Pictured: Jade Adams, Founder of Oglewood Avenue and member of the 1st 100Knoxville cohort

Applications are now closed for the next 100Knoxville Grant Program.

Applications for our second Fall 100Knoxville Grant Program are now closed, and are in the review phase. For specific details about the program, visit the grant program page here, and check out our other upcoming events!

Our goal is to help Black-owned businesses in Knoxville grow by $10,000,000 in 5 years.

Black-owned businesses are essential for increasing wealth and jobs in Knoxville.

By rallying our community around the goal of growing Black-owned businesses in Knoxville by $10,000,000 in 5 years, we can help our community thrive today and for generations to come.

We’re going to start with a cohort of Black-owned firms in a new 5x5x5 program. Our goal is to help double their revenue through investment of time and talent, and access to social, political, and financial capital.

Knoxville demographics

Black Poverty
in Knoxville

Approximately 1 in 6 Knoxville residents is Black. According to the U.S. Census, Knoxville has the highest Black poverty rate of large cities in Tennessee, and among the highest Black poverty rates in the country. U.S. Census Bureau

Black Firms with Employees

There are 97 Black-owned firms in Knoxville with employees. Average annual receipts are $1,125,649. By contrast, there are 6,983 white-owned firms with employees. Average annual receipts are $2,766,717. U.S. Census Bureau

Black Firms without Employees

There are 2,145 Black-owned firms in Knoxville without employees. Average annual receipts are $16,942. By contrast, there are 29,454 white-owned firms without employees. Average annual receipts are $54,485. U.S. Census Bureau

Read about the impact of the 100Knoxville Grant Cohorts, hear from our facilitator - Kandis Troutman, and see how the grant program has impacted local business owner, Jade Adams, in a case study for her business - Oglewood Avenue.

READ THE 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Thank you to the Black entrepreneurs who are making Knoxville a great place to live and work. Thank you to The 800 Initiative in Memphis for inspiring our efforts in Knoxville. Thank you to the many people who have contributed their time and talent so far including Jim Biggs, Brandon Bruce, Don Bruce, John Bruck, Carter Hall, Deidra Harper, Tanika Harper, Rick Held, Kenneth Herring, Lina Kornmeyer, Doug Minter, Nancy Nabors, Amy Nolan, Mike Odom, Matt Padgett, Tennion Reed, Tommy Smith, Rick Staples, Darris Upton, Clarence Vaughn, Stephanie Welch, Kanika White, and many more.