Business Matchmaking: Increase Sales and Decrease Sales Cycle. Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce introduces Business Matchmaking, an intuitive cloud-based software that helps pair qualified, growing companies with ready-to-purchase buyers. Powered by technology from Sagents Partners LLC, this new offering helps growing businesses in Middle Tennessee connect with procurement offices in Fortune 1000 companies. Goodwill Industries of Middle TN, Inc., 937 Herman Street, Nashville. Today, 3-5 p.m. Information: nashvillechamber.com, 743-3063.

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Real Estate Investors Network

REIN Wholesaling Subgroup. Networking and net-worthing subgroup of wholesalers, cash buyers and deal-maker wannabes. 6 p.m., REIN Education Center, 2416 Music Valley Drive, Ste 151, Nashville. Additional opportunities include:

  • Oct. 14: REIN General Meeting. Breakout and general meeting sessions on various topics of interest to real estate investors. 5:30-8 p.m., Martin Professional Development Center, 2400 Fairfax Avenue, Nashville.
  • Oct. 15: REIN Lunch Network meets as a small group for lunch and sharing ideas. Each first and third Tuesday of each month, 11:15 a.m. at Dalt’s Classic America Grill, 38 White Bridge Road, Nashville.
  • Oct. 17: REIN Williamson County Lunch Meeting. Group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:15 a.m., at Sportsman’s Lodge, 1640 Westgate Circle, Brentwood.
  • Oct. 21: REIN Landlording Subgroup. Network with other landlords, 6 p.m., at the REIN Education Center, 2416 Music Valley Drive, Ste 151, Nashville.

Information: reintn.org

OCT. 11-13

The Southern Festival of Books

Humanities Tennessee’s Southern Festival of Books was first held in Nashville on the second full weekend in October in 1989, and has been held annually on the same weekend since then. It is one of the first book festivals of its kind, a celebration of the written word, and has inspired hundreds of similar book festivals throughout the nation and beyond. The festival is free and open to the public. No advance registration or tickets are required. All seating is on a first-come basis. Information: www.humanitiestennessee.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 15

Social Enterprise Shared Interest Group

An opportunity to contribute to the community of local, regional, national and international social entrepreneurs and learn about the movement from local and regional thought leaders. 8:30-9:30 a.m., Emma Email Marketing Bistro, 9 Lea Ave., Nashville. Information: nashvillechamber.com/calendar.

Business After Hours

Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce event at 5001 Crossings Circle, Mt. Juliet. 5-6:30 p.m.

YWCA Academy for Women of Achievement Recognition Dinner and Induction Ceremony

The AWA awards ceremony honors the work and service of exceptional Middle Tennessee women who are leaders in their fields and serve as role models for young women. This year, the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee and title sponsor First Tennessee will induct seven women and one corporate honoree at the Oct. 15 ceremony. Reception: 5:45 p.m., program and dinner at 7 p.m. Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Information: ywcanashville.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16

Chamber West Monthly Networking Coffee

An opportunity to learn more about Chamber West’s initiatives and find out how you can get involved in the continued success of this area. 8-9:15 a.m., Hampton Inn & Suites-Green Hills, 2324 Crestmoor Rd., Nashville. Information: nashvillechamber.com, 743-3063.

PEOPLE’S LAW SCHOOL

A free program that provides an overview of legal issues that a typical person might face. Taught by Legal Aid Society attorneys and volunteer attorneys, the weekly, one-hour classes will be held 6-7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Antioch High School, 1900 Hobson Pike, and on Thursdays at Cohn Learning Center, 4805 Park Avenue.

  • Oct. 16: How to Deal with Bill Collectors (Antioch)
  • Oct. 17: Social Security Options (Cohn)
  • Oct. 23: Basics of Advance Care Planning (Antioch)
  • Oct. 24: Basics of Advance Care Planning (Cohn)
  • Oct. 30: The New Health Care Law: Know the Latest Facts (Antioch)
  • Nov. 6: Basics of U.S. Immigration (Antioch)
  • Nov. 7: The New Health Care Law: Know the Latest Facts (Cohn)
  • Nov. 13: Renter’s Rights (Antioch)
  • Nov. 14: Worried You Might Lose Your Home to Foreclosure? (Cohn)

Registration, Information: 298-8050.

THURSDAY, OCT. 17

Taste of Wilson County

Lebanon downtown square, 5-8 p.m. Information and vendor applications: 444-5503.

NEXT Awards 2013 Finalist Reveal Party

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneur Center will reveal the finalists for the 2013 NEXT Awards. All applicants, friends and colleagues are invited to celebrate this announcement and network with the newly named finalists. Finalists will be revealed at three different stages of development in the following business sectors: Health care, technology, digital media & entertainment, sustainability & social enterprise, and other. Finalists also will be named in the following for youth entrepreneur and entrepreneur of the year. 5-7 p.m., networking reception; 6 p.m. announcements. Nashville Entrepreneur Center, 41 Peabody Street, Nashville. Information: nashvillechamber.com, 743-3063.

THURSDAY, OCT. 24

Healthy Living and Lifestyles Expo

Presented by Vanderbilt Health, the event also serves as the only Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure packet pick-up location. 5,000-6,000 people expected. 20% of proceeds go to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. 3-6 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Brentwood Baptist Connection Center 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood. Information: williamsoncountychamber.org.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

This annual event raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Since its inception in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure series has grown from one local race with 800 participants to a global series of more than 120 Races with more than 1 million people. 9 a.m., Maryland Farms. Information: www.komennashville.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

Music City Yoga Festival

1-6 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin (Building 8), 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin. Tickets: $40 (tax deductible donation to Africa Yoga Project). Information: musiccityyogafestival.com/.