Memphis Small Business Resources
Starting and running a small business requires resources. There are businesses, government groups, and nonprofits ready to help you.
We’ve compiled a list of Memphis small business resources and created tools and guides to help you operate a successful business in Tennessee.
Starting a business? Get access to small business resources and support when you start an LLC with Northwest ($29 + State Fees).
Local Resources for Small Business in Memphis
Using local resources can make a big difference. Here are some of the best local resources for small businesses in Memphis.
To get more Tennessee business resources, visit our Tennessee Small Business Resources guide.
TSBDC at SWCC
Overview
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.
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TRUiC Business Resources
CO.STARTERS Memphis
Overview
CO.STARTERS is a paid 9-week program that runs at set times throughout the year. It is designed to take an entrepreneur from the idea stage, all the way through the planning and into the formation stages of starting their business. Special to the Memphis branch is the fact that it has 3 different programs in the city: CO.STARTERS in Germantown, a program specifically for food and drink based businesses; CO.STARTERS in the Kaleidoscope Kitchen, and CO.STARTERS @ MCUTS; where first priority goes to MCUTS students. Contact for these programs is done through the Epicenter, which is an overseeing organization for the region's many local resources.
Restrictions
The CO.STARTERS program runs at specific times throughout the year and requires preregistration.
Contact Information
Office Address:
150 Peabody Pl.
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone Number: 901-500-6368
Email: info@epicentermemphis.org
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Emerge Memphis
Overview
Emerge Memphis helps entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, assistance with developing a business plan, and a vibrant and affordable coworking space. It will be best for service- or internet-based businesses and is unique in its downtown location. Entrepreneurs are also able to receive business advice from the competent staff who work at Emerge.
Contact Information
Office Address:
516 Tennessee St.
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone Number: 615-891-4100
Email: info@emergememphis.org
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Epicenter Memphis
Overview
The Epicenter of Memphis is an organization that hosts its own coworking space in Germantown that entrepreneurs may lease to collaborate with others when starting their small business. It also acts as a network of other small business assistance organizations, including a whole host of accelerators, incubators, and more. It will be most useful for entrepreneurs who would like to be personally connected to the other organizations in the Memphis area.
Restrictions
Individual programs may have specific, distinct restrictions.
Contact Information
Office Address:
150 Peabody Pl.
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone Number: 901-500-6368
Email: info@vibrantmemphis.org
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Memphis Public Libraries
Overview
Memphis Public Libraries assists entrepreneurs with access to a plethora of databases useful for market and demographic research, classes on a regular schedule, and many online resources. Most useful for entrepreneurs who are rather inexperienced, the Memphis Public Library is a standout among many of the public library systems throughout the country.
Restrictions
Must have a library card to use some of the databases.
Contact Information
Office Address:
3030 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38111
Phone Number: 901-415-2734
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SCORE Memphis
Overview
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.
Start Co
Overview
Start Co. helps entrepreneurs in the technology industry through powerful accelerator programs. That means that they provide seed funding, mentorship, comprehensive business planning assistance, sales and marketing help from expert PR/Marketing agents, a ton of perks from the companies who invest and partner with them, and so much more.
Restrictions
Must be a technology-oriented company, and the accelerator programs will have more specific restrictions, such as the type of technology used or the need of at least one female executive.
Contact Information
Office Address:
88 Union Ave.
2nd Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone Number: 901-213-7795
Email: info@neverstop.co
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