NASHVILLE – Fifteen minority-owned Nashville businesses from a variety of hospitality-related industries have been selected to participate in Music City Chart Climbers: Amplifying Diverse Hospitality presented by Amazon, a program to engage and equip diverse communities by connecting them with opportunities in Nashville’s hospitality industry. Participants represent a wide range of sectors, including convention suppliers, food & beverage, retail, visitor experiences, and more.
“Through Music City Chart Climbers, a diverse group of businesses connected to the hospitality industry will gain valuable insights and tools to tap into our thriving tourism and convention sectors,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “This program reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing opportunities for minority-owned businesses to benefit from Music City’s success.”
During the eight-month program, Music City Chart Climbers will offer complimentary NCVC membership, education, and networking opportunities to small and economically disadvantaged businesses. The program is a key initiative outlined in the strategic plan developed by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp in collaboration with the hospitality industry, released earlier this year.
The first cohort of Music City Chart Climbers includes: Attendants Inc., Catering Concepts by Timothy, Creative Soulz Printing, Demirebel, Giraffe Transport Services, HunnyDo’s Date Planning, Juice Pharm, Music City Creative, Nashville Flying Dress, Ivory Cotton Bar, Tea Rose, The Black Candle Company, The Pepper Pott, The Sip and Smoke Experience and Who Spilled the Veggies Co.
They will attend two-hour sessions once a month on topics such as hospitality, sales, marketing, PR/social media, human resources, finance and accounting, and entrepreneurship.
Participants were selected by a diverse panel of industry and community leaders, including Dr. Isaac Y. Addae (Mayor’s Office), Dr. Syb Brown (Belmont University), Mignon Francois (The Cupcake Collection), Ivey (NCVC), Mesut Keklik (Edessa Restaurant), Pam Martin (Cushion Employer Services), Patrick Martin (Martin Investment Group), Tony Phillips (Bobby Hotel), Courtney Ross (Amazon), Amy Seigenthaler (FINN Partners) and Martha Silva (Conexion Americas).
Music City Chart Climbers was open to businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+, women, the disability community and veterans. The NCVC partnered with several local minority and multicultural business organizations to broaden the depth of outreach to qualified businesses.
The program will culminate with recognition at the NCVC’s annual Chairman & President’s Luncheon in Fall 2025. Graduates who complete the program will also receive a monetary gift to invest in their business, along with one free year of NCVC membership and a reduced-price membership for a second year.
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Visit Music City
The mission of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Visit Music City is to maximize the economic contribution of the convention and tourism industry to the community by developing and marketing Nashville as a premier destination. Visit the NCVC’s website at www.visitmusiccity.com and follow us on social media @VisitMusicCity.
###