Tasha Garner, owner of Unique Advisor, a developing consulting firm targeting sectors like healthcare, financial technology, social services, and government contracts, discovered NBIC through her involvement in the Hope Operations Program. This connection led her to NBIC’s Foundations course, which profoundly transformed her approach to entrepreneurship. Garner sincerely appreciated the course, noting, “It was awesome. I thought I knew a lot already, but I learned so much more. It was very transparent.” She highlighted the invaluable guidance from mentors like Mister Harvey and Anne Marie, who were knowledgeable and patient, encouraging interactive participation and questions.
Garner credits the program with honing her skills in defining and presenting her business niche. Feedback from the sessions taught her the strategic placement of her sales pitch, with advice like, “When you’re selling yourself, do that in the beginning instead of the middle or the end of your pitch.” This feedback was pivotal, helping her refine how she approached potential clients and presented her services. Furthermore, Garner found the collaborative environment of peer learning enriching. “Because all of us come from different places, but with the same relative goals, we had so much in common and so much to share about starting a business,” she reflected.
Among the many resources NBIC provided, legal advice was particularly impactful for Garner. The opportunity to consult directly with legal professionals was instrumental in ensuring her business operations were compliant and well-informed. “It was a blessing for them to offer that, to be able to set up performance and talk to someone,” she said, recognizing the crucial role of legal knowledge in business management.
Participating in the program alongside her 20-year-old son was a unique aspect of Garner’s journey and led to a significant mindset shift for both of them. This experience reinforced the value of lifelong learning and mutual support, enhancing her and her son’s personal and professional growth.
Garner recommends NBIC to any aspiring entrepreneur, emphasizing the program’s ability to provide structure and clarity for emerging businesses. “I say do it. Do it for yourself. It will be so rewarding in the end,” she advises. She is grateful for the profound impact NBIC has had on her professional path and hopeful about continuing her growth trajectory. Looking to the future, Garner aspires for Unique Advisor to become well-established, serving a broad client base and significantly increasing its revenue. She is committed to supporting other small business owners by sharing the insights and tools she has acquired, underscoring her belief in the power of accessible entrepreneurial education.
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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