Small Business Grants in Tennessee
Tennessee has become one of the hottest states for business relocation and startup formation, driven by no personal income tax on wages, a central location, and booming metros in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Nashville in particular has attracted massive investment in healthcare, music and entertainment, technology, and hospitality. The state's grant programs support businesses across all these sectors and beyond.
Economic Overview
Tennessee has approximately 600,000 small businesses employing over 1.1 million workers. Nashville is a healthcare capital (HCA, community health systems), a music industry hub, and a rapidly growing tech and startup center. Memphis is a logistics powerhouse (FedEx headquarters). Chattanooga and Knoxville have growing tech and manufacturing sectors. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, low property taxes, and a competitive business cost structure.
State Grant Programs
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) offers the FastTrack program (grants and loans for job creation and training), the Tennessee Small Business Development Center network, and various tax incentive programs. Launch Tennessee coordinates the state's startup ecosystem with regional entrepreneur centers across the state. The Tennessee Technology Development Corporation provides venture investments. Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga all have active local programs.
How to Apply
Visit TNECD website and contact the Tennessee SBDC. For startups, connect with Launch Tennessee and your regional entrepreneur center. Nashville entrepreneurs should explore the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. Register at SAM.gov for federal grants.
Featured Opportunities17 Active
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant 2025
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$275,000 - $275,000
America's Seed Fund (SBIR Phase I)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
FedEx Entrepreneur Fund (Boost Camp)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $500,000
Rural Business Development Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
American Express Backing Small Business
Award Amount
$1,000 - $1,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
LegalZoom Fast Break for Small Business
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative
Award Amount
$50,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Amex Shop Small Grants
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Skip's $10k Kickoff Grant
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants does Tennessee offer small businesses?▼
Tennessee offers FastTrack grants and loans, Launch Tennessee startup support, regional entrepreneur center programs, workforce training grants, and federal SBIR/STTR and USDA programs. The state has no income tax on wages.
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