Entrepreneurship drives Middle Tennessee’s growth with over 21,000 small businesses powering nearly half the local workforce. Yet many founders still struggle to access the tools and networks they need to thrive, especially those who are minorities, women, or veterans.
That’s where the Nashville Business Incubation Center (NBIC) comes in. We’re a nonprofit that closes the gap in access to business support by offering free or affordable programming, mentorship, and community to help entrepreneurs not just survive, but thrive and weather every storm.
We believe that when you support an entrepreneur, you’re not just backing a single dream: You’re investing in the economic, cultural, and generational wealth of our communities. That kind of impact multiplies far beyond one business. It builds neighborhoods. It transforms families. And it leaves a legacy.
Ready to make a difference? Refer someone to NBIC today.
Here’s What You Can Do:
Thank you for being part of this powerful network of change makers.
Are you a business owner looking for support on your next steps?
One introduction can open the door to transformation, both for the entrepreneur and for the community they serve. When a business becomes stable and profitable, it can hire, reinvest, mentor others, and influence change in its neighborhood. This is how legacies are built.
Good things happen when we lift each other up. NBIC graduate Reggie Polk referred his church friend, Herbert Avery of Sir Basil’s Boneyard, who recently completed Foundations which provided the tools and resources he needed to build his business plan, and Herbert is now preparing to launch his dream of having his own food truck.
Throughout August, NBIC is launching four tailored cohort programs designed to meet entrepreneurs exactly where they are in their journey whether they’re launching their first side hustle or refining operations in an existing company.
Our completely free series walks entrepreneurs through the essentials of running a business, from entity formation and pricing to marketing and customer experience. It’s perfect for those who have an idea, a passion, or a product, but need help turning it into a functional business.
Guides entrepreneurs in mapping out a 90-day strategic growth plan. Designed for entrepreneurs ready to move from reactive operations to intentional, sustainable growth.
Supports established business owners with backend operations and systems for scalability. Focuses on strengthening operations, delegating with intention, and preparing for long-term success. It’s built for business owners who are past the startup phase and ready to grow.
A group focused on collaboration, accountability and support and includes a complimentary copy of The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. The program is rooted in the belief that most small businesses don’t work because the owners never shift from “doing the work” to “building the business.” This community helps them make that shift with peers and purpose through structured interactions to tackle business challenges together.
* Scholarships available for qualifying participants.
Small Business. Big Impact. Make the Introduction.
Send someone to NBIC and watch them thrive. One referral leads to endless possibilities. Thank you for standing with NBIC and helping us grow businesses from tiny acorns to mighty oaks.
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.
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.
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.
Fill out the form below, and a member of our team reach out regarding your sponsorship.
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.
