Committee Dashboard

Text / DM (close contact)

Hey [Name] — I saw you were nominated for a NEXT Award and I don't think you've applied yet. You still have time. Deadline is Friday. This is the real deal — Schermerhorn, 700 people, the best room in Nashville business. Takes 20 minutes. ec.co/next

Email (professional contact)

Subject: You were nominated — you still have time to apply

[Name],

Your name came up for a NEXT Award. I don't think you've applied yet, and the deadline is this Friday, May 15.

You should apply.

This is Nashville's most serious recognition for founders and business leaders. The event is at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in front of 700 people who matter in this city. Past winners have used it to close deals, attract talent, and open doors.

The application takes about 20 minutes.

Apply here: ec.co/next

I think you belong in that room.

[Sender name]

Email #1 — Targeted ask (specific level)

Subject: NEXT Awards 2026 — Mentors Sponsorship for [COMPANY]

Hi [NAME]!

I hope you are doing great.

I'm serving on the NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs' Hall of Fame committee for the Nashville Entrepreneur Center's largest fundraising event of the year. The NEXT Awards will celebrate Nashville's exceptional entrepreneurs and legends on October 19 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. More than 600 entrepreneurs and business leaders will attend that evening.

I would like to ask if you will consider allowing [COMPANY] to support the EC's mission by becoming a $5,000 Mentors Sponsor for the evening? I've attached the NEXT Awards Sponsorship Opportunities for you to see the benefits of that level.

Funding from the event supports the EC's work to increase the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs — over 14,000 entrepreneurs have received education, mentoring, and resources since the EC was founded in 2010. Your gift is tax deductible.

I have included a very short NEXT Awards Highlights video.

May I count on your sponsorship support for the NEXT Awards? I will be glad to walk through the opportunities.

Thanks for your consideration! I look forward to hearing from you.

[Sender name]

Email #2 — General ask (any level)

Subject: NEXT Awards 2026 — Sponsorship opportunity for [COMPANY]

Hi [NAME]!

I hope you are doing great.

I'm serving on the NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs' Hall of Fame committee for the Entrepreneur Center's largest event of the year. The NEXT Awards will celebrate Nashville's exceptional entrepreneurs and legends on October 19 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. More than 600 entrepreneurs and business leaders will attend this fundraising event.

I would like to ask if you will consider allowing [COMPANY] to support the EC's mission by becoming a sponsor for the evening? There are many levels of sponsorship benefits offered. I've attached the NEXT Awards Sponsorship Opportunities for your review.

Funding from the event supports the EC's work to increase the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs — over 14,000 entrepreneurs have received education and resources since the EC was founded in 2010. Your gift is tax deductible.

I have included a very short NEXT Awards Highlights video.

May I count on support for the NEXT Awards at any of the sponsorship levels? I will be glad to walk through the opportunities with you.

Thanks in advance for your consideration and letting me know your thoughts!

[Sender name]