Tennessee: Resources
The Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research is a research unit of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Most of its work is focused on regional economic trends and is aimed at business modeling and knowledge sharing. The CBER also maintains a library of census data, maps, and, publications, and research reports on its website.
The Center for Industrial Services (CIS) is a research department of the University of Tennessee focused on improving the economic competitiveness of businesses in Tennessee. The CIS also works in assisting manufacturers, providing education and research, and addressing customer needs. The site contains information on the solutions for improving business performance, maintaining sustainability, solving problems about regulations, and achieving business growth.
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) is a program that was created to help develop growing companies in the state of Tennessee. The program focuses on five areas: entrepreneurship, commercialization, capital, corporate engagement, and outreach. The LaunchTN site provides information on the program's main focuses as well as a listing of events and a business blog that provides business advice and news to its readers.
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry serves to represent all the businesses in Tennessee and works to increase productivity and competitiveness in the state. It also aims to provide a fair tax system and gain prosperity for its citizens. Its website includes the Chamber's projects, publications, programs, events, and benefits.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is a state-run agency charged with developing Tennessee as a favorable business destination. TNECD facilitates a variety of programs, tax incentives, grants, and location assistance to promote economic development. Information regarding these programs, the business climate of Tennessee, and export assistance are all provided on the TNECD website.
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) exists to assist and support the small business community in the state. The site has a collection of free resources that aid in the process of operating and starting a business. It has numerous statewide locations and provides individual, specialized business advising, and training. All services offered by the center are free of charge, except for some of the professional training sessions.