—it’s about community. For us, it’s been the bridge between vision and opportunity here in Nashville.”

Aura Holdings Group joined the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce to connect with leaders committed to Nashville’s cultural and economic growth. Our mission is to create a movement where music, entrepreneurship, and community meet through live shows, business panels, and workshops that elevate talent. We’re a hospitality and entertainment company, developing the Wedgewood Entertainment District near downtown. We have three venues, including Aura Lounge opening in December, The Corner Wedgewood, and Bhops opening in February, that offer a fresh approach to events and nightlife. Each space is built for experiences with high-quality lighting, sound, and a dedicated team. 

Nashville’s energy and its mix of tradition and innovation made Middle Tennessee the ideal place to launch this vision. The Chamber has been a key partner, providing connections, resources, and introductions that expand our reach. Conversations with entrepreneurs have led to collaborations that shaped the business. Chamber initiatives in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion align closely with Aura’s values of opportunity and inclusion. 

Chamber events and publications have boosted our visibility and created memorable moments, including discussions on the future of entertainment and entrepreneurship that generated new ideas and partnerships. We see Chamber membership as key for businesses seeking growth and community impact. By combining entertainment, entrepreneurship, and culture, Aura is reimagining how nightlife and community connect.