• TN Small Business Development Center

  • Mission, Purpose and Capabilities of the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers

    The Tennessee Small Business Development Centers were created to foster economic and business development in the region by providing high quality advice, assistance, counseling and training at low or no cost for entrepreneurs, professionals, independent small business owners or would-be small business owners in order to help promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity and managerial excellence in the free market economy.

    The Centers provide free and confidential counseling on an individual basis by experienced and trained small business specialists, who are usually former executives and business owners. These specialists can provide information, direct business owners to resources and act as reviewers of plans and proposals by offering realistic and constructive criticism.

    To request counseling service, please click on the links shown below:
    - For start-up businesses.
    - For existing businesses.

    In addition to individual business assistance, Center professionals conduct or participate in workshops, seminars and classes on a variety of business and management topics of interest to small business owners. 

    The Centers also maintain general business information resources materials or can make referrals to information resources in government, the education system or private industry.

    Advice, Counseling, Assistance and Training for Entrepreneurs, Business Professionals and Small Business Owners

    • Organizing and starting a business
    • Researching markets and industries
    • Developing business strategies and plans
    • Seeking resources and capital
    • Budgeting, accounting and recordkeeping
    • Manufacturing and engineering
    • Researching and developing products
    • Understanding people, tax and legal issues
    • Implementing cost and inventory controls
    • Buying from and selling to government
    • Analyzing finances and insurance
    • Harnessing computers and technology
    • Acquiring equipment and technology
    • Entering or expanding international trade
    • Buying, franchising or selling a business
    • Advertising, promoting, selling and publicity

    The Small Business Development Centers are not lenders, investors or grantor, but do advise owners on financing and the development of proposals.

    Tennessee Small Business Development Center
    at Roane State Community College
    c/o Chamber of Commerce
    1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike
    Oak Ridge, TN 37830

    Voice (865) 483-2668
    Fax: (865) 483-1728
    Email swilliams@tsbdc.org

    The Oak Ridge Small Business Development Center is sponsored by Roane State Community College, the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration (under a cooperative agreement).

    The Oak Ridge Center serves Anderson, Campbell, Cumberland, Loudon, Morgan, Roane and Scott counties. Workshops, seminars and counseling sessions are scheduled in all counties served as well as Oak Ridge. Also, service is not limited to individuals or companies in the above counties. Many entrepreneurs or owners considering locating in the service area, wishing access to service area resources, or just taking advantage of the assistance provided contact are helped by the TSBDC.

    For more information, visit www.tsbdc.org/rscc.


                

     


    The Tennessee Small Business Development Centers Network, hosted by Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN, is an accredited member of the National Association of Small Business Development Centers and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, participating universities and community colleges, and regional support partners. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA and other program sponsors. All information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. All information, events, and/or prices are subject to change or withdrawal. The Tennessee Small Business Development Centers Network shall not be held responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints. Please confirm the information with the listing party. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact your local center or our state office at 3050 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 or call toll free at 1-877-898-3900.