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Turning Dreams into Reality: The Story of Corner to Corner

Turning Dreams into Reality: The Story of Corner to Corner

In 2011, compelled by the call of Jesus to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves,” Will and Tiffany Acuff founded Corner to Corner. What began as a vision to help neighbors flourish on their own terms has blossomed into a powerful force for change. With a foundation of community partnership and Christ-centered love, Corner to Corner’s program first started with the goal of equipping individuals with skills to gain meaningful employment. Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Shana Berkeley, the organization has expanded its mission to create economic flourishing through entrepreneurship.

The heart of Corner to Corner’s programming lies in The Academy, an entrepreneurship training initiative that has helped over 1,400 underestimated entrepreneurs launch and grow small businesses. Through their recruitment efforts, sponsorship, and partnership, led by Recruitment Director, Jasmine Lafayette and her team, HUNDREDS of entrepreneurs apply to The Academy program every Spring and Fall for the chance to join their PROVEN training program. Once enrolled in the Academy 10-week training program, participants learn critical business foundations, led by Academy Director, Marcia Smith and her team. These essential components consist of customer acquisition, accounting principles, legal structures, and more. Alumni facilitators, guest speakers, and subject matter experts, such as lawyers and accountants, provide hands-on guidance and expand participants’ professional networks.

Graduates are celebrated in style with one of the biggest events in town, but the journey doesn’t end there. The Academy Alumni Program, led by Jaron Spicer and his team, offers ongoing mentorship, additional educational resources, and even access to a pilot loan program called The Academy Invested. This ensures that entrepreneurs continue to thrive, whether through enhanced e-commerce skills or advanced digital marketing training.

Lamar Allen, owner of Lamarvelous Balloons, turned his side hustle into a six-figure business after graduating from The Academy. With the guidance of a mentor, he scaled his business, secured his first warehouse, and made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship. Jessica Doaks, founder of The Black Candle Company, used her training to secure retail partnerships and open a brick-and-mortar store. Meanwhile, Delly Thomas, owner of Melted Melodies Candle Co., transformed her dream into a successful business, earning accolades and sharing her expertise as a facilitator for The Academy.

Corner to Corner’s mission is deeply rooted in addressing systemic challenges. Black entrepreneurs in Nashville face a 90% wealth gap compared to White men, according to a 2021 Goldman Sachs report. Despite having passion and creativity, many lack access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. Corner to Corner aims to close this gap by creating on-ramps of opportunity, providing tools, training, and networks tailored to their needs.

Events like Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Nashville’s Business Connect Brunch (BCB) exemplify Corner to Corner’s dedication to fostering community and entrepreneurship. These events serve as a bridge, connecting aspiring and starting entrepreneurs with clients, resources, training, mentors, and countless other opportunities. In addition, The Business Connect Brunch uniquely integrates a spiritual component, motivating attendees to exercise their faith in their calling, gifts, and talents. It’s a chance to activate faith through purposeful and intentional efforts toward entrepreneurial goals.

Corner to Corner’s involvement with The Business Connect Brunch has significantly strengthened its network and expanded awareness of its programming. Since supporting The Business Connect Brunch in 2023, numerous Mount Zion members and attendees have connected with Corner to Corner or applied to The Academy. At BCB 2024, approximately 25 attendees applied to our training program, and we made connections with industry professionals that can potentially be part of their expert speaker pipeline and be a warm lead for entrepreneur resources.

As a sponsor of the 2025 Business Connect Brunch, Corner to Corner is excited to continue empowering entrepreneurs with the resources, community, and mentorship needed to pursue their dreams and build sustainable businesses.

To learn more about Corner to Corner, visit www.cornertocorner.org. To learn more about the Business Connect Brunch visit mtzionnashville.org/business-connect-brunch-2025/

 

Music and Worship Arts

At Mt. Zion, we pride ourselves on our high-quality, faith-based performance arts. If you would like to learn more, participate, or support these efforts, click below to find out more!
  • Choirs
  • Dance
    •  A-1 Mime Ministry
    • Covenant in Motion
    • Praise and Worship/Flag Ministry
    • Adoration Dance Ministry (College)
    • Judah Dance (youth)
  • Theater