Tennessee Small Business Development Center at UCDD

06/02/2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is currently on the ground in Tennessee, supporting businesses affected by the severe storm that occurred between January 22 through January 27th, 2026. If you live in these counties: Clay, Macon, Cannon, DeKalb, Jackson, Overton, Pickett, and Smith you're eligible to apply for disaster assistance.

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05/29/2026

Last week we asked what season your business is in. Here's what we heard (and what it means.) ➡️

05/12/2026

Great Job Fentress County Chamber of Commerce!!! We love partnering with you and offering support to your businesses!

05/11/2026

Putnam County Library is hosting an info session for small business owners today, May 11th at 12:00! Come hear Janette Phillips speak about bookkeeping tips and tricks!

05/08/2026

Looking for a small business grant? Maybe this is a right fit for you! The Tennessee Titans Small Business grant now open for applicants: https://www.tennesseetitans.com/community/one-community/1st-and-goal

05/08/2026

Upcoming Event at the Cumberland Business Incubator. May 22nd 9:00am - 11:00am. Government Contracting 101. Register today!

https://tnapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/4573

05/05/2026

Aaaand that’s a wrap! Last week all Centers in the TSBDC network came together in one room to learn, collaborate, and celebrate. 🙌

We’re proud to invest in the professional development of our staff, knowing that stronger teams mean stronger communities, and better support for Tennessee’s small businesses!

A special thank you to our event sponsors - you made this incredible week possible!
🔹 First Horizon Bank
🔹 Truist
🔹 Republic Bank
🔹 Three Roots Capital
🔹 Pinnacle Financial Partners

04/25/2026

Most businesses don't think about disaster preparedness until they need it. Our Blue Sky series gives you a plan before that moment comes.

We’re partnering with the Department of Economic & Community Development for a week of no-cost hybrid training covering practical steps before, during, and after a disaster.

🔹 May 4: Innovation & Tech
🔹 May 5: Manufacturing
🔹 May 6: Main Street Business
🔹 May 7: Agriculture & Food
🔹 May 8: General Business, Micro & Solopreneurs

Learn more and register at tsbdc.org/tnblueskyseries

04/20/2026

Are you ready to export your U.S. product or service to new foreign markets?

The SBA is hosting Export Week May 4-8 with virtual seminars to help U.S. businesses expand into foreign markets.

Two sessions that might be particularly helpful:

Monday, May 4th | 11am-12pm ET | Export Week Kick-Off: Navigating Export Resources for U.S. Manufacturers Learn about federal export resources, trade counseling, and market intelligence. Register: 3d114ccd-b6d8-479b-902f-6cf0726e4faa@a1d183f2-6c7b-4d9a-b994-5f2f31b3f780" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/3d114ccd-b6d8-479b-902f-6cf0726e4faa@a1d183f2-6c7b-4d9a-b994-5f2f31b3f780

Tuesday, May 5th | 9-10am CT | Tennessee STEP Grant Program Learn about grant funding to help Tennessee small businesses enter and expand into international markets. Register: f1a16eef-270d-4e8a-b4d8-53b07fbde079@3c89fd8a-7f68-4667-aa15-41ebf2208961" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/f1a16eef-270d-4e8a-b4d8-53b07fbde079@3c89fd8a-7f68-4667-aa15-41ebf2208961

Both sessions are free and virtual. If you're considering international expansion, this is a great place to start!

04/10/2026

Last week on LinkedIn, we asked what the hardest part of running a business is. The results were split between staying motivated and knowing when to pivot.

Here's what both of those struggles have in common: they're signs you need clarity.

If staying motivated is hard, you might need clearer goals, better boundaries, or a reminder of why you started. Burnout often means you're working in the business without stepping back to work on it.

If knowing when to pivot is hard, you're stuck between what you've built and what might work better. That decision gets easier when you have data, outside perspective, and a strategic plan.

The good news is that you don't have to figure this out alone! Our consultants can help you work through challenges like these - whether it's getting unstuck, making tough calls, or building a clearer path forward.