Programs & Initiatives

“Being a fourth-generation Nashvillian, I wasn’t sure if I would learn anything new from this program, but I was wrong...”

Welcome to

Intro Nashville

The Intro Nashville program was created with the intent of providing community members with insight into our region and an opportunity for participants to grow their network.

Deb Varallo, owner and president of Varallo Public Relations, is one of the many alumni of the program. “Being a third generation Nashvillian, I wasn’t sure if I would learn anything new from this program. “But…much of the history I thought I knew was explained from a different point of view,” said Varallo about her experience in the program.

Deb participated in the Intro Nashville program to grow her network because relationships are the backbone of her success in public relations. She was thrilled to achieve this goal and form connections that led to many new client opportunities. She also enjoyed helping her fellow Intro Nashville alumni, by plugging them into her current network.

This past year, a local business owner that Deb met through the Intro Nashville program reached out looking for an introduction to a fellow community change-maker and friend of hers. Deb provided this Intro Nashville attendee with a great referral and through this new connection, helped her fellow alumni’s business continue to grow.

Welcome to

Nashpreneurs Conference

Sam Davidson, co-founder and CEO of Batch, was named Nashpreneur of the Year at our Nashpreneurs Conference held in June. The award is presented to an individual in the Nashville community who exemplifies what it means to be a “Nashpreneur” — creative, resilient, risk-taking, and a leader who paves the way for other entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed.

Sam became a member of the Chamber when he co-founded Batch in 2013, an online corporate local gift supplier that allows customers and companies to experience a taste of iconic cities. In just two years, Batch crossed the $1M revenue mark and to date, has sold more than a million locally made items, shipped to all 50 states and dozens of countries. Through many struggles, like the March 2020 tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam used his connections in the Nashville community to help Batch persevere and succeed, keeping customers, vendors and employees engaged in ways that have resulted in year-over-year growth. Batch’s product line sources exclusively for small businesses all over America, making it a vital lifeline during times like these.

Based on his entrepreneurial experiences and ability to pivot under duress and stay agile, Sam was asked to chair the Chamber’s Small Business Committee, and just recently joined the Chamber’s Board of Directors. He has been a steadfast supporter of the Chamber and our small business initiatives, investing in his community every chance he has.

“Entrepreneurial communities provide safety, growth and meaning, and I’ve always found the chamber to be that haven...”

HIghlights

Highlight #1

In May 2022, Leadership Study Mission sent 130 delegates from the Nashville Region to San Diego, CA for a three-day event focused on economic inclusivity, talent pipelines, affordability and accessibility, and more.

Highlight #2

The Nashville Chamber and YP Nashville hosted the Fifteenth Annual Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELA) where we recognized young professionals ages 21-40 in 13 different industry categories for their significant accomplishments.

Highlight #3

In partnership with Music City Center and First Horizon, small and minority-owned businesses were given the opportunity to hear from panels of experts and participate in a vendor procurement Small and Diverse Business Forum/Fair.

Highlight #4

The Area Advisory Councils kicked off an economic development series in partnership with the Research and Marketing Departments to present infographics on each area along with a panel to discuss updates and developments.

Highlight #5

Coffee, Content, and Conversation was a virtual learning opportunity for members during the pandemic in 2020. These programs featured relevant industry topics and speakers and have been such a success, we have continued to host them virtually over the past year.

Highlight #6

The Chamber hosts our small business community monthly to offer resources, learning sessions, and networking opportunities. Business Studio is offered in a hybrid model to make it more accessible to the busy small business owner.