Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee

Tennessee SBDC

Reimagining Main Street

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The TSBDC helped us jump-start, they sent us resources to begin our research as well as guides to help with our business plan, we are truly grateful for our counselor at the TSBDC.

Mammoth Ridge RV park and Campground

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The TSBDC helped us jump-start, they sent us resources to begin our research as well as guides to help with our business plan, we are truly grateful for our counselor at the TSBDC.

Mammoth Ridge RV park and Campground

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The TSBDC helped us jump-start, they sent us resources to begin our research as well as guides to help with our business plan, we are truly grateful for our counselor at the TSBDC.

Jennifer Waldkoetter

Mammoth Ridge RV park and Campground

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The TSBDC helped us jump-start, they sent us resources to begin our research as well as guides to help with our business plan, we are truly grateful for our counselor at the TSBDC.

Mammoth Ridge RV park and Campground

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

I couldn't have made this work without the help of the Small Business Development Center. They helped me so much in gathering data, and financial projections for my loan, and giving me real-world business advice to help me get started.

Owner, Little Sunshine Academy LLC

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

I couldn't have made this work without the help of the Small Business Development Center. They helped me so much in gathering data, and financial projections for my loan, and giving me real-world business advice to help me get started.

Owner, Little Sunshine Academy LLC

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

I couldn't have made this work without the help of the Small Business Development Center. They helped me so much in gathering data, and financial projections for my loan, and giving me real-world business advice to help me get started.

April Brooks

Owner, Little Sunshine Academy LLC

UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

I couldn't have made this work without the help of the Small Business Development Center. They helped me so much in gathering data, and financial projections for my loan, and giving me real-world business advice to help me get started.

Owner, Little Sunshine Academy LLC

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

Chattanooga's TSBDC assists food and beverage entrepreneurs through a unique kitchen incubator

The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, or KIC for short, is over 10,000 sq. ft of food-centric startup space designed to remove barriers many entrepreneurs of color face. Our goal is to shrink the inequitable wealth gap and create generational wealth by providing a collaborative community, and real business opportunities and empowering our KIC members to grow and thrive.

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

Chattanooga's TSBDC assists food and beverage entrepreneurs through a unique kitchen incubator

The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, or KIC for short, is over 10,000 sq. ft of food-centric startup space designed to remove barriers many entrepreneurs of color face. Our goal is to shrink the inequitable wealth gap and create generational wealth by providing a collaborative community, and real business opportunities and empowering our KIC members to grow and thrive.

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

Chattanooga's TSBDC assists food and beverage entrepreneurs through a unique kitchen incubator

The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, or KIC for short, is over 10,000 sq. ft of food-centric startup space designed to remove barriers many entrepreneurs of color face. Our goal is to shrink the inequitable wealth gap and create generational wealth by providing a collaborative community, and real business opportunities and empowering our KIC members to grow and thrive.

ACCELERATORS + INCUBATORS

Chattanooga's TSBDC assists food and beverage entrepreneurs through a unique kitchen incubator

The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga, or KIC for short, is over 10,000 sq. ft of food-centric startup space designed to remove barriers many entrepreneurs of color face. Our goal is to shrink the inequitable wealth gap and create generational wealth by providing a collaborative community, and real business opportunities and empowering our KIC members to grow and thrive.

EXPORT

Company lands multi-million dollar export contract with help of SBDC

In 2013, HyVee Equipment (Clarksville, TN.) became a TSBDC client. HyVee Equipment is a woman-owned manufacturer and designer of aircraft recovery trailers. During 2022 TSBDC counselors assisted HyVee in exploring international sales opportunities.  This effort led directly to a $5.1 million contract to provide helicopter recovery trailers for the Saudi Arabia National Guard. Utilizing this export contract as a collateralizable asset, we next worked with the HyVee management team to obtain a $500,000 line of credit for the project. At this writing, the TSBDC staff is assisting the HyVee team in developing an Export Compliance Manual for HyVee Equipment.

EXPORT

Company lands multi-million dollar export contract with help of SBDC

In 2013, HyVee Equipment (Clarksville, TN.) became a TSBDC client. HyVee Equipment is a woman-owned manufacturer and designer of aircraft recovery trailers. During 2022 TSBDC counselors assisted HyVee in exploring international sales opportunities.  This effort led directly to a $5.1 million contract to provide helicopter recovery trailers for the Saudi Arabia National Guard. Utilizing this export contract as a collateralizable asset, we next worked with the HyVee management team to obtain a $500,000 line of credit for the project. At this writing, the TSBDC staff is assisting the HyVee team in developing an Export Compliance Manual for HyVee Equipment.

EXPORT

Company lands multi-million dollar export contract with help of SBDC

In 2013, HyVee Equipment (Clarksville, TN.) became a TSBDC client. HyVee Equipment is a woman-owned manufacturer and designer of aircraft recovery trailers. During 2022 TSBDC counselors assisted HyVee in exploring international sales opportunities.  This effort led directly to a $5.1 million contract to provide helicopter recovery trailers for the Saudi Arabia National Guard. Utilizing this export contract as a collateralizable asset, we next worked with the HyVee management team to obtain a $500,000 line of credit for the project. At this writing, the TSBDC staff is assisting the HyVee team in developing an Export Compliance Manual for HyVee Equipment.

EXPORT

Company lands multi-million dollar export contract with help of SBDC

In 2013, HyVee Equipment (Clarksville, TN.) became a TSBDC client. HyVee Equipment is a woman-owned manufacturer and designer of aircraft recovery trailers. During 2022 TSBDC counselors assisted HyVee in exploring international sales opportunities.  This effort led directly to a $5.1 million contract to provide helicopter recovery trailers for the Saudi Arabia National Guard. Utilizing this export contract as a collateralizable asset, we next worked with the HyVee management team to obtain a $500,000 line of credit for the project. At this writing, the TSBDC staff is assisting the HyVee team in developing an Export Compliance Manual for HyVee Equipment.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

From bugs to business, ReptiSnack is feeding reptilian pets everywhere

ReptiSnack is an innovative business in Georgetown, TN, offering feeder bug subscriptions that provide healthy, live feeders to busy pet owners. Having previously worked with the TSBDC, the owner, Kodi Mann, knew where to go for help when starting ReptiSnack in 2021. ReptiSnack has increased its bug selection from just one species to eight different types of bugs. The company has expanded to include merchandise, and next summer, minnows will be added to the product line.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

From bugs to business, ReptiSnack is feeding reptilian pets everywhere

ReptiSnack is an innovative business in Georgetown, TN, offering feeder bug subscriptions that provide healthy, live feeders to busy pet owners. Having previously worked with the TSBDC, the owner, Kodi Mann, knew where to go for help when starting ReptiSnack in 2021. ReptiSnack has increased its bug selection from just one species to eight different types of bugs. The company has expanded to include merchandise, and next summer, minnows will be added to the product line.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

From bugs to business, ReptiSnack is feeding reptilian pets everywhere

ReptiSnack is an innovative business in Georgetown, TN, offering feeder bug subscriptions that provide healthy, live feeders to busy pet owners. Having previously worked with the TSBDC, the owner, Kodi Mann, knew where to go for help when starting ReptiSnack in 2021. ReptiSnack has increased its bug selection from just one species to eight different types of bugs. The company has expanded to include merchandise, and next summer, minnows will be added to the product line.

MILLENNIALS + GEN-Z

From bugs to business, ReptiSnack is feeding reptilian pets everywhere

ReptiSnack is an innovative business in Georgetown, TN, offering feeder bug subscriptions that provide healthy, live feeders to busy pet owners. Having previously worked with the TSBDC, the owner, Kodi Mann, knew where to go for help when starting ReptiSnack in 2021. ReptiSnack has increased its bug selection from just one species to eight different types of bugs. The company has expanded to include merchandise, and next summer, minnows will be added to the product line.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Small business provide big business-level service to their clients

Mark Bondurant founded Twin Oaks Technology in 2012 to assist business owners with complete I.T. management and support, software development, web and digital marketing services, and complete warehouse management software solutions. Through the support of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at UT Martin REED Center, Mark and his team improved the warehouse management software system with breakthrough enhancements. The team built live real-time integration with Shopify, the leading e-commerce platform, for retrieving orders, updating fulfillments, and real-time inventory status - allowing companies to provide Amazon-level service.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Small business provide big business-level service to their clients

Mark Bondurant founded Twin Oaks Technology in 2012 to assist business owners with complete I.T. management and support, software development, web and digital marketing services, and complete warehouse management software solutions. Through the support of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at UT Martin REED Center, Mark and his team improved the warehouse management software system with breakthrough enhancements. The team built live real-time integration with Shopify, the leading e-commerce platform, for retrieving orders, updating fulfillments, and real-time inventory status - allowing companies to provide Amazon-level service.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Small business provide big business-level service to their clients

Mark Bondurant founded Twin Oaks Technology in 2012 to assist business owners with complete I.T. management and support, software development, web and digital marketing services, and complete warehouse management software solutions. Through the support of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at UT Martin REED Center, Mark and his team improved the warehouse management software system with breakthrough enhancements. The team built live real-time integration with Shopify, the leading e-commerce platform, for retrieving orders, updating fulfillments, and real-time inventory status - allowing companies to provide Amazon-level service.

TECH DEVELOPMENT

Small business provide big business-level service to their clients

Mark Bondurant founded Twin Oaks Technology in 2012 to assist business owners with complete I.T. management and support, software development, web and digital marketing services, and complete warehouse management software solutions. Through the support of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at UT Martin REED Center, Mark and his team improved the warehouse management software system with breakthrough enhancements. The team built live real-time integration with Shopify, the leading e-commerce platform, for retrieving orders, updating fulfillments, and real-time inventory status - allowing companies to provide Amazon-level service.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Cares Act funding allows printed magazine to increase their digital footprint

The TSBDC assisted The New Residents' Guide magazine in taking its first steps toward better website Search Engine Optimization (SEO) management. After discussing how the TSBDC could help The New Resident's Guide with SEO to broaden its digital reach, the staff qualified for The New Residents' Guide for Cares Act funding, allowing the client to work with an SEO management company. This assistance helped build a strong SEO strategy. By increasing website traffic, The New Resident's Guide now offers advertisers the opportunity to sponsor articles digitally as well as in print, which is, in turn, generating more revenue for the business.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Cares Act funding allows printed magazine to increase their digital footprint

The TSBDC assisted The New Residents' Guide magazine in taking its first steps toward better website Search Engine Optimization (SEO) management. After discussing how the TSBDC could help The New Resident's Guide with SEO to broaden its digital reach, the staff qualified for The New Residents' Guide for Cares Act funding, allowing the client to work with an SEO management company. This assistance helped build a strong SEO strategy. By increasing website traffic, The New Resident's Guide now offers advertisers the opportunity to sponsor articles digitally as well as in print, which is, in turn, generating more revenue for the business.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Cares Act funding allows printed magazine to increase their digital footprint

The TSBDC assisted The New Residents' Guide magazine in taking its first steps toward better website Search Engine Optimization (SEO) management. After discussing how the TSBDC could help The New Resident's Guide with SEO to broaden its digital reach, the staff qualified for The New Residents' Guide for Cares Act funding, allowing the client to work with an SEO management company. This assistance helped build a strong SEO strategy. By increasing website traffic, The New Resident's Guide now offers advertisers the opportunity to sponsor articles digitally as well as in print, which is, in turn, generating more revenue for the business.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Cares Act funding allows printed magazine to increase their digital footprint

The TSBDC assisted The New Residents' Guide magazine in taking its first steps toward better website Search Engine Optimization (SEO) management. After discussing how the TSBDC could help The New Resident's Guide with SEO to broaden its digital reach, the staff qualified for The New Residents' Guide for Cares Act funding, allowing the client to work with an SEO management company. This assistance helped build a strong SEO strategy. By increasing website traffic, The New Resident's Guide now offers advertisers the opportunity to sponsor articles digitally as well as in print, which is, in turn, generating more revenue for the business.

DISASTER RECOVERY

After being furloughed from her job during the pandemic a thriving business was born

Jennifer Cline decided to start her own business to recover from being furloughed from her job. She was reminded of her home state of Hawaii and its local fish markets when looking for an unmet need in her community—in Tennessee, fresh fish is hard to come by. As a result of Jennifer's Hawaii roots, she and Jerry Cline founded Aloha Fish Company to provide fresh and healthy fish from the west coast to Tennessee. The TSBDC helped the Clines turn Aloha Fish Co. into a full-time business through training, financial education, and workshops. Along with delivering fresh seafood, they have a walk-up menu and pop-up shops. Aloha has increased revenue, invested capital, and remained debt free.

DISASTER RECOVERY

After being furloughed from her job during the pandemic a thriving business was born

Jennifer Cline decided to start her own business to recover from being furloughed from her job. She was reminded of her home state of Hawaii and its local fish markets when looking for an unmet need in her community—in Tennessee, fresh fish is hard to come by. As a result of Jennifer's Hawaii roots, she and Jerry Cline founded Aloha Fish Company to provide fresh and healthy fish from the west coast to Tennessee. The TSBDC helped the Clines turn Aloha Fish Co. into a full-time business through training, financial education, and workshops. Along with delivering fresh seafood, they have a walk-up menu and pop-up shops. Aloha has increased revenue, invested capital, and remained debt free.

DISASTER RECOVERY

After being furloughed from her job during the pandemic a thriving business was born

Jennifer Cline decided to start her own business to recover from being furloughed from her job. She was reminded of her home state of Hawaii and its local fish markets when looking for an unmet need in her community—in Tennessee, fresh fish is hard to come by. As a result of Jennifer's Hawaii roots, she and Jerry Cline founded Aloha Fish Company to provide fresh and healthy fish from the west coast to Tennessee. The TSBDC helped the Clines turn Aloha Fish Co. into a full-time business through training, financial education, and workshops. Along with delivering fresh seafood, they have a walk-up menu and pop-up shops. Aloha has increased revenue, invested capital, and remained debt free.

DISASTER RECOVERY

After being furloughed from her job during the pandemic a thriving business was born

Jennifer Cline decided to start her own business to recover from being furloughed from her job. She was reminded of her home state of Hawaii and its local fish markets when looking for an unmet need in her community—in Tennessee, fresh fish is hard to come by. As a result of Jennifer's Hawaii roots, she and Jerry Cline founded Aloha Fish Company to provide fresh and healthy fish from the west coast to Tennessee. The TSBDC helped the Clines turn Aloha Fish Co. into a full-time business through training, financial education, and workshops. Along with delivering fresh seafood, they have a walk-up menu and pop-up shops. Aloha has increased revenue, invested capital, and remained debt free.

VETERANS

Slow batch made in a fast paced world

Drop Zone Distilling was founded by Rod Parton, the US Army's 82nd Airborne veteran, and Highway Patrolman. A fourth-generation moonshiner, Rod produces small batches from his original family recipes to ensure optimum flavor. Drop Zone used the TSBDC's help to develop a business plan, secure financing, and market their products. Drop Zone is receiving assistance from the TSBDC as they prepare to open a second facility in 2023.

VETERANS

Slow batch made in a fast paced world

Drop Zone Distilling was founded by Rod Parton, the US Army's 82nd Airborne veteran, and Highway Patrolman. A fourth-generation moonshiner, Rod produces small batches from his original family recipes to ensure optimum flavor. Drop Zone used the TSBDC's help to develop a business plan, secure financing, and market their products. Drop Zone is receiving assistance from the TSBDC as they prepare to open a second facility in 2023.

VETERANS

Slow batch made in a fast paced world

Drop Zone Distilling was founded by Rod Parton, the US Army's 82nd Airborne veteran, and Highway Patrolman. A fourth-generation moonshiner, Rod produces small batches from his original family recipes to ensure optimum flavor. Drop Zone used the TSBDC's help to develop a business plan, secure financing, and market their products. Drop Zone is receiving assistance from the TSBDC as they prepare to open a second facility in 2023.

VETERANS

Slow batch made in a fast paced world

Drop Zone Distilling was founded by Rod Parton, the US Army's 82nd Airborne veteran, and Highway Patrolman. A fourth-generation moonshiner, Rod produces small batches from his original family recipes to ensure optimum flavor. Drop Zone used the TSBDC's help to develop a business plan, secure financing, and market their products. Drop Zone is receiving assistance from the TSBDC as they prepare to open a second facility in 2023.

WOMEN-OWNED

I loved meeting in a comfortable, laid-back setting and conversing with somebody I could tell wanted my business to succeed. I have sincebeen able to go back for more advice, support, and fresh ideas.

Owner of JamiEvents

WOMEN-OWNED

I loved meeting in a comfortable, laid-back setting and conversing with somebody I could tell wanted my business to succeed. I have sincebeen able to go back for more advice, support, and fresh ideas.

Owner of JamiEvents

WOMEN-OWNED

I loved meeting in a comfortable, laid-back setting and conversing with somebody I could tell wanted my business to succeed. I have sincebeen able to go back for more advice, support, and fresh ideas.

Jamie Jackson

Owner of JamiEvents

WOMEN-OWNED

I loved meeting in a comfortable, laid-back setting and conversing with somebody I could tell wanted my business to succeed. I have sincebeen able to go back for more advice, support, and fresh ideas.

Owner of JamiEvents

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Harvard graduate uses environmental knowledge to launch a small business

Obie Iwuchukwu started Redox Environmatics after graduating from Harvard University with a Master's in Environmental Management.  The company specializes in environmental consulting and waste management. In 2019, Obie approached the SBDC for help developing a strategic plan. Working together, the SBDC and Obie developed an action plan to reposition the business and ensure the firm's ongoing viability. We focused on securing new sources of revenue targeting construction and demolition opportunities. Part of the strategy was to obtain certifications to assist procurement opportunities. Redox has increased revenue directly due to this effort by securing subcontracting contracts with schools, government agencies, and airport expansion.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Harvard graduate uses environmental knowledge to launch a small business

Obie Iwuchukwu started Redox Environmatics after graduating from Harvard University with a Master's in Environmental Management.  The company specializes in environmental consulting and waste management. In 2019, Obie approached the SBDC for help developing a strategic plan. Working together, the SBDC and Obie developed an action plan to reposition the business and ensure the firm's ongoing viability. We focused on securing new sources of revenue targeting construction and demolition opportunities. Part of the strategy was to obtain certifications to assist procurement opportunities. Redox has increased revenue directly due to this effort by securing subcontracting contracts with schools, government agencies, and airport expansion.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Harvard graduate uses environmental knowledge to launch a small business

Obie Iwuchukwu started Redox Environmatics after graduating from Harvard University with a Master's in Environmental Management.  The company specializes in environmental consulting and waste management. In 2019, Obie approached the SBDC for help developing a strategic plan. Working together, the SBDC and Obie developed an action plan to reposition the business and ensure the firm's ongoing viability. We focused on securing new sources of revenue targeting construction and demolition opportunities. Part of the strategy was to obtain certifications to assist procurement opportunities. Redox has increased revenue directly due to this effort by securing subcontracting contracts with schools, government agencies, and airport expansion.

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Harvard graduate uses environmental knowledge to launch a small business

Obie Iwuchukwu started Redox Environmatics after graduating from Harvard University with a Master's in Environmental Management.  The company specializes in environmental consulting and waste management. In 2019, Obie approached the SBDC for help developing a strategic plan. Working together, the SBDC and Obie developed an action plan to reposition the business and ensure the firm's ongoing viability. We focused on securing new sources of revenue targeting construction and demolition opportunities. Part of the strategy was to obtain certifications to assist procurement opportunities. Redox has increased revenue directly due to this effort by securing subcontracting contracts with schools, government agencies, and airport expansion.