MAY 30 · BY CHELSEA DARTEZ

Tiffany Anton Empowers Entrepreneurs in Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland

When Tiffany Anton arrived in Cookeville in 2013, she had no way of knowing the influence she would have on the city’s entrepreneurial landscape.

More than a decade later, Tiffany Anton is a leading advocate for small businesses in Cookeville and across the Upper Cumberland. As Vice President of the Biz Foundry, a nonprofit entrepreneurial center serving the region, she supports founders, creators, and small business owners with education, mentorship, and access to resources that help turn ideas into sustainable ventures.

In addition to her leadership at the Biz Foundry, Tiffany hosts the Powered By Her podcast, which highlights women in business throughout Cookeville, Livingston, and the Upper Cumberland region. She is also an active presence in Cookeville’s thriving WestSide district, where innovation and community intersect.

Fresh off a trip to Kenya, where she worked to empower women creators internationally, Tiffany carved out time to reflect on what drives her passion for local entrepreneurship.

“I really love to see business owners become empowered for success in whatever they are doing and reach their potential while feeding their passion along the way,” she shared. “Being able to hype business creators, encourage founders, and connect local entrepreneurs to the free or low cost opportunities we have in the Upper Cumberland gets me excited.”

Elegant woman in white business suit smiling confidently.

At the Biz Foundry, Tiffany works to ensure that entrepreneurs in Cookeville have access to the tools and support necessary to build strong foundations. Her goal is to reduce failure rates and strengthen the region’s small business ecosystem.

“My heart breaks when entrepreneurial ideas end up in the business graveyard,” Tiffany said. “My goal is that we provide resources that help lay solid foundations for new businesses so that the entrepreneurial spirit of the city remains flourishing, while still retaining the small town feel that makes Cookeville such a special place.”

As a business owner and mother, Tiffany is especially passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs in the Upper Cumberland. Through Powered By Her, including its podcast and lunch and learn events in Cookeville and Livingston, she gives voice to female leaders and creates community spaces for connection and growth.

“My vision has been to grow the female entrepreneurial ecosystem of the area through community and inspiration,” she explained. “Often, those on the fence about starting a small business are told to ‘just do it.’ What’s more important is realizing you are not alone. The resources and people exist in this community to encourage, support, and aid in your success.”

Over the past decade, Tiffany Anton has become a cornerstone of Cookeville’s small business community. Through mentorship, networking events, leadership development, and storytelling, she continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship in the Upper Cumberland.

You can follow Tiffany at https://www.instagram.com/tiffanybanton.