Belmont alumni shine at EC awards: three finalists and one Hall of Fame inductee
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center was packed with some of the most strategic minds in Nashville as the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) celebrated new and growing businesses at its 2024 NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame, Monday, Oct. 21. EC is a Nashville nonprofit that works to support startups in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Awards are divided across six industries, with two categories per industry: startup, indicating a business has existed for less than five years, and growth, indicating a business has existed for more than five years.
"We're proud to see our business graduates named as Next Awards finalists, building on the strong foundation of Belmont's connections to Nashville's business community and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center,” said Dr. José González, Jack C. Massey Chair of Entrepreneurship and associate professor Entrepreneurship and Management. “Their success exemplifies how Belmont alumni continue to make their mark in Nashville's entrepreneurial ecosystem."
NEXT Award alumni finalists
Patrick Cason ‘14: Financial Services (Startup)
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2014, Patrick Cason co-founded Raise Financial, where he now serves as Chief Technology Officer. The company works to engage young people in the stock market through innovative investment strategies and monthly memberships for users. It has reached more than 1,000 customers with its college savings service and has a 1,200-person waiting list for its new investment MVP service.
Trevor Hinesley ‘12: Music, Sports, Gaming & Entertainment (Startup)
Trevor Hinesley earned degrees in audio engineering and computer science in 2012 and went on to co-found Soundstripe, which connects users to royalty-free music and simplifies access to audio bites for companies. Hinesley is the Chief Technology Officer of the company, which won the 2022 NEXT Award in the same category as a “Market Mover,” or a company that makes more than $3 million in annual revenue.
Luke McElroy ‘09: Music, Sports, Gaming & Entertainment (Growth)
Luke McElroy founded Orange Thread LIVE after graduating with a degree in music business in 2009 and going on to develop its parent company, Orange Thread Media. Orange Thread LIVE produces live events across Middle Tennessee and has worked with clients such as TEDx, HCA Healthcare, AT&T, LifeWay and more.
Alumnus Michael Burcham inducted to Entrepreneur’s Hall of Fame
EC also recognized the newest Entrepreneur’s Hall of Fame inductees, including Belmont alumnus Michael Burcham (MBA, ‘89).
Burcham is an executive partner at the micro-cap investment firm Shore Capital.
Burcham learned the invaluable foundations of business management and entrepreneurship as one of the first graduates from Belmont’s MBA program. Since graduating, he has greatly contributed to both the Massey College of Business and Nashville’s entrepreneurial community.
“I had the opportunity to teach at Belmont for almost 5 years,” he said. “Teaching in the Massey School exposed me to so many young people who wanted to follow me in creating their own businesses.”
As a Nashville entrepreneur, Burcham created three healthcare companies and served as founder/CEO of EC for five years. He continues to serve on EC’s board of directors and invests in early-stage businesses.
“The recognition feels like a ‘full-circle’ moment — being honored by the institution I helped to create nearly 15 years ago, and the recognition for the three companies I added to Nashville’s health care ‘family tree’ throughout my career.”
The EC NEXT Awards highlight the best and brightest entrepreneurial minds in Middle Tennessee. Belmont alumni across disciplines have used their ideas and resources to fulfill the needs of Nashville’s thriving community, and their hard work has paid off tremendously through this honor.
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