Business Calendar

Do you have an idea that will help continue to grow Historic Downtown Bristol VA/TN?
Are you an entrepreneur and local community advocate?
Are you just getting started with your product or service idea and think that downtown is the right fit?
Are you already in business downtown but have plan to expand your business offering new services or growing your current location?

If so, you are eligible to participate in the Ben Collins Memorial Entrepreneur Grant Program.

Thanks to a Community Development grant from Wells Fargo, Believe in Bristol will be awarding $5,000 in grant funding to a winning and innovative business idea for downtown Bristol!

Applicants will apply online atBelieveInBristol.org/businessor in person at the Believe in Bristol office located at 20 6th Street, Bristol, TN. Applications accepted February 13th – March 3rd, 2019.

Applicants will be notified by Friday, March 8th, 2019 if they are selected to move forward with the interview process. Applicant interviews will be scheduled the week of March 11 – March 14, 2019.

The top 10 businesses selected to move forward in the grant program will be notified by Friday, March 15, 2019.

Week 1 – What is a Business Plan? – March 19, 2019
Week 2 – Business Structure: From a Tax and Legal Perspective – March 26, 2019
Week 3 – Discovering the Bottom Line & Cash Flow – April 2, 2019
Week 4 – Customer Service & Adaptability – April 16, 2019
Week 5 – Understanding Your Market – April 23, 2019
Pitch Day – Small Business Week – May 5-11, 2019 (Specifics TBA)

Class Format: Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Believe in Bristol office located at 20 6th Street Bristol, TN, unless notified otherwise. Refreshments will be provided.

Please note that by participating in this grant process, no reasonable expectation of confidentiality can be expected. This is public grant funded monies and confidentiality can’t be guaranteed.

The grant money is contingent on;

Opening or expanding a business in the Historic Main Street District of Downtown Bristol
Participation and attendance in a 5-week training course, which includes 2-hour classes and outside field work.
Becoming the top business selected by a panel of judges during the final pitch day event.
Opening or expanding your existing business by September 30, 2019.
This reimbursement grant maybe used for property ownership, leased space, business licenses, professional training, utilities, computer equipment, restaurant equipment, and/or other business supplies. A formal request to Believe in Bristol along with documentation will be required for the reimbursement.

For questions please call the Believe in Bristol office at 423-573-2201.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY BY MARCH 3RD

Welcome, Entrepreneurs!

UPDATE February 16th, 2017: Classes are under way! Pitch Day will be held on April 29th, 2017 by invitation only.

UPDATE January 20th, 2017: We are in the process of selecting and notifying the 18 finalists now.

UPDATE October 19th, 2016: Believe in Bristol Awarded Virginia Community Business Launch Grant

UPDATE April 19th, 2016: Belive in Bristol Wins Tennessee Main Street Entrepreneur Grant

Our first year winner featured in commercial

Bristol Brewing is full steam ahead after getting some help from Bank of Tennessee. UPDATE: Brewmeister and Entrepreneur Extraordinaire Ken Monyak will be leading our 2017 Co.Starters training class!

We believe in YOU

Believe in Bristol supports and welcomes entrepreneurs to our downtown — not just a beautiful and fun place to be, but a great place to do business as well.

We provide free promotion, business alerts, gatherings, classes, and so much more. Come down to the IdeaSpace (located in the Visitor's Center / Believe in Bristol HQ) and explore your dreams today!