Dyersburg, TN – March 20, 2025 – Dyersburg based non-profit The Mill Workspace, in partnership with The Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, held the Startup Bootcamp that began Jan. 21, in Paris, TN.
The event included seven sessions in a program designed to help recently launched businesses, or those in the idea phase, more clearly define their business model.
Eleven applicants were accepted into the program from Benton, Henry, Weakley, and Montgomery Counties, who all expressed an interest in having a successful small business in Northwest Tennessee. Participants ranged from crafters and bakers to branding merchandisers and self-defense experts.
Led by The Mill CEO, Chris Donaldson, participants were first guided through several exercises designed to help them learn about themselves, their personalities, their skillsets, and how they can use this information to help build out their team in the future. Sessions focused on marketing and sales, accounting, finances, business structure, planning, legal, and more.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Mill Workspace for their partnership and commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs,” said Leslie Henegar, Executive Director of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. “Their leadership and expertise have provided participants with the tools and knowledge needed to build and sustain successful businesses, strengthening our local economy in the process."
“This collaboration has been an outstanding success, and we look forward to continuing to support entrepreneurs through initiatives like this,” Henegar added. “Thank you to Chris Donaldson and his team at The Mill Workspace for making such a meaningful impact on our business community.”
Some participants included:
Abbey Metcalf, employee of Lakeway Monuments in Paris, TN and Clarksville, TN
Brittany Cameron, owner of Dream Catcher Bake Shop in Weakley County,TN
Roan Grimm, owner of Grimm Realities Academy in Paris,TN
Mark Rogers, owner of RWDY Streetwear in Camden,TN
Teresa Bennett, owner of The Grain Mill in Paris,TN
Rose Owen, owner of Rose Owen Appreciation Ambassador (Appreciation Power) in Paris, TN
Mystie Cordle, owner of Cruise'n with the Cordles in Paris,TN
Leslie McGee, owner of Camden-based business Leslie's Jewels
Elizabeth Richardson
Blake Coleman
Augie Kinsey
Donaldson stated, “It is very fulfilling to see a group of small business owners put in the work to give their ventures the best chance possible. Giving up a night a week for a couple of months indicates to me that they will be successful in what they’ve set out to do.”
For additional information about upcoming workshops and programs, contact The Mill Workspace at (731) 224-7710 or visit their website at TheMillWorkspace.com.
About The Mill Workspace: The Mill Workspace, a DBA of Northwest Tennessee Entrepreneurship, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 entrepreneur center located in Dyersburg, TN and focused on serving entrepreneurs in the nine counties of Northwest Tennessee. They help businesses through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and multi-week programs all designed to help businesses in the region start up and grow. Programs at The Mill are funded in part by a grant from LaunchTN.
