Music & entertainment provide over 80,000 jobs in the Nashville area
We have 190 recording studios, 130 music publishers and 80 record labels in the Nashville region
Music and entertainment make up $9.9 billion of Nashville MSA’s GDP
Entertainment is at the core of Nashville and Project Music & Entertainment is the perfect program for entrepreneurs looking to tap into a world of entertainment resources.
Through Project Music & Entertainment, you gain access to our extensive network of entertainment connections and are able to leverage industry connections to foster innovation, nurture growth, and drive the future of the entertainment industry.
Originally started as Project Music in 2015, this program was developed in partnership with CMA (Country Music Association) to bring music, technology, and business leaders together to accelerate the development of industry-changing startups.
In 2020, we expanded Project Music to include all aspects of the entertainment industry, including: music, sports, film, esports/gaming, publishing, and more.
“Project Music & Entertainment” is a year-long program featuring monthly programming and ongoing support, like:
Optimized for high-growth entertainment tech companies.
“Part of the reason we have been so successful in raising millions of dollars in capital is because Project Music gave us a huge first-mover advantage. We were shown massive problems in full-color, up close and personal, described by industry experts in intimate settings—problems yielding profitable opportunities—long before potential competitors even knew they existed. It was a game changer for us.”
– Marcus Cobb, Jammber (Project Music 2015)
*Payments for the program will be made in quarterly installments. We understand that building a world-class startup happens on a tight budget. That’s why we take 0% equity in our companies, and as a non-profit, have subsidized the program fee to less than 1/10th of what it costs us, thanks to our Program Partners. Learn more about our model on the Lifecycle Model page.
Check out our applications page for more information about how to join.
Our entrepreneur-in-residence supports cohorts throughout their time in the program with dedicated mentoring, introductions, and support from the perspective of someone who has “been there, done that.”
Stephen Linn is the founder of AmpliFLY Entertainment, a strategic artist development/management company. Previously, Stephen was SVP of Broken Bow Music Group’s artist management company and Sr. Director of Music Programming and Promotion at CMT (MTV Networks). Prior to the music business, he owned a media content company and was an award-winning television reporter, host and author.
Our entertainment industry leadership guides cohorts through the complexities of the entertainment industry, its past and its future, with advising and insightful curriculum throughout the yearlong program.
Heather McBee is the VP of Operations at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC). McBee has over 25 years of experience in marketing, sales and operations in the music, radio and non-profit industries. Previous adventures include Sony Music Nashville where she led the development and success of its digital music business and Cumulus Media, launching America’s Morning Show in 30+ markets. She continues to drive innovation through her work supporting entrepreneurs and advising the Project Music & Entertainment program at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC). Heather serves on the Boards of Leadership Music and Operation Song.
Learn more about Project Music & Entertainment – download our program overview PDF to get a firsthand look at the program!
