Protein Snack Shop began as a hobby between husband-and-wife duo Sonny and Dana. Dana, then balancing her full-time job at Target, started making healthy, great-tasting treats at home in Smyrna Tennessee— driven by a personal commitment to wellness and feeling her best. After a year of side hustle success, she took a leap of faith and stepped away from her ...

Jennifer Horne founded Urban Campus & Core (UCC) with a vision to unlock the potential of underutilized land across Middle Tennessee. What began as a real estate consulting firm has since evolved into a mission-driven development practice focused on mixed-income communities. As UCC transitioned into a developer role, Pathway Lending provided working capital in 2022—key support in an industry where ...

While working for Project Return, a nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter society, Leslie Crumpton saw an opportunity to turn her side hustle into something more. After one of the organization’s contracts ended due to the pandemic, Leslie was asked to take on the cleaning contract on her own. “I told them I wasn’t a real cleaning service” Leslie recalls, ...

For more than 47 years, Trinity Way Enrichment Center has been a cornerstone of childhood care and development in North Nashville. Katina Henderson now carries forward the legacy of this generational business, originally founded by her mother, that serves children aged six weeks to six years with a unique blend of professional childcare and faith-centered support. With a license to ...

At just 21 years old David Blurton drove a truck with one door to Brownsville, Tennessee to start his business. Just over 47 years later, Southern Industrial Mechanical Maintenance Company II, LLC (SIMMCO) is on track to expand its team and production to meet the demand of many major projects headed their way. SIMMCO, located in Brownsville, provides heavy industrial ...

Manufacturing Job Creation Perry County’s largest employer, NYX Linden, has employed over 250 team members as an automotive parts manufacturer. After securing contracts to supply parts and components for several new vehicles, the demand required an expansion of its facilities and operations to ensure continued success in serving its clients and supporting the local economy. NYX accessed $29.5 million in ...

“Pathway gave us the chance that we needed to make it work and to prove that our business was worth something. They helped in a financial way, but also lifted our spirits to know that somebody believed in us.” Before diving into the confectionary world, Joy and Brad Hamlett had different career aspirations—Brad dreamed of law, while Joy thrived as ...

“It has been so refreshing to gain business knowledge and I am thankful for the mentors we’ve had. Pathway played, and continues to play, a big part in our business and its’ success.” For 122 years, Crescent Sock Company has been a cornerstone of Niota, Tennessee, providing jobs and quality products to its community and beyond. Founded to uplift its ...

“The initial support from Pathway to invest in the best equipment proved invaluable as it fueled our business’s sustained growth and success.” With a vision to establish an engineering design and manufacturing company focused on aerospace and military parts to serve the Southeast, Jeff Bohanan started Protomet Corporation in 1997. Faced with the challenges of securing traditional startup financing, Protomet, ...

“Our business has been blessing homes for over 30 years and Pathway has played a significant role in changing lives and scaling our business.” Orlando “Catfish” Pender Jr. founded Catfish Moving Company over 20 years ago, inspired by his family’s hardworking foundation. Starting solo with rented trucks, Catfish saved enough to buy his first truck, quickly establishing a solid reputation ...

“The resources offered by Pathway have given me the opportunity to grow my business, reach clients outside of Nashville, and sell my products nationwide. This support has allowed me to compete with major haircare brands.” Kinky Rootz Salon, founded by Kristi Alderson, is more than just a salon—it’s a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity. Kristi’s journey from honing her hairstyling ...

“As a minority-owned business just starting out, we were very thankful when Pathway Lending wanted to provide us with capital. It was pivotal that they took a chance on us.” Established as a helpful resource to the community, Memphis Tire Recyclers saw the opportunity to meet the growing demand in combatting illegal tire dumping in Shelby County, from more than ...