CO.STARTERS Pitch Night 2025
From the start, theCO has been committed to helping entrepreneurs in West Tennessee, and CO.STARTERS is one of the programs we use to support them. It’s a nine-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn their business ideas into action. The 2025 CO.STARTERS class is coming to a close with 12 participants, and that means one thing: Pitch Night!
You will have a chance to interact with them before they pitch. Between 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. there will be a come and go time where each business will be set up at a station. Enjoy some snacks and drinks while you go from station to station to get to know each of these businesses a bit more one-on-one. Then at 7:00 p.m. we'll start the pitch presentations. Each business will take the stage and pack everything they've been learning from the past 9 weeks into a quick but thorough presentation. Join us on Tuesday, April 15th at theCO to celebrate and encourage these businesses to thrive in and around West TN!
Becca Creasy
Gylden Bake House is a micro bakery specializing in artisan sourdough bread and pastries.
Instagram: @gyldenbakehouse
Facebook: Gylden Bake House
Alice Hardin
Live Acoustic folk music classes for children 0-5 and their caregivers.
Instagram: @musicwithalice
Facebook: Alice Hardin
Alex McCandless
Provides solutions for strategy and funding to stabilize, refine, and scale your mission-minded business. Services include grant writing, consulting, and strategic planning.
LinkedIn: Alex McCandless
Shelby Tyre
The Reel Collective is a creative production community based in Jackson, TN, dedicated to telling powerful stories and empowering filmmakers. What began as a vision for West Tennessee has grown into a passionate team that supports emerging talent, builds connections, and brings indie filmmaking to life through events like the Hub City Film Festival. We believe in the power of storytelling and collaboration to shape a bold, inspiring future.
Instagram: @thereelcollectiveofjackson
Destinee Boyd
The Destinee Experience curates unforgettable events that bring people together through creativity, ambiance, and connection. From upscale soirées to empowering gatherings, we design stylish and engaging experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Instagram: @thedestineeexperience
Arnika Carter
Loaded Juice is a cold-pressed juice business offering fresh, nutrient-packed juices, smoothies, and health shots, available online, at local events, and through a food truck. With nationwide shipping and a focus on natural ingredients, Loaded Juice makes it easy to fuel a healthier lifestyle.
Instagram: @loadedjuice_
Facebook: Loaded Juice
Ashley Akerson
An art-centered afterschool program committed to empowering our youth through the transformative and uplifting power of visual and culinary arts.
Instagram: @dreamsandmakersartclub
Facebook: Dreamers and Makers
DeNitra Davis
Knewtritional Knowledge empowers individuals to reverse chronic illness and improve metabolic health through personalized lifestyle changes and science-backed education. By addressing insulin resistance and closing the gap between misinformation and truth, they help people reclaim their vitality and thrive.
Instagram: @advocatorcoacheducator
Facebook: Knewtritional Knowledge
Chalise Dowell
Royalty by Nature Farms
We are a small family owned farm. Who grows orangic produce from farm to table . We believe that God created everything on this earth for the nutrition of our mind body and soul.
Facebook: Royalty by Nature Farms
Elysia Cecchetti
Atelier Hats is a bespoke hat-making studio dedicated to crafting high-quality, handcrafted headwear. We blend timeless craftsmanship with modern design, using premium materials to create unique, custom-fitted hats. Each piece is meticulously designed to reflect individuality and style.
Instagram: @atelierhats
Lakesha Tucker
Tucker’s Custom Designs specializes in high-quality direct-to-film (DTF) transfers and UV DTF stickers, making custom printing easy for crafters, small business owners, and apparel brands. We also create custom T-shirts and personalized craft items for any occasion.
Facebook: Tucker’s Custom Designs
Instagram: @tuckerscustomdesigns
Robyn Winston - Hicks
Blissful Boards Charcuterie Company
Blisfull Boards Charcuterie Company creates custom, beautifully crafted charcuterie boards for any occasion and offers interactive workshops to teach the art of board building. We curate a delicious selection of artisanal cheeses, meats, and fresh ingredients, ensuring an unforgettable experience for both personal events and learning sessions.
Instagram: @blissful_boards_charcuterie_co