by Emma Ayala | Jul 22, 2025 | Ecosystem Advice
Building Connection in Real Life: Paishence Williams & the Johnson City Social Club When Paishence Williams moved from the bustle of Los Angeles to Johnson City, she quickly realized something was missing, not the amenities or charm, but the connection. Making...
by David Nelson | Jun 18, 2025 | Ecosystem Advice
Why the Avante Canvas Is a Smarter Alternative to the Co-Starters Canvas In the rapidly evolving landscape of business planning, entrepreneurs are constantly on the lookout for tools that empower their vision and streamline their process. Enter the Avante Canvas—a...
by Isaac Deel | Jun 17, 2025 | Ecosystem Advice
Johnson City, TN — June 3, 2025 — United Way of East TN Highlands and FoundersForge are proud to announce a new partnership to support small businesses impacted by the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. United Way’s Board of Directors has approved...
by Emma Ayala | Jun 12, 2025 | Ecosystem Advice
Andrew Baxter | WannaBet Andrew Baxter joined the first Avante cohort with a bold idea: make betting fun, social, and accessible. His startup, WannaBet, is a community betting app designed for friends to place small wagers on everyday Recognizing that traditional...
by Isaac Deel | Apr 2, 2025 | Ecosystem Advice
Sometimes the best resource for founders is other founders Rural communities often lack the resources, access to capital, and support that larger business ecosystems provide. Founders in these areas are given an ultimatum—migrate to other communities in search of...
by David Nelson | Oct 21, 2024 | Ecosystem Advice
Traditional economic development models, such as recruiting large factories or corporations, are proving to be less effective, particularly in rural towns and small cities. While these methods once promised growth and stability, today’s economic landscape demands a...
