New nonprofit ‘FoundersForge’ launches to help entrepreneur startups across the region

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)- A local entrepreneur network is re-branding into a nonprofit that hopes to shape the region’s economic future. The Startup Tri-Cities network will now be known as ‘FoundersForge.’ Members of this new organization believe the region has the potential to become a hotbed for tech startups over the next decade. A launch event was held at Spark Plaza in downtown Johnson City on Thursday night.

FoundersForge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a structured staff to foster startup growth in the region. One goal is helping develop 100 startups in the region in 10 years.

“We’re looking at the Appalachian Highlands, saying how can we effectively curate events and experiences that help entrepreneurs and startups?” said FoundersForge board member Jose Castillo.

“Really our focus is high-growth startups,” said FoundersForge Director David Nelson. “We’re very much looking towards the tech businesses, the apps, the services, the devices. Businesses in that direction. We feel we can curate and support those best.”