Business Support Organizations
Growing a business requires access to mentorship, capital readiness support, training, and strategic advisory services. ULGC partners with local and regional organizations that provide technical assistance (TA), funding opportunities, and business development support.
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Business Training & Coaching
TN Small Business
Development Center (TSBDC)
Provides no-cost consulting and training to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
• Business consulting
• Startup guidance
• Business training
SCORE Chattanooga
Offers free mentoring from experienced business professionals to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.
• Business mentoring
• Startup guidance
• Business workshops
Launch Chattanooga
Supports underrepresented entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and access to business resources.
• Business training
• Entrepreneur mentorship
• Startup resources
Chattanooga Office of
Economic Development
Provides resources and programs that support business growth and economic development in Chattanooga.
• Business resources and guidance
• Economic development programs
• Small business support and
referrals
Industry-Specific Training
Tech Goes Home
Provides technology training and digital tools to help entrepreneurs and small business owners build essential tech skills.
• Computer skills training
• Digital business tools
• Technology access programs
PROOF
Supports food and beverage entrepreneurs through industry training, mentorship, workshops, and business coaching.
• Industry education
• Business workshops
• One-on-one coaching
The Nonprofit Resource Center
Provides mentoring and resources to help nonprofit organizations strengthen operations and increase impact.
• Nonprofit coaching
• Leadership development
• Resource connections
Startup & Innovation Support
CO.LAB
Accelerates early-stage startups through mentorship, capital connections, and startup programming.
• Startup accelerator programs
• Investor connections
• Entrepreneur mentorship
The Enterprise Center
Supports Chattanooga’s innovation ecosystem through digital skills training, entrepreneurship resources, and collaborative initiatives
that help businesses and innovators grow.
• Innovation ecosystem support
• Digital skills training
• Entrepreneurship resources
Funding & Capital Access
Pathway Lending
Provides flexible financing and business education to support small business growth across Tennessee.
• Small business loans
• Financial counseling
• Capital readiness training
Brightbridge Capital
Provides financing solutions that support economic development, job creation, and business expansion across the region.
• Business financing
• Economic development lending
• Community investment support
Community Foundation of Greater
Chattanooga - Accelerator Loan Fund
Provides low-interest loans designed to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs of color while also connecting participants to mentorship and banking relationships.
• Low-interest business loans
• Capital access for entrepreneurs
• Business advisory support
TVFCU Idea Loop
Provides early-stage funding opportunities for emerging businesses through a referral-based investment program
• Early-stage business funding
• Entrepreneur investment program
• Referral-based capital opportunities
Kiva
An international crowdfunding platform that provides 0% interest microloans to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Crowdfunded microloans
• 0% interest financing
• Global lender network
Cadence Bank
Provides financial products, banking services, and advisory support to help businesses grow and achieve long-term financial goals.
• Small business banking
• Commercial financing
• Financial advisory services
UGLC Business Development Initiatives
Next Level
Provides early-stage funding opportunities for emerging businesses through a referral-based investment program
• Business planning and strategy
• Access to capital readiness
• Mentorship and peer accountability
Inclusion By Design Executive Leadership Program
Inclusion By Design
Provides financial products, banking services, and advisory support to help businesses grow and achieve long-term financial goals.
• Inclusive leadership strategy
• Talent pipeline and advancement
• Data-informed equity practices
Not sure where to start?
The Urban League can help connect you with the right organization for your business needs.