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Business Enterprise Resource Office

Rural Small Business and Entrepreneurship Loan Fund Client

Starting a small business is no walk in the park. In fact, two-thirds of all businesses in the state are small businesses with 20 or fewer employees, and businesses with fewer than five employees represent more than 49 percent of all Tennessee establishments. Those numbers say a lot of about the source of Tennessee's economic strength. That's why we've worked hard to foster a business climate that's just as friendly to a five-person shop as a 500-person corporation. And our efforts are making an impact. A study released in 2008 by the Ewing Marion Kaufman Foundation ranked Tennessee in the top 5 states nationally for entrepreneurial activity.

In Tennessee, we understand not only how important small business is to our state's economy, but also exactly what small business owners need to succeed. The challenges and obstacles that confront entrepreneurs are unique, and adequate support and resources are crucial to navigating the early days of a new venture.

At ECD, we offer procurement assistance and development opportunities to small and minority- and women-owned businesses through the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO). BERO partners with other state agencies and small business support programs to:

  • Provide information about grants and loans
  • Direct entrepreneurs to partnerships with government and private entities.
  • Offer one-on-one technical assistance.
  • Host financial and procurement workshops and conferences.
  • Help with small business expansion, relocation and turnaround situations.

 

Whether you've got the know-how for the next big break in technology or the best muffin recipe this side of the Mississippi, let BERO help you realize your plans. In Tennessee, you'll be in good company.

 

BERO Success Stories
  Click here to read stories from some of BERO's clients

Featured Small Business Resources

Global Entrepreneurship Week
TN Open For Business!
TNTrade







Marketplace Insights

The Free Money Business Model   Source: Inc online
The Magic Mailbox may be a fairytale but it can teach you a lot about your business model and if you need a change. Follow it.


Want to Raise Money With Crowdfunding? Consider These Tips   Source: Entrepreneur Online
If you have been quietly sitting on a business idea that you are convinced will change the world, but you have been struggling to get money to get started, this is great news. But, beware, eager entrepreneur-to-be. Read it start to finish.


The Unreasonable Institute 2012   Source: Unreasonable Institute
Twenty-five high-impact entrepreneurs from across the world "[solve] the world's biggest problems by arming the entrepreneurs who can take them on with the mentorship, capital and network to make it happen. Read complete article.


The Micro-Multinational: Getting Started in Foreign Markets Source: New York Times Blog
Even though TerraCycle is a small business with just under $20 million in revenue and just more than 100 employees, we are operating in more than 21 countries and we have plans to open in five more in the coming months — all with local staff, operations, bank accounts, incorporations and headaches. Follow it.


TNTrade MAP can help your business go into new foreign markets.

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