Ecosystem Exchange:

Building Connections and Shaping What’s Next

Supporting a business takes a community. On September 21, Amped’s Ecosystem Exchange brought together entrepreneurs, alumni, and community partners for an evening of connection and conversation focused on supporting Black and Brown businesses in Louisville.

The gathering highlighted the organizations working together to help local entrepreneurs grow and provided space for founders to connect with the broader business support community. It also invited alumni to help shape what comes next by sharing their ideas for future events and resources.

By placing entrepreneurs’ voices at the center of the conversation, Amped is working to keep alumni programming connected to the needs of the businesses it serves. Ecosystem Exchange reflects that commitment: building relationships, listening to founders, and strengthening the community around them.

Beyond the Crown: Exploring STEM and Entrepreneurship at Amped

In September, the Amped Tech & Learning Center welcomed students from Grace James Academy for Beyond the Crown, featuring the MELANnaire Achievement Center’s “MAC” STEM Lab. Students explored the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics behind products created by local Black makers, then put their learning into action by pitching the products themselves.

Our Amped Business Accelerator staff, Brittany Hill Whitehead and Tameka Bland, supported the event and led a facility tour, introducing students to the spaces and opportunities available at Amped.

Thank you to the MELANnaire team, participating makers, and Play Cousins Collective for helping create an engaging day of discovery, creativity, and community!

Connecting Beyond Graduation at Meta for Business Muse

Amped Business Accelerator graduates and current founders came together at Meta for Business Muse in Louisville for a day of learning, connection, and shared experiences.

Seeing alumni return to share their journeys and learn alongside current participants was a highlight and a reminder that the Amped community continues well beyond graduation.



Thank you to Meta for bringing this experience to Louisville and partnering with Amped to support local entrepreneurs!

Celebrating Five Years of The Presley Post

Congratulations to Jasmine Presley, a 2023 Amped Business Accelerator graduate and the entrepreneur behind The Presley Post, on celebrating five years in business and an exciting expansion!

Jasmine recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and opening of her coworking business’s new location at 635 W. Main Street, Suite 200, in Downtown Louisville. This woman-owned creative hub brings entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creatives together to connect, collaborate, and grow.

We’re proud to celebrate Jasmine’s continued success and the space she’s creating for others to thrive. Join us in congratulating The Presley Post on this milestone and its next chapter!

Building Businesses That Last

This past week, AMPED Business Accelerator founders enjoyed a panel discussion with representatives from the University of Louisville Family Business Center. The center supports family-owned businesses across Kentuckiana through education, peer connections, and access to experienced advisers, helping them navigate family and business dynamics, plan for the future, and build success across generations.

Thank you to the Family Business Center for sharing your expertise and connecting our founders with resources to support their entrepreneurial journeys!

From Louisville to Shark Tank: Meet Destin George Bell

What does it take to turn an idea into an app and land a deal on Shark Tank?

Join Amped for A Founder’s Journey: Fireside Chat with Destin George Bell, a Louisville native and founder of Card.io, a fitness app that turns walking and running into a fun, competitive social experience. His pitch on ABC’s Shark Tank earned him a deal with Daymond John and Rashaun Williams.

Whether you’re building a business, exploring a tech idea, or curious about entrepreneurship, come hear his story and find inspiration for your own next step.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

6:00–7:30 p.m. EST

Amped Tech & Learning Center

1701 W. Market St., Louisville



This event is free, but you must register to attend.

Putting AI to Work for Small Businesses

AMPED will host One Louisville for a hands-on session featuring our Founder and President, Dave Christopher Sr. Small business owners and entrepreneurs will explore practical ways to use AI and easy-to-use technology to save time, streamline daily tasks, and increase business visibility. Attendees should bring a laptop and questions to try the tools firsthand.



This event is sold out. For inquiries, contact registration@onelouisville.org.

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Dream Maker Awards 2026