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Author: NBIC

For 35+ years, the Nashville Business Incubation Center takes a personalized approach to helping women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned entrepreneurs scale a sustainable business - growing businesses from tiny acorns to mighty oaks.

From Electrician to CEO: How NBIC Helped Lensey King Power Up His Business to Double-Digit Growth

In construction, growth isn’t just about breaking ground on bigger projects. It’s about building smarter behind the scenes. For Brandon Mason, founder of BCMason Group, real progress came from operational clarity, profitability alignment, and support from the Nashville Business Incubation Center (NBIC).

From Small Town Fields to Strong Foundations

Brandon Mason’s construction roots go back to his family’s Kentucky farm, where he learned discipline and labor early. Surrounded by relatives in residential construction, he developed a strong foundation in materials, timelines, and accountability. That hands-on experience led him to earn a Construction Management degree from Western Kentucky University and manage large commercial and infrastructure projects, ranging from $5 million to over $500 million.

In 2019, Brandon launched BCMason Group, focused on industrial and infrastructure projects. While the firm gained a reputation for performance, operational complexity increased with contracts, from estimating and financial controls to project tracking and client communication.

How BCMason Group Scaled from $1M to $7M: A Construction Business Growth Story Powered by NBIC

African-American man receiving a celebratory and congratulatory diploma.

In construction, growth isn’t just about breaking ground on bigger projects. It’s about building smarter behind the scenes. For Brandon Mason, founder of BCMason Group, real progress came from operational clarity, profitability alignment, and support from the Nashville Business Incubation Center (NBIC).

From Small Town Fields to Strong Foundations

Brandon Mason’s construction roots go back to his family’s Kentucky farm, where he learned discipline and labor early. Surrounded by relatives in residential construction, he developed a strong foundation in materials, timelines, and accountability. That hands-on experience led him to earn a Construction Management degree from Western Kentucky University and manage large commercial and infrastructure projects, ranging from $5 million to over $500 million.

In 2019, Brandon launched BCMason Group, focused on industrial and infrastructure projects. While the firm gained a reputation for performance, operational complexity increased with contracts, from estimating and financial controls to project tracking and client communication.

How Millennials and Gen Z Helped Lead NBIC’s Digital Transformation

When the tornado, the pandemic and economic uncertainty disrupted small businesses, many entrepreneurs struggled to pivot online. NBIC, a longtime champion of business growth, faced a critical challenge—how to continue supporting entrepreneurs when traditional, in-person programming was no longer possible.

The answer came through the expertise of Millennials and Gen Z. As digital-first generations, they helped NBIC and small business owners embrace technology, ensuring businesses could not only survive but also scale in a new economic landscape.

Aleyda Sanchez – Central Care Counseling Services

In 2018, Aleyda Sanchez founded Central Care Counseling Services with a singular mission: to provide culturally competent mental health services to the Hispanic and Latino communities. She started as a solo practitioner, driven by a desire to break down the significant taboos surrounding mental health within her community. However, as her practice grew, so did the challenges of scaling while maintaining high-quality, personalized care.

Amber Greer: From Entrepreneur to Popcorn Powerhouse

Kernels Nashville Popcorn has been a Music City staple for over a decade, tantalizing taste buds with bold and unique flavors like “Nashville Hot” and “Music City Mix”. But co-owner Amber Greer, craved more. She felt a desire to push the boundaries and elevate the business to a new level, but she felt stuck, stating she was “working for my business and not on it.”

Kevin Love

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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Abigail DaSilva
Abigail DaSilva is the marketing coordinator at NBIC, channeling her passion and creativity to support the organization’s mission of leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs. A proud graduate of Tennessee State University, Abigail holds a degree in design, which fuels her artistic sensibilities and impeccable eye for aesthetics. Before joining NBIC, Abigail embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey alongside her brother, where she spearheaded the sales and marketing efforts of their own venture. This experience honed her skills in strategic promotion, customer engagement, and marketing media. Abigail has played a crucial role in the company, transforming their media marketing strategies, specifically towards a more video-driven approach. Recognizing the power of visual storytelling, she has created compelling content and innovative campaigns that have amplified NBIC’s reach and engagement, strengthening their online presence and impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Abigail is an avid art buff, frequently visiting museums and exploring immersive experiences that combine technology and creativity. She also has a deep love for travel, shopping, and anything that allows her to utilize her creative mind. With her unwavering commitment and broad range of experience, Abigail is a valuable asset to NBIC. She remains eager to push boundaries, elevate engagement, and empower entrepreneurs through her exceptional marketing expertise.
Anne-Marie Tanner
Anne-Marie Tanner is the Programs Coordinator at NBIC. With a Master’s degree in strategic marketing from Midway University and a Bachelor’s degree in design from University of Kentucky, she brings a unique blend of business experience and creativity to her work. Prior to joining NBIC in March of 2023, Anne-Marie worked as a small business and startup consultant, where she gained valuable experience in guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges and opportunities of launching and growing their businesses. Her expertise in strategic planning and her ability to quickly grasp new concepts makes her a strong asset to the NBIC team. As the Programs Coordinator at NBIC, Anne-Marie manages multiple components, including Foundations, E-Myth, Framework, and Groundwork. Anne-Marie values collaboration and strives to align her work with the vision and expectations of her colleagues. Beyond her professional career, Anne-Marie has a wide range of hobbies and passions. She is an accomplished Olympic weight-lifter. Additionally, with her husband, she started a medical clinic in Martin, TN, a brewery and events center in Paris, TN, and an airbnb property. Their goal is not only to build successful businesses, but also to provide economic stability and job opportunities to as many people as possible. With her extensive background in business, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to personal growth, Anne-Marie Tanner is an extremely valuable asset to NBIC. Her diverse skill set and positive mindset make her a catalyst for success, both for herself and the new businesses she assists.
Saturnie Antoine
Saturnie Antoine has been a part of NBIC since November 2021, serving as the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and has obtained a professional certification in coaching skills. With a diverse background in corporate work spanning over 15 years, Saturnie has worked in various sectors. As the R.I.S.E. UP Program Manager, Saturnie oversees the entire program. Her responsibilities include structuring the curriculum, sourcing speakers, and organizing the launch campaign. Additionally, Saturnie provides personalized professional coaching to the program participants, offering guidance and support to help them scale their businesses to $1 million plus level. Since the commencement of the program in March 2023, under Saturnie’s leadership, R.I.S.E. UP has witnessed numerous accomplishments and successes. Additionally, the program’s focus on emotional intelligence has helped participants navigate internal challenges and overcome obstacles inhibiting their growth. Outside of work, Saturnie values personal time spent with her family and loved ones. Her true passion lies in her role as a professional coach, where she finds fulfillment in assisting women on their journey towards personal and professional growth. Saturnie’s commitment to her clients and her extensive experience, coupled with her excellent coaching skills, allows her to provide comprehensive support to program participants, enabling them to achieve their goals and reach new heights. Under Saturnie’s leadership, the R.I.S.E. UP Program continues to flourish and make a lasting impact on the lives of female entrepreneurs.
Leroy Cunningham
Leroy Cunningham currently occupies the role of Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC. He holds a major degree in Business Administration from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, along with minor degrees in Accounting and Economics. Leroy’s prior engagement with business development consulting brings great strength to the NBIC team. He has worked at three of the largest market capitalization companies in the world – Emerson Electric, General Electric, and Berkshire Hathaway. In his current role as the Community and Capacity Building Manager at NBIC, Leroy wears many hats. One of his primary objectives at NBIC is to increase the number of small minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses qualified to undertake contracts from prime contractors and government entities. By fostering relationships with community partners and engaging with prime contractors and government entities, Leroy works tirelessly to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for these businesses to flourish. Additionally, Leroy dedicates his time to consulting with business owners, providing them with valuable insights and guidance. By helping businesses at their current stage and empowering them to reach their goals, Leroy greatly contributes to the growth and success of NBIC’s clients. Outside of work, Leroy indulges in his love for reading, sports, and travel. With his vast knowledge, dedication, and passion for community empowerment, Leroy is committed to making a meaningful impact at NBIC. His wealth of certifications and global business experience lends a unique perspective and expertise to NBIC’s initiatives, which will undoubtedly drive the organization forward.
Octavia Wilson-Simmons

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.