Startups
The EC goal is to incubate, fund, and launch companies within 6 months of working together.
EC Incubators work within the Center facility and have direct access to resources, mentors, staff, networking and unique capital raising opportunities.
Candidates whose applications are accepted to the EC Incubator are expected to close funding and launch within 6 months. The first 100-days of the program focuses on helping the company build an Investable Story, a Business Model, Management Team, Marketing Strategy and Money Plan capable of closing investor funding.
Plans and expectations are individualized based on a startup company's strengths, weaknesses, and current progress.
Join the EC as a member and apply to the EC Incubator Program today!
To Apply: Contact the center through the online contact form available HERE or call the main number at 615-873-1257 to set up your initial screening.
Program Criteria and Application Process
To be accepted into the incubator, the candidate must be launching a business in one of our 4 key verticals:
Health Care
Technology
Digital Media and Entertainment
Social Enterprise
The Screening Process rates an entrepreneur and their idea against the 4:Ms and evaluates their Business Model, Management Team, Market Knowledge and Money Awareness (funding sought, cash burn rates, Projected EBIT and ROI, etc…).
A company that has the capability to launch and get funded within 6 months and is within the 4 Core Verticals is a strong candidate for the program.
Preparation
Entrepreneurs should treat the initial screening as an Investor Presentation. If you have a deck or feel that you need to have a powerpoint to present, please bring it along with both hard and soft copies. Incubating companies are expected to be able to make their investment pitch in 10 minutes, but for the purpose of the evaluation and screening process, the initial screening meeting will last an hour.
The process is meant to evaluate what you know and what you're capable of. Some of the companies that come to us have ideas that stay fairly intact and others change dramatically in order to become a business that is investable. The important part is starting the conversation and beginning to work towards the goal of having an investable story and get the funding you need to launch.