Best Small Business Resources in the Knoxville Area

Description

The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is a premier resource in the Knoxville area. It has 7 programs available for adults, and 1 program for youth entrepreneurs. All programs begin with the Liftoff event, which is a meeting that occurs several times throughout the month. After that, comes all the other benefit programs, like the CO.STARTERS program, "What's the Big Idea?" Pitch competition, and 'The Works" for technology-oriented companies.

Description

CO.STARTERS is hosting one of its comprehensive, 10-week business planning classes at the Knoxville Area Urban League. This class will take someone who has a business idea and helps them learn how to launch that into a successful business. The class itself has a fee.

Restrictions

Pre-registration is required, and classes run at specific times of the year.

Description

The Knox County Public Library has a selection of databases an entrepreneur can look at to do market research and validate their idea. If an entrepreneur needs assistance with using these businesses or help to interpret the data, they can call on the assistance of a librarian. This library also has access to online courses in business that would otherwise be stuck behind a paywall. These sites cover a great number of topics in business, and for self motivated individuals, can be a great tool for learning the technical side of starting a business.

Restrictions

Must have a library card to use many of the services.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.