Anderson Center
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Knoxville and the state of Tennessee enjoy a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Regional, state and non-profit organizations have unique programs for helping start new businesses and grow existing businesses.
Knoxville and the state of Tennessee enjoy a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Regional, state and non-profit organizations have unique programs for helping start new businesses and grow existing businesses.
Economic Development
- Innovation Crossroads: an early-stage entrepreneurial program in energy
- Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley: a multi-county economic development initiative in the technology-rich area surrounding Knoxville
- Tennessee Valley Authority: power provider that serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic development in the region
- Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development: statewide economic development organization
- Launch Tennessee: statewide economic development organization focused on strategies that increase the formation and expansion of businesses
- UT Center for Industrial Services: helps businesses improve their economic competitiveness
- UT Extension: deliver research-based information from the university to the people of Tennessee
- East Tennessee Economic Council: local networking group that seeks ways to use federal investments in science and security to create prosperity, promote regional development, and explore opportunities for growth
- East Tennessee Development District: provides planning and development services to 16 counties in East TN, and is a forum for local governments to solve common problems associated with economic development and growth
Startup Support & Information
- Innov865 Alliance: develops, supports, and promotes the Knoxville region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Knoxville Entrepreneur Center: a Knoxville organization dedicated to inspiring, encouraging and enabling entrepreneurs
- Tennessee Small Business Development Center: state organization to help get new businesses started
- Teknovation: Knoxville technology innovation news source
Technologies
- University of Tennessee Research Foundation
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Y-12 National Security Complex
Business Incubation Facilities
- UTRF Business Incubator: for technology-enabled companies that are either based on UT-technology, affiliated with UT researchers, or started by UT students
- Fairview Technology Center: for high-growth, technology-enabled companies
Funding
- Angel Capital Group
- The Lighthouse Fund
- Three Roots Capital
- Chattanooga Renaissance Fund