NASHVILLE — Corner to Corner, a nonprofit organization, operates The Academy in Nashville. The program assists in launching businesses and has expanded its zero-interest loan program for entrepreneurs.

The program has helped launch approximately 2,000 businesses. It provides participating entrepreneurs with a 10-week course, which covers customer identification, financial management, and break-even analysis. Following the course, a two-year support phase offers website training, sales classes, and connections to local lenders. Eligibility for the zero-interest loans requires completion of the program or a partner program.

Ninety-four percent of entrepreneurs enrolled in the program identify as Black, and 88% identify as women of color. Shana Berkeley, executive director, said the zero-percent interest loans aim to provide startup capital for businesses. "We've given out $250,000 so far. This year we'll give out another $125,000," Berkeley said. Kayla Hall Ransom, a graduate of the program, started a juicing business after completing the course. "We lent her $1,000 with a 12-month repayment. She paid us back in six weeks. She was able to use that juicer to double her income, get a bigger booth at the farmers market, hire some local high school students to stimulate that economy and the workforce development," Berkeley said.

The program aims to help launch 10,000 businesses over the next decade.

No independent assessment was available for this report.