Business Resources Information

Need help starting a new business or with an existing business? There are several business resources to serve our Smith County residents. We have provided links to them below for your convenience!

The Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD) is a governmental agency created by the Tennessee General Assembly to administer regional programs to the fourteen counties of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren and White. For over fifty years, our organization has been serving the residents of this region by providing solutions through regional cooperation and it is our belief that the fourteen counties, along with the many municipalities contained within, are made stronger through regional cooperation and shared resources. Visit the UCDD website today.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) network has been empowering small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals with a business idea to innovate new products and services that compete in the global marketplace for over 30 years. We are a network of certified professional business counselors conveniently located in a community near you. We have various locations; 14 of which are service centers, 1 is an affiliate office, and 1 is our online center – available 24/7.  Visit the TSBDC website today.

Tennessee Central Economic Authority (TCEA) facilitates and networks projects for industrial business relocations, expansions, site selection or entrepreneurial startups. A company searching our five county region (Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale & Wilson County) can have a unique and significant partnership to understand and acquire resources available for your company. We work with the State of Tennessee,  Tennessee Valley Authority and Tennessee College of Applied Technology, as well as other workforce organizations, for specialized training and job placements.  Visit the TCEA website today.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.  Visit the TVA website today.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) pursues its mission to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the Number 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth.  Visit the TNECD website today.

The Biz Foundry (TBF) is Upper Cumberland’s Entrepreneur Center and a LaunchTN partner. We are a nonprofit organization that is committed to serving entrepreneurs, business owners and startups in the Upper Cumberland. We serve: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, White. Formerly UC Success Now. Our goal is to help people turn their ideas into businesses by providing access to resources, expertise and networking tools.  Visit the TBF website today.