StartupTN.com aims to link state's businesspeople
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120201/BUSINESS01/302010122/StartupT...

1:03 AM, Feb. 1, 2012 |

Written by
Getahn Ward
The Tennessean

Three months after its launch to help spur entrepreneurship and create more high-growth businesses, Startup Tennessee on Tuesday rolled out an online database to connect entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and possible business partners statewide.

With the launch of StartupTN.com, entrepreneurs are able to sign up and connect to a network of resources and advisers to help them succeed, officials said.

The Startup Tennessee Resource Network is being touted as the front door to an array of resources to aid entrepreneurs statewide.

Under its contract with the state’s economic and community development agency, Startup Tennessee is helping the state’s nine economic regions to launch regional entrepreneurial accelerators. The accelerators are to offer mentoring, technical support and help in identifying sources of capital to get a business up and running more quickly.

Five of the nine regions have been brought on board with the launch of the other regions expected in the next month, said Michael Burcham, president of Startup Tennessee.

Burcham also runs the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, which won a $250,000 state grant as accelerator for a 13-county section centered in Middle Tennessee.

Reach Getahn Ward at 615-726-5968 or at gward@tennessean.com.