Carrying the Torch Through Memphis: Epicenter

Tell us about Epicenter: What’s the mission statement and vision? Who do you serve? Why is the work you do important? 

Founding and running a tech company is a grind, and we believe that anyone in the Delta who is building an innovative business should have everything they need right here in order to do that. Epicenter exists to provide innovative entrepreneurs with the programs, resources, and physical space to found, build, and grow their businesses. 
 

Why is Epicenter located in Memphis?

We’re solely focused on two things – how we can best support the needs of innovative entrepreneurs in the Greater Memphis region, and engaging a diverse and underrepresented group of entrepreneurs to build a pipeline of founders that aligns with the demographics of the City. Our programming is unique to Memphis as it emphasizes our biggest business clusters, like logistics and medical devices. 
 

How can Memphians get involved with Epicenter or volunteer? 

 You can donate to Epicenter (a 501(c)(3) organization) directly, which helps scale programs and investments for entrepreneurs across our region. You can also support entrepreneurs by donating your time via mentorship, expertise, and general business support by e-mailing us at [email protected]. For those interested in signing up for our newsletter, they can do that here. Also, come visit us at our location Downtown (150 Peabody Pl, Memphis, TN 38103)! 

What are some big events or fundraisers that your organization has annually, and how can people contribute? 

The beauty of Epicenter is that we’re consistently hosting programs and events where people can come and get a sense of the important work we’re doing or get the business support that they need. One of our biggest annual events is our ZeroTo510 Demo Day, held on December 12, 2024, during which our medtech accelerator participants demo their innovations. 

Our second event is an exciting new addition for us! In 2025, we’re planning to host our first Delta Region Innovation Conference to play a convening role for innovation stakeholders in the area to build relationships and share best practices. 

We’re also adding a new program called Epicenter Live – a curation of groundbreaking programming that integrates tech innovation with Memphis culture. This is a quarterly Tiny Desk-inspired event series showcasing the greatness Memphis has to offer. By featuring local musicians, food, drinks, and innovative businesses, we remind Memphians why this is such a great place to live and thrive. 
 

Tell us about Epicenter’s dreams and goals for the short-term and long-term? What does success look like for your organization? What changes does Epicenter hope to see or bring about? 

Ultimately we hope to see the tech and startup scene flourishing in Memphis. We envision founders coming from all walks of life and backgrounds, well-trained talent to support those companies, and an active investment community of venture funds and corporate partners to help provide the capital needed to grow and scale those companies. 
 

Tell us a little about you: How long have you been working with Epicenter? What is your current role? How did you personally get involved with this organization? 

I’m currently the President and CEO of Epicenter. I’ve been in this role since June 2024, but from 2018-2022 I served as the Director of Capital Programs at Epicenter before heading to Little Rock as President of Southern Bancorp Community Partners, a nonprofit loan fund CDFI. I’ve always been passionate about helping create a more inclusive and equitable economy and I’ve been extremely fortunate to get to that in a really unique way through Epicenter.