Nashpreneurs Partner Profile: Business Enterprise Resource Office
Nashpreneurs Partner Profiles put the spotlight on organizations in Middle Tennessee that help entrepreneurs succeed. To be featured in an upcoming profile, email Jordan Taylor Sloan at jtaylorsloan@nashvillechamber.com.
Wisty Pender
State Director, BERO
TN Dept. of Economic and Community Development
Who are you and what do you do?
I serve as the state director of the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO), which is housed within the TN Dept. of Economic and Community Development. BERO is the lead advocate for economic inclusion of disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in Tennessee. The office focuses on the analysis, dissemination and promotion of best practices and access to capital for DBEs and service providers. In addition, BERO reports on behalf of DBEs to the Governor and General Assembly.
Note: Economic inclusion describes the efforts made to bring DBEs into the economic mainstream. For the purposes of BERO, DBE refers to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities; as well as those in areas of chronic high unemployment and low income.
What are some resources that you have?
The TN Smart Start is an online tool (and printed!) that helps people access crucial resources to help start their business in Tennessee. You can visualize your business model and get connected to resources you need to grow - including info on programs funded through initiatives like Tennessee Placemaker Entrepreneurship Fund. There really are an amazing number of programs and initiatives to for DBEs and small businesses across Tennessee!
Why do you do what you do?
I believe in DBEs, microenterprises, small businesses and entrepreneurs. They are the lifeblood of our communities and builders of our economy.
DBEs and small businesses face distinct challenges. So far, I have had two businesses myself and my parents started and grew multiple businesses. As such, I understand some of those challenges very well. I am passionate about connecting someone to what helps them take that next step, test an idea, find capital or a new market, hire an employee, access and understand procurement and contracting, etc. Whether it is simple or complex, every person needs the right resource at the right time.
What is your favorite part of your organization?
What we do matters to future and current Tennesseans’ everyday quality of life, and the people who work at TNECD take that to heart. Our mission clearly represents it: We are passionate about developing dynamic, diverse economies and thriving communities for generations of Tennesseans.
What advice do you have for Nashpreneurs?
There are so many resources available to you and a lot of them you can access through the BERO website. It can be overwhelming, but find what works for you. Keep in mind that not everything works for everyone, and what works for you right now may not work for you down the road, and vice versa. Do the work. Also, talk to other Nashpreneurs – it can get lonely when you’re when building a business.
Why is the Nashville region a great place to be a small business?
Nashville is a dynamic area… need I say more?