TSBDC at Roane State Community College

05/29/2026

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

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

Stellar presentations today from Youth Leadership Oak Ridge at Roane State Community College Oak Ridge. Proud of these ORHS students for their efforts and business model development. TSBDC at Roane State Community College, RSCC Workforce Development

05/06/2026

It was a pleasure to speak at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Procurement Fair at New Hope Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. So many things happening and productive conversations at this event. Thank you to all that stopped by to learn more about TSBDC & Roane State Workforce.

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

Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce The Roane Alliance Anderson County Chamber of Commerce Loudon County Chamber of Commerce Campbell County Chamber of Commerce - Campbell County, TN Morgan County Tourism Alliance Cumberland County, TN Monroe County Chamber of Commerce-Tennessee

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

Join us on Monday, May 4th at 3pm for a no-cost hybrid training covering practical steps before, during, and after a disaster, specifically tailored for innovation and tech-based businesses.

Attend in person at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce or virtually.

Learn more and register at tsbdc.org/tnblueskyseries

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!

Join us on Monday, May 4th at 3pm for a no-cost hybrid training covering practical steps before, during, and after a disaster, specifically tailored for innovation and tech-based businesses.

Attend in person at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce or virtually.

Learn more and register at tsbdc.org/tnblueskyseries

04/23/2026

We're hiring! We're looking for someone who can:

🔹 Oversee operations, budget, and strategy for our center serving 7 counties in rural eastern Tennessee
🔹 Deliver consulting and programs to individuals, businesses, and organizations across the service area
🔹 Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and represent the TSBDC in the community
🔹 Lead public outreach and support entrepreneurship programs at Roane State Community College

If this sounds like you, we'd love to meet you! Read the full job posting and apply here: https://careers.tbr.edu/jobs/tsbdc-director_grant-funded-position-oak-ridge-tennessee-united-states

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.