COMMUNITY

Our community partners include successful business leaders, industry experts, academic institutions, and strategic advisors who are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals. By connecting local founders with these valuable resources, NCN helps companies navigate the challenges of building high growth businesses. NCN leverages our resources to promote entrepreneurship in the region and support a healthy continuum of capital. Through our education programs, academic partnerships, events, and community focused initiatives NCN creates a positive environment for entrepreneurship and promotes economic growth.

SPONSORS

UNDERWRITERS

PATRONS

COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD

Tom Wylly (NCN Chairman)

Brentwood Capital Advisors

Hal Andrews

Trilliant Health

Tyson Bickley

Holland & Knight

Jesse Bland

Heritage Group

Joan Butters

Xsolis

Barbara Cannon

Community Partner

Sid Chambless

NCN

Frank Gordon

Crofton Capital

Phil Hertik

Private Investor

Michael Holley

Bass, Berry & Sims

Bryce Jenney

Insperity

Kris Kemp

Bradley

Jim Kever

Voyent Partners

Jim Lackey

EnableComp

Jim Meade

LBMC

Rob Metcalf

Concert

Chase Perry

NCN

Clint Smith

Founder, Emma

John Titus

Bradley

Bradford Vieira

ServisFirst Bank

Brian Waller

Highspring

Hart Weatherford

Old National Bank

NCN-Vanderbilt Partnership

For 20 years, NCN has partnered with Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to provide MBA students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real business situations. Many of our Owen Associates have gone on to work in the finance and entrepreneur communities. To learn more about the internship program or apply for the position, please email contact@nashvillecapital.com.

Fred C. Goad, Jr. Legacy Award

The Fred C. Goad, Jr. Legacy Award was established in the memory of Fred Goad, who passed away June 4, 2025. The award is presented to a businessperson who emulates the wonderful work of Fred Goad. Fred was an entrepreneur, investor, salesman, and visionary. He was humble, principled, and eager to support others. Fred made hundreds of investments in start-up companies and lent his time and expertise to the entrepreneurs he supported with capital. He was a guide, mentor, and friend.

Fred’s business connections were all very personal in nature and people loved to partner with him. In addition to the great success he had with Envoy, Fred enjoyed notable outcomes with HealthSpring, Sy.Med, Emdeon, Papa Pilar Rum, Big Borassa Music, and a variety of other ventures. Fred was also involved in numerous charities. Through the Goad Family Foundation, Fred and Deana donated to more than 50 causes, with a focus on children’s health, veterans, and education. Fred’s success in entrepreneurship and investment is legendary, and this award is a tribute to that.

2026 Recipient: Jim Kever