Events
Experience the Energy of Entrepreneurship
Founder + Funders Pitch Showcase
SEPT 23, 3 – 6 PM
Hear bold ideas, meet top founders, and connect with investors and business leaders at this free pitch event showcasing Nashville’s most exciting startups.
Location: Harbor + Union | 230 Franklin Road Building 2B, Franklin, TN 37064
Details & RSVP3rd annual 2025 RALLY Pitch Competition
SEPT 24 – 25
A $5M global competition awarding investments across five innovation studios. Finalists pitch live in front of 3,000+ attendees & hundreds of global investors.
Location: Indiana Convention Center | 200 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Details & ApplicationNEC: Elevate Your Pitch
SEPT 25, 10 – 11:30 AM
Get direct feedback on your pitch & walk away with clear, actionable ways to make it stronger.
Location: Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Details & RSVPCapital Sessions: Debt Done Right: How 'Boring Old Loans' Can Save Your Startup
SEPT 25, 2 – 5 PM
Learn how to use debt to fund your startup without giving up equity + a hands-on workshop to meet lenders & explore real, startup-friendly loan options.
Location: Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Details & RSVPLead Boldly: An Evening on Leadership & Legacy with Robert F. Smith
SEPT 30, 6 – 8 PM
Robert F. Smith on how Dr. King’s timeless lessons of courage, conviction, & compassion inspire modern leadership.
Location: National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) | 510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Details & RSVPNEC Coffee & Connections + Free CoWork Day
OCT 2, 9 – 10:30 AM (Networking) | 10:30 AM – 5 PM (Free CoWork Access)
Network with fellow entrepreneurs and enjoy a free day of coworking at the NEC.
Location: Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Details & RSVPNext Up - YP Happy Hour
OCT 7, 5 – 7 PM
A high-energy happy hour for Nashville’s young professionals to connect with local YP groups, grow their network, and get a free headshot!
Location: 5501 Virginia Way Suite 120, Brentwood, TN 37027
Details & RSVPCapital Sessions: Perfect The Ask: How to Be Pitch Ready
OCT 10, 2 – 5 PM
Learn how to deliver a confident, investor-ready pitch + a hands-on workshop to get expert feedback & sharpen your story.
Location: Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Details & RSVP2025 NEXT Awards & Entrepreneurs' Hall of Fame
OCT 20, 5:30 – 9 PM
The NEXT Awards & Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame, presented by Amazon, recognize Nashville’s business builders.
Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 1 Symphony Place, Nashville, TN 37201
Details & RSVPCapital Sessions: Exit Strategy: Build with the End in Mind
OCT 23, 2 – 5 PM
Learn how to plan for a successful startup exit + a hands-on workshop to map your ideal acquirer & build a strategy to get there.
Location: Nashville Entrepreneur Center
Details & RSVPStartup Mountain Summit
NOV 6 – 8
A three-day conference in the Appalachian Mountains featuring founder workshops, outdoor networking adventures, and a $10K pitch competition.
Location: Johnson City, TN
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