BUSINESS BRIEFS: Startup selected for accelerator program; shop featured in state tree exhibit

Startup selected for accelerator program

A startup business based in Nashville has been selected as a participant in the 2021 Techstars Future of Longevity-Accelerator.

Wave Therapeutics was selected to be a part of the program, which aims to address the unmet needs of older adults and their caregivers. It is done in partnership with Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company created by Melinda French Gates, according to a press release.

Wave Therapeutics CEO Jessica Bussert said they were “honored’ to be one of the ten startups accepted to the program.

“The mission of this accelerator fits perfectly with our goal of providing an effective and affordable prevention for bedsores,” she said.

“And under Techstars’ mentorship I’m confident that our team will reach our full potential.”

According to a press release from Wave Therapeutics, bedsores cost the national economy nearly $11 billion annually and cause more deaths than automobile accidents.

Bussert founded the company while working as a registered nurse. She states in the press release that as a nurse she witnessed firsthand the pain and suffering of her patients due to bedsores.

She then developed a patent-pending technology that she believes will change the way medical professionals approach the problem of bed sores, according to the press release.

Wave Therapeutics is a division of Bussert Medical, Inc. and is an “economically disadvantaged, woman-owned small business, headquartered in Nashville,” the press release states.

The company’s products use “advanced analytics and a unique combination therapy to address the problem of bedsores,” according to the release.

Wave Therapeutics plans to manufacture and distribute products from Indiana.

Visit www.wavetherapeuticsinc.com for more information.

Shop featured in state tree exhibit

INDIANAPOLIS — Brown County is represented on the state holiday stage as one of 75 custom decorated trees in the 2021 Festival of Trees sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society.

Nashville Fudge Kitchen represents Brown County artisans with their custom tree themed “A Sweet Brown County Christmas.”

Beth Hardesty, owner of Nashville Fudge Kitchen, poses for a photo with fudge kitchen’s custom tree themed “A Sweet Brown County Christmas.” The Nashville Fudge Kitchen’s tree is one of 75 custom decorated trees in the 2021 Festival of Trees sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society. Submitted

Beth Hardesty, owner of Nashville Fudge Kitchen, was approached earlier this year about being a part of the exhibit.

“We are so excited to be a part of this statewide holiday celebration,” Hardesty said in a press release.

“It’s an honor to showcase our homemade fudge, popcorn and candies in a creative way while bringing attention to the unique craftsmen and artisans that make Nashville, Indiana such a special place.”

The Nashville Fudge Kitchen’s tree features several popcorn garlands. The garlands are made from popcorn produced in the shop. The tree also has hand painted buckeye ornaments and handmade caramels.

“The tree evokes the warmth and happiness of a Brown County Christmas, complete with a toy truck full of sweet goodies to enjoy at home,” the release states,

The 2021 Festival of Trees opened Nov. 12 and runs through Jan. 8 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis. Festival of Trees hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Select Tuesday evenings will have extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at festivaloftrees.org. A virtual tour option is also available. The public is invited to vote on their favorite tree.

For more information about Nashville Fudge Kitchen, store hours or to purchase holiday gift boxes, limited edition popcorn tins and more, visit www.nashvillefudgekitchen.com.