The Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI) has announced its second Spirits on the Rise summit, to take place in Lynchburg and Shelbyville, Tennessee on 15-16 April 2024.
Launched in 2020, the NJAI incubator was created by Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and aims to progress diversity in the spirits industry by providing training, development and business amplification opportunities for BIPOC business leaders. The first Spirits on the Rise summit, held in 2023, united experienced professionals with entrepreneurs from communities that have historically been underrepresented in the spirits and hospitality industries.
“After a successful debut in 2023, we are thrilled to announce the return of the Spirits on the Rise Summit for 2024,” said Jamie Butler, Jack Daniel’s global brand director. “This event will continue to advance the goal of the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative to foster a more diverse spirits industry while also supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs who are looking for guidance and mentorship as they build their business.”
The Spirits on the Rise summit will be held at the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg on Monday 15 April and at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville on Tuesday 16 April. The two-day event will feature workshops and panels on a wide variety of topics, including revenue growth management, funding, public relations and more. Attending entrepreneurs will also have an opportunity to showcase their products to peers and industry leaders at the summit’s emerging brands fair. Two of the brands who showcased at the 2023 summit were selected for the NJAI Business Incubation Programme.
“Our inaugural event in 2023 was the first of its kind, and everyone who attended came to Tennessee with so much positive energy and an openness to learn,” shares Katharine Jerkens, chief business officer of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.
“The number of connections made between entrepreneurs, given the platform to share their stories, was a true highlight – not to mention the connections with investors and industry veterans. Every single person walked away with a toolkit for building their brand, and this year will be even more dynamic than last.”
Majority BIPOC owned or operated spirits brands can submit interest in attending this year’s summit now. Expressions of interest are open until Friday 1 March, or until the event is at capacity. For more information, or to submit an expression of interest, visit nearestandjack.org.
0 comments on “Spirits on the Rise summit returning to Tennessee for 2024 ”