The Biz Foundry plans to host the market each year at the end of April
COOKEVILLE — The first ever Made Here Market, hosted by The Biz Foundry Entrepreneur Center, filled Cookeville’s historic Westside on Saturday, April 27. The Market, which was projected to have 800 to 1,000 visitors in attendance, welcomed an estimated 4,000 visitors.
Made Here Market is a celebration of local makers and businesses across the Upper Cumberland region. The event, born out of a desire to help local entrepreneurs showcase themselves, was free to the public. It boasted 56 local makers and food trucks, live music from four local bands, artist demos, and children’s activities.
“As advocates for entrepreneurship, nothing excites us more than seeing new entrepreneurs encouraged, empowered, and ready to kick-start their businesses across the region,” explained Jeff Brown, president of The Biz Foundry. And the Made Here Market vendors left on Saturday feeling just that way.
One vendor stated, “This was the first event I’ve done, and I am beyond thrilled with how it turned out! My sales were great, I got my name and work out there, and it made me feel more validated as an artist.”
Several others have sent similar messages of thanks, asking to be a part of it again next year.
The Biz Foundry was so amazed with the support they received for the event and the overwhelmingly positive response from the local community. They would like to thank the Cumberland Area Investment Corporation, WCTE, StoneCom Media, Progressive Savings Bank, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, and Bluewaters Equipment Rental for their generous support. The Biz Foundry also thanks community partners Hip Cookeville, Red Silo Brewing Company, CityScape, and CHEC for their help in putting together such a successful event.
Made Here Market will return to Cookeville next year on Saturday, April 25, 2020.
A list of vendors who were showcased at this year’s Market can still be found on The Biz Foundry’s website (www.thebizfoundry.org/made-here-market). Market tote bags are also available at The Biz Foundry through the month of May; these totes support locally owned and operated businesses in the downtown Cookeville area, containing fun freebies, discount cards, and a scavenger hunt game with a prize basket valued at $1000. The Biz Foundry’s website has more information on this as well.
The Biz Foundry, partnered with LaunchTN, is Upper Cumberland’s entrepreneur center. This non-profit organization is designed to act as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation in the U.C., providing a variety of resources for entrepreneurs and business owners of all types and stages. This includes consultations, workshops, office spaces, and more. For more information about The Biz Foundry, go to www.thebizfoundry.orgor visit their space at 114 N. Cedar Avenue in Cookeville.
