TSBDCChattanooga

09/03/2026

You can't buckle your seatbelt after a crash. The same goes for your business: you can't prepare for a disaster after it happens.

Join us September 9th for ReadyTN Business, a no-cost certification session that helps you prepare, respond, and recover.

Attend in-person (Murfreesboro) or virtually. Register to attend at tsbdc.org/disasterpreparedness

Hosted in partnership with: Tennessee Emergency Management Authority & Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

08/31/2026

✨ Small Business Spotlight ✨

Missing Word Solutions is a Chattanooga-based creative services brokerage founded by Greg Thompson that is celebrating 10 years in business. The company provides scalable marketing and communications support, including podcast production, public relations, journalism, thought leadership, website development, and content management, with deep expertise in the trucking industry through its PodWheels platform.

Missing Word Solutions began in 2016 after Greg experienced a job layoff and decided to turn years of communications experience into an opportunity to build something new. Early on, just three planned podcast episodes with a trucking company grew into a robust four-year collaboration that produced approximately 300 episodes and helped establish a strong foundation for the business.

Greg first connected with TSBDC in 2019 while exploring opportunities to expand and diversify. Since then, regular counseling has played an important role in navigating challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluating new opportunities, understanding financial performance, and becoming more intentional about how time and resources are used.

“I can say with full confidence that had I not begun working with the TSBDC seven years ago, it’s highly likely that Missing Word Solutions would not be in business today,” Greg shared.

Through his work with former TSBDC counselor Sarah Mattson and Senior Small Business Consultant Josh Brown, Greg has benefited from conversations around strategy, accountability, encouragement, and an outside perspective that keeps long-term goals in focus.

Looking ahead, Missing Word Solutions is developing a new podcast concept for Chattanooga area businesses. The program will give local companies an opportunity to share their expertise through focused Q&A conversations while introducing them to the company’s broader content development services.

As Missing Word Solutions enters its next chapter, the TSBDC is proud to continue supporting Greg, as well as a business that has embraced adaptability, collaboration, and thoughtful growth for a decade.

08/21/2026

How well do you *actually* know your customers? The answer shapes more than you might expect...

08/16/2026

07/30/2026

✨ Small Business Spotlight ✨

Bright Family Dentistry is a family-centered dental practice founded by Dr. Robina Habib! Built on a foundation of compassion, clinical excellence, and a commitment to improving access to quality dental care, Bright Family Dentistry provides comprehensive dental services in a welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel comfortable, valued, and confident about their oral health.

Launching a new dental practice required careful planning, organization, and strategic decision-making. While Dr. Habib brought years of clinical experience and a clear vision for her practice, she recognized the importance of having strong business guidance during the startup process.

She connected with TSBDC consultant Cheryl Howell, whose expertise and support helped provide structure and direction during the many stages of opening the practice.

Together, Dr. Habib and Cheryl developed a strategic 30-, 60-, and 90-day action plan that established clear goals, priorities, and milestones. Cheryl’s guidance helped Dr. Habib identify valuable resources, make informed business decisions, and navigate the challenges of launching a new healthcare practice.

“Cheryl helped me find valuable resources and guided me in designing and strategizing each step of the process,” said Dr. Habib. “With her support, I was able to stay organized, move forward confidently, and manage the project without becoming overwhelmed.”

Today, Bright Family Dentistry serves families throughout East Ridge and the surrounding Chattanooga community by offering preventive, restorative, cosmetic, pediatric, and emergency dental care.

Recognizing that many individuals and families face challenges accessing dental care without insurance, Dr. Habib created the Bright Dental Discount Plan, an affordable in-house membership program for individuals and their families designed to make preventive and essential dental services more accessible.

We are proud to support and spotlight entrepreneurs like Dr. Robina Habib, whose dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving her community have helped establish a strong foundation for Bright Family Dentistry.

07/17/2026

Could someone step into your business tomorrow and keep the wheels turning?

If the honest answer is "not really," you're not alone. And it's fixable!

More in our latest blog post: https://tsbdc.org/beyond-sops/

Written by Brooke Siler at Tennessee Small Business Development Center - MTSU

07/10/2026

AI is already changing how small businesses run, and most entrepreneurs are asking the same practical question: where do I start?

On July 16, America's SBDC is hosting AI Day, a no-cost virtual summit built to answer exactly that.

You’ll be able to see how AI is helping businesses like yours grow, hear from entrepreneurs who’ve succeeded, and access AI resources through your local SBDC!

Register here: https://aiday.americassbdc.org/event-registration

07/08/2026

Join us at the Chattanooga Small Business Resource Center for pop-up office hours! Simply email the consultant that matches your availability to book your appointment.

What you can expect:
✔️ personalized business counseling
✔️ guidance on planning, financing, and growth strategies
✔️ expert advice at no cost

Don’t try to figure it all out on your own! Get the support you need to move forward with confidence.

07/06/2026

Last week on LinkedIn, we asked how focused your business feels right now. Focus is critical if you're wanting to grow, expand services, or open a second location. Here are 5 things to consider before you expand. →

06/22/2026

We are proud to spotlight Marci Gunter, founder of More Room to Breathe Professional Organizing. Her business is dedicated to helping people create calm, functional homes by providing compassionate, judgment-free organizational services.

Built on the belief that everyone deserves a space that brings them peace and ease, More Room to Breathe transforms overwhelming environments into a place that can truly be enjoyed.

Like many small business owners, Marci faced uncertainty about how to grow a sustainable business and connected with the TSBDC for help creating a roadmap for success. Through ongoing guidance, accountability, and encouragement, her TSBDC counselor, Cheryl Howell, helped provide the tools and confidence that encouraged Marci forward with purpose.

One of the most significant turning points came after making strategic pricing adjustments. For years, Marci was hesitant to change her rates and felt the need to justify her pricing to clients. With support from Cheryl, she gained the confidence to make necessary changes. The result was a milestone moment: successfully running payroll while still having money in the bank, a clear sign that the business was on a stronger financial path.

Today, More Room to Breathe continues to grow while helping clients reclaim their spaces and reduce stress in their daily lives. The work done alongside TSBDC has strengthened the foundation of the business, allowing it to better serve clients and reach more households throughout the community.

As demand continues to increase, the company is currently booking approximately one month in advance. Clients planning late summer or fall organizing projects are encouraged to schedule early, and garage organizing services will be available beginning in September.

"Marci has an incredible attitude and a strong work ethic. She genuinely loves helping her clients create spaces they truly enjoy, and her passion shines through in everything she does. She is an absolute joy to work with," notes Cheryl. She, along with the TSBDC team, is proud to support entrepreneurs like Marci, whose dedication to helping others find peace in their homes is making a lasting impact on families throughout the region.

As More Room to Breathe continues to grow, its mission of bringing greater calm, confidence, and balance into everyday life remains at the heart of everything it does.