2022 was another dynamic year for NBIC. We are grateful for the entrepreneurs and business leaders who persevered through the global pandemic. We are also incredibly grateful for the volunteers and professionals who shared their time, talent, and treasure with NBIC and the broader business community in Nashville. Here are a few highlights from the year and a preview of what to expect in 2023.
Several NBIC graduates achieved new goals over the past year:
EJ Odom tripled his revenue during the pandemic. His firm, EJO Ventures, also recently signed an agreement to develop four restaurants and three shops in a new section of Nashville International Airport.
Business owners like Ken Thomas of Archangel Protective Services not only retained all their employees during the pandemic—thanks to support at the city, county, and federal level—but also hired more employees.
Michelle Harris, who purchased and developed Harris Plaza, was among the business owners who purchased property this year.
The global pandemic and tornado event of March 2020 severely impacted the Nashville area. NBIC was one of the organizations that worked with the City of Nashville to distribute funding related to the CARES Act. With a $600,000 award, NBIC assisted more than 150 businesses in accessing relief funds and pivoting to the “new normal” of the pandemic.
On July 14, NBIC and The Truist Foundation announced a new partnership addressing the unique challenges facing women business owners. As a result of this partnership, the RISE UP Academy will launch in January 2023. The Academy will bring together 20 women business leaders from Nashville, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Louisville into a multi-year program designed to provide the resources, support and accountability needed to help these businesses scale to a million dollars in annual revenue and create at least five jobs.
The Tennessee Titans are working to build a new stadium. As part of the initiative, the Titans announced ONE Community, a program designed to improve opportunity, neighborhoods, and education in Nashville. NBIC will assist with capacity-building for construction firms owned by women, minorities, and military veterans as they participate on projects related to the construction of the new stadium.
In 2023, we are committed to closing the wealth gap. Business ownership plays a critical role in making this happen. But sustaining a business year after year requires financial literacy, property purchases, and investment in essential tools and training. Discipline, determination, and supportive communities are key to sustainability and growth.
We’re resting and getting ready for 2023, and we hope you’re excited to join us in the new year!
Victor Tyler serves as a Digital Asset Specialist at NBIC, where he manages, organizes, and creates digital media resources that support the organization’s storytelling. In this role, he ensures that NBIC’s growing online presence remains cohesive, engaging, and aligned with its brand identity.
Before joining NBIC, Victor built a career in art direction and content production, leading campaigns that combined strategic storytelling with result-driven creative. His experience spans brand development, media production, and digital marketing.
Victor is passionate about using creativity to bridge artistry with strategy to help ideas come to life. Outside of work, he enjoys drawing, running, and exploring new places to eat, often finding inspiration for his work in the world around him.
Dr. Contrecia “Dr. T” Tharpe joined NBIC in November 2025 as Marketing and Communications Manager, bringing more than 15 years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, and communications leadership. A visionary strategist known for her creativity and results-driven approach, she leads NBIC’s brand, storytelling, and communications efforts with a focus on amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs and positioning NBIC as a leader in inclusive business growth.
Before joining NBIC, Dr. T built an impressive career spanning entrepreneurship, consulting, and organizational leadership. As Founder and Chief Brand Strategy Architect of FayeVaughn Creative, a full-service agency serving startups through Fortune 500 companies, she has helped organizations across industries craft powerful narratives, elevate visibility, and drive measurable results.
Her expertise bridges creativity and strategy, combining data-driven marketing with authentic storytelling to strengthen brand trust and engagement.
Beyond her role at NBIC, Dr. T serves as President of Nashville Cable, the region’s premier network for women in leadership. A sought-after advisor and speaker, she is passionate about helping others build brands that mean business, strengthen communities, and reflect the power of purpose.
Dynamic, forward-thinking, and unapologetically authentic, Dr. T embodies NBIC’s mission to inspire innovation and empower entrepreneurs to grow, scale, and thrive.
Kevin Love is a passionate ecosystem builder and strategic program leader with over a decade of experience in community development, workforce activation, and public-private partnerships. In his role as Senior Program Manager at (NBIC), Kevin leads initiatives that drive inclusive economic growth, regional expansion, and sustainable support systems for entrepreneurs across Middle Tennessee and beyond.
Prior to joining NBIC, Kevin held senior leadership roles in Chattanooga, where he launched workforce development programs and digital equity initiatives that served thousands across the region. His work focused on engaging underrepresented communities, supporting diverse founders, and creating new pipelines for innovation and employment. Kevin has also collaborated with city governments, higher education institutions, and national networks to deliver measurable impact through strategic programming and relationship building.
A proud graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, Forbes under 30 and Chatter’s 20 Under 40, Kevin brings a deep commitment to service and a reputation for thoughtful execution. His leadership style blends creativity, collaboration, and a relentless focus on outcomes. Kevin is also an advocate for equitable access to resources, and he continues to build bridges across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to ensure lasting opportunities for all.
Originally from Tennessee, Kevin is now spearheading NBIC’s regional relationship strategy, reconnecting with partners in Huntsville, Birmingham, and Louisville to expand the center’s reach and impact. He’s thrilled to be part of a mission-driven team at NBIC and looks forward to helping entrepreneurs thrive.
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Octavia Wilson-Simmons brings more than 20 years of diverse industry experience to her role at NBIC, where she drives operational excellence, grant compliance, and technological innovation. She began her career in the oil and gas sector in 2000 as a Contract Analyst, where she developed expertise in contract negotiation, trading operations, and stakeholder management.
Over the course of her career, Octavia expanded her skills across account management, operational optimization, and project coordination, gaining cross-industry experience that includes consulting and healthcare. Her transition into consulting in 2021 further honed her ability to streamline logistics and operations for business growth, while her work in healthcare deepened her customer-first approach and adaptability.
Since joining NBIC in 2022, Octavia has been a driving force behind key operational improvements, data-driven decision-making, and program support initiatives that empower small businesses to scale. She leverages platforms such as Zendesk, Looker, and Salesforce to optimize workflows, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance service delivery for entrepreneurs.
Passionate about creating efficient systems and sustainable impact, Octavia’s expertise in operations management, compliance, technology integration, and strategic support ensures NBIC’s entrepreneurs have the foundation needed for long-term success.
