How to Develop Underrepresented Entrepreneurs in Tennessee

Building a thriving economy begins with unlocking the untapped potential within our communities. In Tennessee, one organization is doing just that—empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs to transform their lives, their families, and their neighborhoods. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Will Acuff, co-founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit dedicated to equipping underestimated Nashvillians with the tools to launch and grow their businesses. Through our conversation, Will painted a vivid picture of how communities can foster entrepreneurial growth and create pathways to economic equity.

Supporting 1,200+ Entrepreneurs

It’s no secret that racial disparities in wealth persist across the United States. Will highlighted a startling statistic: the median Black family in the U.S. has only one-tenth the wealth of the median white family, with Black families experiencing higher rates of downward mobility. Corner to Corner is addressing this gap by focusing on opportunity—helping neighbors build the skills, networks, and confidence to launch businesses. Since its inception, over 1,200 entrepreneurs have graduated from the nonprofit’s Academy Program, a 10-week intensive course designed to help participants turn business dreams into sustainable realities. What makes this program so impactful is its practicality. Participants leave equipped with actionable tools, from mastering the Lean Canvas business model to honing their pitch and finding their first customers.

This focus on practicality is what sets Corner to Corner apart. Many entrepreneurial dreams falter because people remain stuck in the “aiming” phase, endlessly preparing but never pulling the trigger. Will shared the story of Marcus, a graduate who dreamed of opening a restaurant but lacked the capital to make it happen immediately. Instead of shelving his idea, Marcus started small by catering out of his home, experimenting with recipes, and learning what customers loved. After three years of persistence, he opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Coneheads, specializing in chicken and waffles served in a cone. When COVID-19 hit, threatening to shutter restaurants across the country, Marcus pivoted again, leveraging his catering experience to excel in takeout and delivery. By the end of 2020, Marcus was thriving—so much so that he donated scholarships to other aspiring entrepreneurs in the program.

The Academy’s community-centered approach plays a significant role in its success. Classes are held in familiar spaces like rec centers, family resource hubs, and neighborhood churches—places where participants feel at home. This intentionality removes logistical and cultural barriers, making the program accessible to those who might otherwise feel excluded. Will emphasized the importance of meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally. The Academy’s ethos is rooted in neighbor-to-neighbor connection, fostering trust and collaboration from the outset.

Black Female Entrepreneurs Lead Corner to Corner Graduates

One of the most striking aspects of Corner to Corner’s work is its success in empowering Black women entrepreneurs, who make up 88% of Academy graduates. While this wasn’t an intentional focus at first, word-of-mouth and culturally relevant programming have made the Academy a trusted resource for Black women in the community. This is especially significant given the systemic barriers they face: only 0.5% of Black women in the U.S. own businesses, compared to 13% of white men. By providing a supportive space and practical tools, Corner to Corner is helping close the opportunity gap and demonstrating the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

Will’s philosophy of abundance underpins much of Corner to Corner’s mission. He shared how his own journey—from growing up with a scarcity mindset to embracing the idea of relational abundance—has shaped his work. “Our amazing neighbors already have passion, creativity, and drive,” he said. “No nonprofit needs to give them what the divine already gave them. We’re just building a bridge of opportunity.” This mindset shift—from seeing resources as finite to believing in the possibility of growth—resonates deeply with the entrepreneurs the program serves. It’s also reflected in the Academy’s emphasis on testing and iterating. Participants are encouraged to try out their ideas and learn from the market, understanding that failure is often just a step toward success.

Another defining feature of Corner to Corner is its lifetime guarantee. Graduates can return at any time for support, whether they’re navigating a roadblock or scaling to the next level. Will shared the story of Lamar, who started a balloon-arch business as a side hustle while working a full-time job. As his business grew, he hit a point where he needed commercial space to handle larger contracts. With Corner to Corner’s help, Lamar connected with a real estate mentor who guided him through the process of finding and leasing space. This kind of long-term support ensures that graduates not only launch their businesses but also sustain and grow them over time.

Community at its Core

Community is at the heart of everything Corner to Corner does. Will spoke passionately about the importance of creating environments where entrepreneurs feel seen, valued, and supported. The program isn’t just about economic development—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and partnership. “We’re not coming to our neighbors as saviors,” Will said. “We’re coming as peers. We’re both givers and receivers.” This approach flips traditional power dynamics and creates a space where everyone has something to contribute.

The stories coming out of Corner to Corner are a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship. From Marcus’s pivot to takeout during the pandemic to Melanie’s journey from catering to pursuing grocery-store contracts, these entrepreneurs are not just changing their own lives—they’re creating ripple effects throughout their communities. As Will put it, “When one entrepreneur succeeds, they lift up their family, their neighborhood, and ultimately, their city.”

Corner to Corner’s work is a powerful reminder that economic development begins at the local level. By providing practical tools, fostering community, and challenging the narrative of scarcity, they are empowering underestimated entrepreneurs to rewrite their stories—and the stories of their neighborhoods. It’s a model that has the potential to inspire similar efforts across the state and beyond. For Tennessee, a state facing significant challenges but brimming with potential, this kind of work couldn’t be more important.