DRAFT PREVIEW — proposed ec.co/program-reviews/ redesign · not live · phase 5

Program reviews · Nashville Entrepreneur Center

What founders actually say about our programs.

Real reviews from real founders — pulled straight from program surveys. No edits, no PR spin.

Spring 2026 NPS
76
2025 accelerator graduates
215
Capital raised in 2025
$8.89M
Founders served to date
537

Founder spotlight

Vohn Precioso, Global Hola
InFlight · Spring 2026
"Growth often comes from simplification, not complexity. Know who you serve. Communicate clearly. Invest in relationships, and stay curious."

We applied to InFlight hoping to sharpen our thinking around growth, positioning, marketing, and sales. What we received was much more than that. The curriculum was valuable, but what stood out most were the conversations, relationships, and perspectives shared by the facilitators, mentors, and fellow founders.

I entered the program believing many of our challenges were marketing challenges, but I left realizing many of them were actually positioning challenges. Today, we spend less time talking about virtual assistants and more time talking about outcomes — business growth, scalability, capacity.

Vohn PreciosoGlobal Hola
Read Vohn's full story

The wall

All 50 reviews, straight from the surveys.

Project Healthcare$1M committed via InvestTN
"InvestTN committed $1M in our raise."
Annie Alvis
Annie AlvisVoluMetrix · Spring 2026
TakeOff$18M debt financing
"With the help of the Take-Off program, I refined both my pitch deck and narrative, which allowed me to connect more deeply with investors, buyers, and partners. That clarity directly contributed to helping us secure $18 million in committed debt financing for the project."
J
Joey LockerLSV Luxury Motorcoach Resort · Spring 2025
TwendéMayoral board appointment
"Appointed to the Nashville Solid Waste Region Board by Mayor Freddie O'Connell."
F
Frederick CawthonBiocatalysis Creations · Spring 2025
TakeOff$1B+ brand RFP
"I was recently invited along with 3 other sonic branding agencies to participate in a paid RFP for a $1B+ historic brand with 80% brand recognition. There's a good chance they'd use the winning sonic logo in future Super Bowl commercials."
E
Erik ThompsonWalter Audio · Spring 2025
InFlightBMI partnership
"BMI reached out about a partnership opportunity. The reason behind them reaching out: decision-makers within their company had used TuneHatch and had a great experience."
C
Christal HectorTuneHatch · Spring 2025
Project HealthcareCrowd Favorite Award
"We won the Crowd Favorite Award during Nashville Entrepreneur Day. It truly validated our product — people love the idea and want to see it adopted."
Kristen Rivera-Valentin
Kristen Rivera-ValentinAVRwell · Spring 2026
Project HealthcareVanderbilt — primary program goal
"Had some really good meetings with Vanderbilt — which was our #1 goal for the program."
Laura Epstein
Laura EpsteinPulse Charter Connect · Fall 2025
Project HealthcareVA sales expansion
"Expanded sales presence within the VA system during the program."
Emily Daviss
Emily DavissAVRwell · Spring 2026
Project HealthcareVUMC + Legion Fund intros
"The network by far. Project Healthcare wasn't so much about the curriculum as it was about access to a trust layer we'd otherwise have no way to reach. The advisor and founder network connected us with multiple contacts at VUMC, USVetServ, Legion Fund (Ft. Campbell) and more VA-adjacent contacts."
Andrew Hogue
Andrew HogueNEUROFIT · Spring 2026
TakeOffApp Store + Google Play launch
"Launched Zae on both the Apple App Store and Google Play during the program — and held our first public exhibition at Geodis Park."
Nina Graffe
Nina GraffeZae · Spring 2026
Twendé$25K + Pharrell's Black Ambition
"I secured a $25K investment now in due diligence, and was accepted into Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition program and the AfroTech Insider Founder's Circle."
A
Aaron JordanPebble · Fall 2025
InFlightPublix + Kroger + media
"I got into Publix. I partnered with a pasta company to launch low-carb pasta. I got a meeting with Kroger. I was on Channel 5 telling my story."
G
Gina SiciliaGina's Italian Cuisine · Spring 2025
InFlight$60K MRR + 2 hires
"Two new hires, $5K raised, and $60K monthly revenue maintained through the program."
Savannah Toal
Savannah ToalPlant Savvy · Spring 2026
TwendéYear-over-year revenue
"I exceeded my monthly revenue goals and, within the first two quarters of this year, I've already surpassed my total revenue from all of last year."
J
Jessica JohnsonMYRRH Candle Co · Spring 2025
InFlight5x growth rate
"At the start of this course, we were growing by 1 nonprofit every two days. We are now growing by 5 nonprofits a day."
Ryan Johnson
Ryan JohnsonBugle · Fall 2025
InFlight$50K MRR in 6 weeks
"I broke through $50K MRR within the first 6 weeks of this program."
Cory Iffert
Cory IffertIffert Media · Fall 2025
TakeOff$100K from LaunchTN
"Secured a $100K conditional commitment from LaunchTN."
Jimmy Lowery Jr
Jimmy Lowery JrSimplora · Spring 2026
Project Healthcare$500K raised + 4 FT jobs
"New investors, new customers, new partners, and new friends. Community, community, and community."
Othman Ouenes
Othman OuenesFidari · Spring 2026
InFlight$1M revenue milestone
"Hit $1 million in revenue at our 1-year anniversary during the program."
Joseph Robinson
Joseph RobinsonRobinson Immigration Law · Spring 2026
InFlight$200K raised
"With my pitch deck I've built, I was able to raise $200,000 in commitments towards my total raise so far."
Tyler Ladwig
Tyler LadwigKushies Quality Cannabis · Fall 2025
InFlight
"My mentor speed match connected me with a mentor who invited me to Expo West in California. I've been in the food industry for over four years and had no idea this expo even existed. The EC connected me with the right people."
Jaqushia Buddie
Jaqushia BuddieBuddies Pork Rinds & Lemonade · Spring 2026
Project Healthcare
"Dakota was genuinely invested in our success throughout the program. He went above and beyond to make meaningful connections for us, and consistently provided thoughtful support and guidance."
Annie Alvis
Annie AlvisVoluMetrix · Spring 2026
InFlight
"The encouragement and belief that everyone had was exactly what I needed. Danny helped me process all my thoughts around my purpose. Johnny's direct communication style was a breath of fresh air."
Liz Edwards
Liz EdwardsGlow · Spring 2026
Project Healthcare
"I've valued the conversations within the curated Project Healthcare network: introductions to Lifepoint Health, advice from Bobby Frist, lessons from Michael Burcham, tours of the Belmont simulation center."
James Valencia
James ValenciaRadical Shoots · Spring 2026
Project Healthcare
"The most valuable part has been access to mentors and peers who understand the realities of scaling impact-driven ventures. The candid conversations and connections have opened doors to partnerships that will make our solar-powered hearing aids more accessible across Africa."
Tendekayi Katsiga
Tendekayi KatsigaDeaftronics · Spring 2026
Project FinTech
"The introductions to local bank leadership have provided us with direct feedback and interest in modifying our platform's feature set to include wealth managers, RIAs, and investors running SMAs."
David Buttrey
David ButtreyMangrove · Fall 2025
Twendé
"My goal coming into Twendé was to start wholesaling to cafés. I locked in a contract with a coffee shop last week."
C
Christopher SmithBunshine Signature Stuffed Buns · Spring 2025
Twendé
"We added another retailer, launched an additional product, and began testing a new product concept."
S
Shannon Sanders Jr.Cape Coast Co · Spring 2025
InFlight
"Biggest win for us was how InFlight forced us to think about the essence of the business and reform how we thought about our customer and value proposition."
C
Charlie JordanVITL · Spring 2025
TakeOff
"Pivoting from a consulting model to a product model — thanks to the early classes from Clay. The program had a significant impact on my go-to-market strategy."
S
Sarika AgarwalDataintellico · Spring 2025
TakeOff
"Clay challenged me to think about my 'niche for the riches' — being specific about my market instead of general."
Brent Ransom
Brent RansomJacaranda Tech · Spring 2026
Twendé
"I pivoted my business with my podcast now being the anchor of the consulting firm. I have begun receiving ad revenue from my podcast and have reached over 140K total downloads."
Nashay Lowe
Nashay LoweLowe Insights Consulting · Fall 2025
Twendé
"I hosted a bridal show called Love and Luxe, where over 20 vendors came together to create a space where they could connect with real couples in an intimate environment."
L
Leah Langley-McCleanEllenelle Bridal · Spring 2025
TakeOff
"The people at NEC are really helpful — that first; curriculum second."
Alison Leigh
Alison LeighHUMANITY DRIVEN AI · Spring 2026
TakeOff
"Meeting other founders and connecting with new and experienced entrepreneurs around Nashville. Danny was thrown into the management position in the middle of our cohort and absolutely killed it."
Catherine Field
Catherine Fieldrumie LLC · Spring 2026
Twendé
"I had many breakthrough moments with my mentor, Yesenia Sevilla. From our first call to our most recent, she has helped me craft a narrative for my business that is clear and compelling."
Amber Banks
Amber BanksTrust Compass Studio · Fall 2025
InFlight
"Dr. Paris Love, my champion mentor, was a big part of the reason I'm walking away with the win I am."
J
Jenna NelsonTop Shelf Organizing · Spring 2025
TakeOff
"The community and network have been the most valuable part of the accelerator. Through TakeOff I've connected with fellow founders, advisors, mentors, partners, and other supporters who have taken the time to learn about what we're building and have genuinely been willing to help."
Jimmy Lowery Jr
Jimmy Lowery JrSimplora · Spring 2026
Twendé
"I built lasting relationships with several business owners in my cohort. Even after we graduated, we have connected via LinkedIn, met for coffee, collaborated and networked via Slack."
J
James BumpasBumpas Technical Services · Spring 2025
InFlight
"The community with fellow entrepreneurs who 'get it' was the best part. The major win for me was to feel like a part of something bigger than myself — an ecosystem of industry disrupters who are passionate, hardworking, and innovative."
N
Nolen TuttleUpside Guaranty · Spring 2025
TakeOff
"Walking through this experience with amazing founders — now friends — and mentors I never would have met otherwise."
Stephanie Goings
Stephanie GoingsDinner's Ready (Mise Co.) · Spring 2026
TakeOff
"I've been an entrepreneur twice with hardly any success before. This program gave me confidence, courage, and the tools to tread my path for success."
Vikram Channagiri
Vikram ChannagiriDatacake · Spring 2026
TakeOff
"They weren't just teaching business concepts — they were helping me step into who I am as a founder. Clay's sessions challenged me to think bigger, move with more intention, and actually see myself as the kind of leader who can build something that changes an industry."
I
Isebella GreathouseMommy's Baby Buggy · Fall 2025
InFlight
"We launched a completely rebuilt platform during this program — a redesigned marketing site, updated content strategy, and a complete UI overhaul of the app."
J
Justin GrayPotluck · Fall 2025
InFlight
"I walked away feeling more confident in my business and myself as a founder and leader. I discovered new sides to myself. I am ready for it all."
Savannah Toal
Savannah ToalPlant Savvy · Spring 2026
TakeOff
"I have so much more confidence in my leadership and clarity in my business strategy. I achieved my goal of becoming connected in the business community."
Brent Ransom
Brent RansomJacaranda Tech · Spring 2026
InFlight
"The most meaningful and high-impact moment for MUSAY was when I realized I know everything about the institutional side of the market and almost nothing about the consumers. It changed MUSAY's product and trajectory."
L
Laura Del GrecoMUSAY · Spring 2025
InFlight
"The program's curriculum actually changed the UVP and GTM approach of our business in a considerable way."
D
Danny RobergeGSD Search · Spring 2025
Twendé
"I've been booked to offer henna at Bonnaroo 2025 and was recently selected to partner with Yelp Nashville."
A
Ania Diallo9Muses Henna · Spring 2025
InFlight
"2 new clients. My first press interview. Breakthrough moments of ICP and brand direction that led to real clarity. So many meaningful connections and friendships."
Ashley Nowak
Ashley NowakDIAR Collective · Spring 2026

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Reviews are collected through post-program surveys by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and published unedited.