Department of
Economic & Community Development
Matthew Kisber, Commissioner

Governor Bredesen Talks to Small Business Owner

Business Enterprise Resource Office

Starting a small business is no walk in the park. Just ask our Governor, Phil Bredesen. He cut his business teeth by drafting the plan for a health care company at his kitchen table. That small company eventually grew to more than 600 employees and is traded today on the New York Stock Exchange.

In fact, two-thirds of all businesses in the state are small businesses with 20 or fewer employees, and businesses with fewer than five employees represent more than 49 percent of all Tennessee establishments. Those numbers say a lot of about the source of Tennessee’s economic strength. That’s why we’ve worked hard to foster a business climate that’s just as friendly to a five-person shop as a 500-person corporation. And our efforts are making an impact. A study released in 2008 by the Ewing Marion Kaufman Foundation ranked Tennessee in the top 5 states nationally for entrepreneurial activity.

In Tennessee, we understand not only how important small business is to our state’s economy, but also exactly what small business owners need to succeed. The challenges and obstacles that confront entrepreneurs are unique, and adequate support and resources are crucial to navigating the early days of a new venture.

At ECD, we offer procurement assistance and development opportunities to small and minority- and women-owned businesses through the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO). BERO partners with other state agencies and small business support programs to:

Provide information about grants and loans
Direct entrepreneurs to partnerships with government and private entities.
Offer one-on-one technical assistance.
Host financial and procurement workshops and conferences.
Help with small business expansion, relocation and turnaround situations.

Whether you’ve got the know-how for the next big break in technology or the best muffin recipe this side of the Mississippi, let BERO help you realize your plans. In Tennessee, you’ll be in good company.

Click here to read stories from some of BERO's clients.

Featured Small Business Programs

News

Second Annual Video Competition asks Tennesseans 'What Makes You an Entrepreneur?'

“Last year, Tennessee made its mark as one of the top participating states for Global Entrepreneurship Week," said Matt Kisber, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "With the second installment of the entrepreneurship video competition, we hope to continue our custom of recognizing entrepreneurs, who are the backbone of our state's economy." Complete contest details can be found at the official website: www.tnopenforbusiness.org/.

10 Mistakes That Start-Up Entrepreneurs Make Source: Wall Street Journal
When it comes to starting a successful business, there's no surefire playbook that contains the winning game plan. On the other hand, there are about as many mistakes to be made as there are entrepreneurs to make them. Read more…

Top 10 Reasons for Entrepreneurial Success Source: New York Times Boss Blogs
I was driving to work one recent morning, sitting at a stoplight when a car pulled up next to me and the young man behind the wheel rolled down his window. He shouted over, "How can I be successful like you?" Read more…

10 Ways to Get More Sales From Existing Customers Source: Inc. Magazine
If you are looking to increase your revenue per customer, here are some tips on getting your sales staff focused on inside sales, upselling, and marketing additional services. Read more…

Economic Injury Assistance for Tennessee's Small Businesses
While some housing assistance funds are available through our Individuals and Households Program, most disaster assistance from the federal government is in the form of loans administered by the Small Business Administration. Deadline to submit an application for Economic Injury from May’s Floods has been extended to 2/4/2011.

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