Nashville Entrepreneur Center has announced the 2024 NEXT Awards winners, spotlighting entrepreneurs reshaping industries and fueling Middle Tennessee’s growth.

Fourteen startup and high-growth business leaders took the stage recently, with individuals and businesses awarded at two stages of growth. Winners are:

2. Lainey Wilson wins big at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, including the top honor - Friday, May 17, 2024

It was Lainey Wilson 's night, in many ways. She took home female artist of the year and the top prize of entertainer of the year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards.

"I've been in Nashville for 13 years doing this," Wilson started her speech. "Everybody in this category has loved on me and believed on me," she added. "And I love y'all for that."

3. Luke Combs leads Academy of Country Music Awards nominations - Friday, May 17, 2024

Reba McEntire is hosting Thursday's Academy of Country Music Awards, promising a night of memorable performances, including a tribute to Toby Keith.

When McEntire takes the stage at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, just north of Dallas, it will be a record 17th time she's emceed the show.

4. Jason Aldean will honor Toby Keith with a performance at the 2024 ACM Awards - Friday, May 10, 2024

The time has come to raise a red solo cup. Jason Aldean will pay tribute to the late Toby Keith at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards.

5. Jelly Roll dominates the 2024 CMT Music Awards with host Kelsea Ballerini and a Toby Keith tribute - Friday, April 5, 2024

Jelly Roll won big at the 2024 CMT Music Awards Sunday night, taking home three awards at the annual event celebrating the best in country music videos.

His accolades began with the CMT performance of the year award for his gospel-assisted rendition of "Need a Favor" at the 2023 CMT Music Awards nearly a year ago to the day. It also was his first-ever awards show performance.

6. James Burton, John Anderson and Toby Keith join the Country Music Hall of Fame - Friday, March 15, 2024

NASHVILLE (AP) — James Burton, John Anderson and Toby Keith on Monday became the newest members to join the Country Music Hall of Fame.

7. Fans raise a red Solo cup to honor Toby Keith, who immortalized the humble cup in song - Friday, February 2, 2024

Red Solo cups – a staple of barbecues and beer pong – are usually synonymous with good times.

But on Tuesday, as word of country singer Toby Keith's death spread, many were raising their red Solos in sad tribute to the singer, who immortalized the humble plastic cups in his 2011 hit "Red Solo Cup." Keith, who had stomach cancer, died Monday at age 62.

8. Jason Aldean, Ricky Skaggs, Kristin Chenoweth react to the death of Keith - Friday, February 2, 2024

Fellow country artists and fans react to the death of singer-songwriter Toby Keith, who died Monday at 62.

"I was saddened to hear of Toby Keith's passing. He really was one of the good guys. He helped a lot of people get started in the business. He loved God, he loved his family, and he was a true patriot. He loved America. A friend to so many, including myself! Rest dear brother, you're home at last!" — Ricky Skaggs, in a statement.

9. Toby Keith, country singer-songwriter, dies at 62 after stomach cancer diagnosis - Friday, February 2, 2024

Toby Keith, a hit country crafter of pro-American anthems who both riled up critics and was loved by millions of fans, has died. He was 62.

The "Should've Been a Cowboy" singer-songwriter, who had stomach cancer, died peacefully Monday surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the country singer's website. "He fought his fight with grace and courage," the statement said. He announced his cancer diagnosis in 2022.

10. Even with sales down, data shows it’s a seller’s market - Friday, January 27, 2023

There are ample arguments on both sides for those arguing the condition of the Middle Tennessee real estate market.

Greater Nashville Realtors statistics show sales were down 15% in 2022 with most of the carnage coming in the last three quarters, when there were 39,831 compared to 47,172 the year before. Sales for December (2,568) fell 40% compared to December 2021 (4,305).

11. Nashville SC starts playoffs at LA Galaxy - Friday, October 14, 2022

Nashville Soccer Club begins its MLS Cup playoff push on the road against LA Galaxy, after finishing the regular season in Los Angeles with a win against Western Conference leader LAFC.

The Galaxy and NSC both finished the regular season with 50 points, but the Galaxy locked down the 4-seed and an opening round home game by notching an April 23 win at Dignity Health Sports Park against the Nashville club. The teams also played to a Sept. 10 draw at GEODIS Park.

12. Country star Toby Keith discloses stomach cancer diagnosis - Friday, June 10, 2022

Country music star Toby Keith announced Sunday that he has been undergoing treatment for stomach cancer since last fall.

13. Weaver, Scalzo to lead Waller’s health care team - Friday, March 11, 2022

Jennifer Weaver and Eric Scalzo have been named leaders of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP’s health care industry team, which includes more than 200 attorneys advising health care providers and investors across the country.

14. Keith Urban, Carly Pearce to play ACM Honors - Friday, August 6, 2021

NASHVILLE (AP) — Country stars Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Carly Pearce and Jamey Johnson will perform at the Academy of Country Music Honors, which will honor Loretta Lynn, Dan + Shay and Luke Combs among others.

15. Top Davidson County residential sales for fourth quarter 2020 - Friday, February 5, 2021

Top residential real estate sales, fourth quarter 2020, for Davidson County, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

Chandler Reports has been publishing Real Estate Market Data since 1968. That year, Chandler began collecting residential sales information for the Chandler Residential Report, considered the authoritative source for residential real estate sales information. Over the next three decades, the publications have been continually refined, enhanced and expanded, growing to include lot sales data, new residential construction and absorption information, and commercial sales. In 1987, Chandler Reports began one of the first on–line real estate market data services in the country, and is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. In 2004, Chandler Reports was purchased by The Daily News Publishing Co. In 2007, Chandler introduced RegionPlus, including property research for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Visit online at chandlerreports.com.

16. Enduring 2nd impeachment, Trump stands largely silent, alone - Friday, January 15, 2021

WASHINGTON (AP) — His place in the history books rewritten, President Donald Trump endured his second impeachment largely alone and silent.

For more than four years, Trump has dominated the national discourse like no one before him. Yet when his legacy was set in stone on Wednesday, he was stunningly left on the sidelines.

17. Enduring 2nd impeachment, Trump stands largely silent, alone - Friday, January 8, 2021

WASHINGTON (AP) — His place in the history books rewritten, President Donald Trump endured his second impeachment largely alone and silent.

For more than four years, Trump has dominated the national discourse like no one before him. Yet when his legacy was set in stone on Wednesday, he was stunningly left on the sidelines.

18. Top Davidson County residential sales for 2020 - Friday, January 8, 2021

Top residential real estate sales, 2020, for Davidson County, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

Chandler Reports has been publishing Real Estate Market Data since 1968. That year, Chandler began collecting residential sales information for the Chandler Residential Report, considered the authoritative source for residential real estate sales information. Over the next three decades, the publications have been continually refined, enhanced and expanded, growing to include lot sales data, new residential construction and absorption information, and commercial sales. In 1987, Chandler Reports began one of the first on–line real estate market data services in the country, and is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. In 2004, Chandler Reports was purchased by The Daily News Publishing Co. In 2007, Chandler introduced RegionPlus, including property research for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Visit online at chandlerreports.com.

19. Top Davidson County residential sales for November 2020 - Friday, December 11, 2020

Top residential real estate sales, November 2020, for Davidson County, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

Chandler Reports has been publishing Real Estate Market Data since 1968. That year, Chandler began collecting residential sales information for the Chandler Residential Report, considered the authoritative source for residential real estate sales information. Over the next three decades, the publications have been continually refined, enhanced and expanded, growing to include lot sales data, new residential construction and absorption information, and commercial sales. In 1987, Chandler Reports began one of the first on–line real estate market data services in the country, and is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. In 2004, Chandler Reports was purchased by The Daily News Publishing Co. In 2007, Chandler introduced RegionPlus, including property research for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Visit online at chandlerreports.com.

20. Hank Williams Jr., Marty Stuart to join Country Hall of Fame - Friday, August 7, 2020

NASHVILLE (AP) — Hank Williams Jr., Marty Stuart and songwriter Dean Dillon are the newest inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Announced by the Country Music Association on Wednesday, Williams, who often is referred to as Hank Jr. or the nickname Bocephus, will join his father, country legend Hank Williams Sr., in the Hall of Fame's rotunda.

21. Top Davidson County residential sales for March 2020 - Friday, May 1, 2020

Top residential real estate sales, March 2020, for Davidson County, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

Chandler Reports has been publishing Real Estate Market Data since 1968. That year, Chandler began collecting residential sales information for the Chandler Residential Report, considered the authoritative source for residential real estate sales information. Over the next three decades, the publications have been continually refined, enhanced and expanded, growing to include lot sales data, new residential construction and absorption information, and commercial sales. In 1987, Chandler Reports began one of the first on–line real estate market data services in the country, and is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. In 2004, Chandler Reports was purchased by The Daily News Publishing Co. In 2007, Chandler introduced RegionPlus, including property research for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Visit online at chandlerreports.com.

22. Country singer Joe Diffie dies of coronavirus complications - Friday, March 27, 2020

NEW YORK (AP) — Country singer Joe Diffie, who had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping ballads and honky-tonk singles like "Home" and "Pickup Man," has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61.

23. Top Middle Tennessee residential sales for March 2019 - Friday, April 12, 2019

Top residential real estate sales, March 2019, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

24. Top Middle Tennessee residential sales for February 2019 - Friday, March 15, 2019

Top residential real estate sales, February 2019, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

25. Top Middle Tennessee residential sales for December 2018 - Friday, January 18, 2019

Top residential real estate sales, December 2018, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

26. Top Middle Tennessee residential sales for 2018 - Friday, January 18, 2019

Top residential real estate sales, 2018, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

27. Top Middle Tennessee commercial sales for October 2018 - Friday, November 23, 2018

Top commercial real estate sales, October 2018, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

28. Top Middle Tennessee commercial sales for June 2018 - Friday, July 27, 2018

Top commercial real estate sales, June 2018, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

29. Stapleton, Lambert, Underwood and Vegas win at ACM Awards - Friday, April 13, 2018

The 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards marked a memorable night for the victims of the massive Las Vegas shooting, comeback queen Carrie Underwood and triple-winners Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert.

30. Top Middle Tennessee commercial sales for January 2018 - Friday, February 23, 2018

Top commercial real estate sales, January 2018, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

31. Australian country music promoter Rob Potts killed in crash - Friday, October 27, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Country Music Academy has announced the death Australian music promoter Rob Potts, who brought some of the biggest American country music acts to his home country.

The CMA says Potts died following a motorcycle accident on the Australian island of Tasmania on Friday. He was 65.

32. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for September 2017 - Friday, October 20, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, September 2017, for Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports. Due to technical issues, Davidson County sales are unavailable for September.

33. Jerry Lee Lewis doesn't understand Country Music Hall of Fame snub - Friday, August 25, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — Jerry Lee Lewis is one of the early pioneers of rock 'n' roll music, but he doesn't understand why his contributions to country music haven't been recognized by the Country Music Hall of Fame.

34. Strait, Parton, Campbell honored by ACM - Friday, August 25, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — The country music community honored the late Glen Campbell during the 11th annual Academy of Country Music Honors in Nashville, Tennessee, following his death this month at the age of 81.

35. Strait, Parton, Campbell honored at ACM Awards - Friday, August 18, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — The country music community honored the late Glen Campbell during the 11th annual Academy of Country Music Honors in Nashville, Tennessee, following his death this month at the age of 81.

36. Top Midstate residential transactions for second quarter 2017 - Friday, July 28, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, second quarter 2017, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

37. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for May 2017 - Friday, June 16, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, May 2017, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

38. Country stars to be honored in ACM TV special - Friday, May 26, 2017

NASHVILLE (AP) — George Strait, Dolly Parton, Kelsea Ballerini, Eric Church, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson and Shel Silverstein will be honored by the Academy of Country Music during a television special.

39. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for January 2017 - Friday, February 17, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, January 2017, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

40. Top Middle Tennessee residential transactions for Dec. 2016 - Friday, January 20, 2017

Top residential real estate sales, December 2016, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

41. $1 million-plus Middle Tennessee residential transactions for 2016 - Friday, January 13, 2017

Residential real estate sales of $1 million or more for for Davidson (308 total), Williamson (241), Rutherford (4), Wilson (5) and Sumner (3) counties in 2016, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

42. American Country Countdown Awards to honor Merle Haggard - Friday, April 22, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) — Singer and songwriter Toby Keith will perform a tribute to the late legend Merle Haggard during the American Country Countdown Awards on May 1.

43. American Country Countdown Awards to honor Merle Haggard - Friday, April 15, 2016

NASHVILLE (AP) - Singer and songwriter Toby Keith will perform a tribute to the late legend Merle Haggard during the American Country Countdown Awards on May 1.

44. Idle Hour abides as Music Row 'progress' marches on - Friday, October 16, 2015

Mark Twain holds out cash as sprightly bar mistress Gena Brown (aka “Miss Flat Rock”) puts another longneck into his beer cozy.

“This is the third beer I’ve had in about five years,” Twain says. It’s also the third one he’s had on this bright afternoon when he huddles among songwriters, dreamers, schemers and a semi-reformed drifter in the dimly welcoming confines of Bobby’s Idle Hour.

45. Top Middle Tennessee commercial real estate transactions for August 2015 - Friday, October 2, 2015

Top commercial real estate transactions, August 2015, for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

46. Top December 2014 residential real estate transactions - Friday, January 23, 2015

Top December 2014 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

47. Top 2014 residential real estate transactions - Friday, January 23, 2015

Top 2014 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

48. Borchetta to receive Music Business Association honor - Friday, January 16, 2015

Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta will receive the Music Business Association’s (Music Biz) Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement during the Music Biz 2015 Awards Luncheon on May 14.

49. Top November 2014 residential real estate transactions - Friday, December 19, 2014

Top November 2014 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

50. Top Middle Tennessee residential real estate transactions July 2014 - Friday, August 29, 2014

Top July 2014 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

51. Top Middle Tennessee residential real estate transaction for first half of 2014 - Friday, August 1, 2014

January through June 2014 residential real estate transactions of $500,000 or more for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

52. Top Middle Tennessee residential real estate transaction for June 2014 - Friday, July 18, 2014

Top June 2014 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

53. Top Midstate residential real estate transactions for May 2014 - Friday, June 20, 2014

Top May 2014 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

54. Top Midstate residential real estate transactions for 2013 - Friday, January 17, 2014

Top 2013 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

55. Toby Keith not on board when tour bus catches fire - Friday, June 28, 2013

LEBANON, Ind. (AP) - A tour bus for country singer Toby Keith caught fire on a highway near Indianapolis, though the singer wasn't on board and no one was injured.

56. Top Midstate residential real estate transactions for May 2013 - Friday, June 14, 2013

Top May 2013 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

Chandler Reports has been publishing Real Estate Market Data since 1968. That year, Chandler began collecting residential sales information for the Chandler Residential Report, considered the authoritative source for residential real estate sales information. Over the next three decades, the publications have been continually refined, enhanced and expanded, growing to include lot sales data, new residential construction and absorption information, and commercial sales. In 1987, Chandler Reports began one of the first on–line real estate market data services in the country, and is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. In 2004, Chandler Reports was purchased by The Daily News Publishing Co. In 2007, Chandler introduced RegionPlus, including property research for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Visit online at chandlerreports.com.

57. Underwood, Christ Church choir lend voices to tornado relief - Friday, May 31, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - Carrie Underwood will pay tribute to the victims of the recent deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma when she appears at the CMT Music Awards.

58. Blake Shelton putting together Okla. benefit show - Friday, May 17, 2013

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Shelton and NBC are putting together a benefit for Oklahoma tornado victims.

Shelton told reporters about the fundraising effort after Tuesday night's episode of "The Voice." Shelton, an Oklahoma native, paid tribute to the thousands affected by Sunday and Monday's tornadoes by performing an acoustic version of the hit "Over You" with wife Miranda Lambert.

59. Top Midstate residential real estate transactions for March 2013 - Friday, April 26, 2013

Top March 2013 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

60. Eric Church leads ACM Awards nominations with 7 - Friday, February 8, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) - They don't call him Chief for nothing: Eric Church is the top nominee at this year's Academy of Country Music Awards.

The rising country music star has seven nominations for the April 7 awards show in Las Vegas. Hunter Hayes is next with six, followed by Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert at five apiece.

61. Blake Shelton pulls off surprise win at CMAs - Friday, November 2, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Winning the Country Music Association Awards' entertainer of the year is a top honor and always counted as a career high point. But for Blake Shelton it wasn't even the most memorable moment of an amazing Thursday night.

62. New faces at CMAs mark change in country music - Friday, October 26, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — There's a sea change going on in Music City and the Country Music Association Awards are right in the middle of it.

When country music's biggest stars take the stage Thursday night, you'll see many of your favorites from the last 10 years. But increasingly, new faces are dominating the genre as country's fan base shifts to a younger-skewing audience.

63. Country legend Tom T. Hall honored as BMI Icon - Friday, October 26, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tom T. Hall is a bit of a loner, so he found the red carpet at the BMI Country Awards a little overwhelming Tuesday night.

Truth is the newest BMI Icon is a homebody.

"I'm missing the second episode of a two-part 'Gunsmoke' tonight," Hall joked. "That was bad. But I was very proud of the fact I could get back in my tux. I don't think I've had it on in 12 years."

64. Top residential real estate transactions for August 2012 - Friday, September 21, 2012

August 2012 residential real estate transactions for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

65. Toby Keith postpones concert date after surgery - Friday, July 27, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Surgery has briefly sidelined country star Toby Keith.

Keith has had his gallbladder removed and was forced to reschedule his show Thursday at Fort McCoy in Sparta, Wis. That concert date has been rescheduled to Aug. 30.

66. Top residential sales for May 2012 - Friday, June 15, 2012

Top residential sales for Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford and Wilson counties, as compiled by Chandler Reports.

Chandler Reports has been publishing Real Estate Market Data since 1968. That year, Chandler began collecting residential sales information for the Chandler Residential Report, considered the authoritative source for residential real estate sales information. Over the next three decades, the publications have been continually refined, enhanced and expanded, growing to include lot sales data, new residential construction and absorption information, and commercial sales. In 1987, Chandler Reports began one of the first on–line real estate market data services in the country, and is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. In 2004, Chandler Reports was purchased by The Daily News Publishing Co. In 2007, Chandler introduced RegionPlus, including property research for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Visit online at chandlerreports.com.

67. Underwood takes her 3rd video of year win at CMTs - Friday, June 1, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Nashville's Bridgestone Arena is turning into quite a memorable place for Carrie Underwood and her hunky husband, NHL star Mike Fisher.

68. Obama, Romney to go country at CMT Awards - Friday, June 1, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Presidential elections are usually serious business, but President Barack Obama and likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney are taking a little time for laughs during the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday.

69. Willie Nelson and friends to light up CMT Awards - Friday, June 1, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — Willie Nelson may have penned himself another classic and CMT Music Awards viewers will get a chance to judge for themselves.

70. Underwood, Miranda Lambert lead CMT nominations - Friday, April 20, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) — With Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift atop the list, look no further than the CMT Music Awards nominations for proof country music's new favorite color is blonde.

71. Swift caps 24 hours to remember with win at ACMs - Friday, March 30, 2012

There was little surprise when Taylor Swift won entertainer of the year at The Academy of Country Awards on Sunday night — except maybe in how little surprise the 22-year-old sensation showed when her name was called.

72. Chesney, Aldean, McGraw to perform at ACM Awards - Friday, March 2, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) - Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert and Toby Keith are among the stars who will perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards next month.