The Founder’s
Blog
Looking for advice, stories from real startups, or unique perspectives on our region's entrepreneurial growth? You've come to the right place!
Norton Virginia Is Reshaping How Appalachian Cities Build an Outdoor Economy
by Isaac Deel | Jul 28, 2026 | Blog
I've made the early morning trip from Johnson City, up route 23 to Norton, Virginia many times in the past few years. Once you pass through Big Stone Gap, VA, the road gets steeper and the view…
Read More: Norton Virginia Is Reshaping How Appalachian Cities Build an Outdoor Economy
The Johnson City Farmers Market Is Where Businesses Are Born
by Emma Ayala | Jun 9, 2026 | Startup Advice
For local founders, those Saturday morning tents have become one of the best launchpads a new business can have. Green Llama is proof.
Read More: The Johnson City Farmers Market Is Where Businesses Are Born
From Church Band Guitar to a Full-Time Music Career
by Emma Ayala | Jul 30, 2026 | Startup Advice
Trevin Sluss quit his day job three years ago with nothing but a guitar, a following, and a plan. Booked 29 times this July, he's running a one-person business, proof that entrepreneurship comes in all different shapes and sizes around here, from grocery stores to singing.
Read More: From Church Band Guitar to a Full-Time Music Career
High Growth or Small Business? Here's the Real Difference
by Emma Ayala | Jul 1, 2026 | Startup Advice
Not every business is supposed to become an empire, and not every business is supposed to stay small. Two Tennessee companies show exactly what each path looks like.
Read More: High Growth or Small Business? Here's the Real Difference
Wants You to Meet Your Farmer
by Emma Ayala | Jul 30, 2026 | Startup Advice
Ariel and Zach White are opening a bulk grocery store on W. Walnut Street, and they want you to walk out knowing whose hands grew what's in your cart, and how to actually use it.
Read More: Wants You to Meet Your Farmer
The Business That Works When You're Not There
by Emma Ayala | Jun 30, 2026 | Startup Advice
A tennis exhibition, a stranger's empty seat, and a framework Kylie Wade has used twice to leave careers she'd outgrown. Now she's using it to build a company that doesn't need her in every room.
Read More: The Business That Works When You're Not There
From Church Band Guitar to a Full-Time Music Career
by Emma Ayala | Jul 30, 2026 | Startup Advice
Trevin Sluss quit his day job three years ago with nothing but a guitar, a following, and a plan. Booked 29 times this July, he's running a one-person business, proof that entrepreneurship comes in all different shapes and sizes around here, from grocery stores to singing.
Read More: From Church Band Guitar to a Full-Time Music CareerWants You to Meet Your Farmer
by Emma Ayala | Jul 30, 2026 | Startup Advice
Ariel and Zach White are opening a bulk grocery store on W. Walnut Street, and they want you to walk out knowing whose hands grew what's in your cart, and how to actually use it.
Read More: Wants You to Meet Your FarmerNorton Virginia Is Reshaping How Appalachian Cities Build an Outdoor Economy
by Isaac Deel | Jul 28, 2026 | Blog
I've made the early morning trip from Johnson City, up route 23 to Norton, Virginia many times in the past few years. Once you pass through Big Stone Gap, VA, the road gets steeper and the view…
Read More: Norton Virginia Is Reshaping How Appalachian Cities Build an Outdoor EconomyHigh Growth or Small Business? Here's the Real Difference
by Emma Ayala | Jul 1, 2026 | Startup Advice
Not every business is supposed to become an empire, and not every business is supposed to stay small. Two Tennessee companies show exactly what each path looks like.
Read More: High Growth or Small Business? Here's the Real DifferenceThe Business That Works When You're Not There
by Emma Ayala | Jun 30, 2026 | Startup Advice
A tennis exhibition, a stranger's empty seat, and a framework Kylie Wade has used twice to leave careers she'd outgrown. Now she's using it to build a company that doesn't need her in every room.
Read More: The Business That Works When You're Not ThereThe Johnson City Farmers Market Is Where Businesses Are Born
by Emma Ayala | Jun 9, 2026 | Startup Advice
For local founders, those Saturday morning tents have become one of the best launchpads a new business can have. Green Llama is proof.
Read More: The Johnson City Farmers Market Is Where Businesses Are BornHave an article idea for our blog?
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