January 13, 2014 - The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is pleased to welcome Jim Biggs as its new executive director.
"Jim brings a new level of excitement and experience to the center that we, as the board of directors, believe will take it into its next phase for the business community," said Rhonda Rice, chairwoman of KEC.
Biggs comes to KEC after 20 years in San Francisco, where he was most recently the director of business solutions for Essention Group, a Bay Area software consulting company. A graduate of Yale University and University of California Law School, Biggs started his career as a member of the California bar by serving as in-house counsel for the U.S. Customs Service before moving on to pursue his passion for working with new and emerging businesses. He brings a broad range of experiences to KEC - from providing consulting services for Fortune 500 companies in the Bay Area to helping grow a start-up boutique fashion business.
"I am honored to be a part of KEC and to continue the great work done by everyone who has committed so much time and energy to the center," Biggs said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a growing community in the Knoxville region that encourages and promotes new businesses. Our goal at KEC is to provide a space that inspires entrepreneurs, providing the support and guidance they need to turn dreams into reality. I have been impressed by the talent, vibrancy, and innovative spirit I have seen in Knoxville, and look forward to being a part of such a forward-thinking business community."
"The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center opened its doors last April and in that short time has helped more than 100 entrepreneurs at all stages of their business ideas," Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero said. "With the energy and success witnessed at our recent Startup Day event, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are glad to have Jim on board to lead KEC."
Although a recent addition to the area, Biggs' family is deeply rooted in Knoxville life. His wife, Cate, was born and raised in the area, and his father-in-law, Jeff Chapman, has been the director of the Frank H. McClung Museum for more than 20 years.
About Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) provides access to a regionally recognized company development program, an involved network of dedicated capital sources, successful local mentors, and world-class training. It is located at 17 Market Square in downtown Knoxville, Tenn. Visit knoxec.com for more information.