Entrepreneurs are dreamers with the courage and passion to turn their ideas into reality. But to do that, it's important that they find the right guidance, structure and financial support. Luckily, Chattanooga has a lot of that. Here, we've put together a guide to the many organizations dedicated to helping budding companies grow.
BRICKYARD
As per its website, Brickyard is not an accelerator and it doesn't run a program. Rather, it is a "pre-seed / seed venture firm that backs teams who want to radically focus, in-person." The mission is to provide early-stage capital, educational resources and focused mentorship to young startups within its portfolio. Brickyard is located at 917 E. 16th St., Chattanooga 37408 and headed by directors Matt Patterson and Cam Doody. For more information, visit here.
THE COMPANY LAB (CO.LAB)
CO.LAB focuses on providing entrepreneurs with capital programming, including accelerators, mentorship, networking, talent development and recruitment. Directed by Tasia Malakasis, CO.LAB operates from The Society of Work at 110 Somerville Ave., Ste. 266, Chattanooga 37405. Call 423-281-0811, write info@colab.co, or visit online at here.
tTHE ENTERPRISE CENTER
The Enterprise Center's mission is to connect people, organizations, and technology to improve the quality of life for Chattanooga residents. Eligible individuals and small businesses can access free digital skills classes to help them unlock new opportunities. Debra Socia leads the organization, located at The Edney Innovation Center, 1100 Market St., Ste. 500, Chattanooga 37402. Call 423-661-3300 or visit here.
THE HAMILTON COUNTY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER/INCubator
The INCubator is the largest incubator in Tennessee and the third largest in the United States, and has the mission of helping entrepreneurs achieve success through a three-year, progressive development program, offering shared administrative services, manufacturing and office space, training workshops and more. Bill Lupia directs the program, located at 100 Cherokee Blvd., Ste. 100, Chattanooga 37405. Call 423-752-4301 or learn more at here.
THE KITCHEN INCUBATOR OF CHATTANOOGA / KIC (powered by LAUNCH)
The Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga empowers food industry entrepreneurs with the space, tools, and resources for successful and healthy business growth. KIC primarily serves food startups, with a focus on underrepresented food entrepreneurs. Mark Holland is the director for the organization, located at 5704 Marlin Rd., Chattanooga 37411. Call 423-523-9307 or visit here.
LAUNCH CHATTANOOGA
LAUNCH Chattanooga's mission is to empower communities and individuals through entrepreneurship. They serve startups, with a focus on underrepresented entrepreneurs. Hal Bowling is the director for LAUNCH, which is located at 100 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga 37405. Call 423-523-9307 or learn more at here.
PROOF BAR AND INCUBATOR
Proof's mission is to help food and beverage entrepreneurs be better at business and use food and beverage as a tool for growth and creating communities. They offer industry-specific programs, accelerators, mentors, and a shared commissary kitchen. Proof is at 422 E. MLK King Blvd., Chattanooga 37403. Email info@proofincubator.com, call 423-541-6858 or visit here.
SCORE: SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES
SCORE's mission is to foster small business communities through mentoring and education. They serve existing small businesses, entrepreneurs and those considering small business ownership. SCORE is at 5726 Marlin Rd., Chattanooga 37411. To find a mentor, write to ch.admin0211@scorevolunteer.org, call 423-553-1722 or visit here.
STARTINGBLOCKCHATTANOOGA.COM
StartingBlockChattanooga.com provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with free, easy access to the assistance, resources, and information they need to thrive. It is located at 811 Broad Street, Ste. 100, Chattanooga 37402. Write to info@startingblockchattanooga.com or call 423-752-4301.
TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (TSBDC) – CHATTANOOGA
TSBDC is a network of 1,000 centers dedicated to helping small businesses at any stage with technical assistance, research and connections. Any small business across Southeast Tennessee can access their services at no cost. Directed by Lynn Chesnutt, TSBDC operates from 100 Cherokee Blvd., Ste. 202, Chattanooga 37405. Call 423-756-8668, write chatt@tsbdc.org or find out more here.
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