Small business startup resources

Small business startup resources in Nashville, TN

Nashville ranked No. 15 on real estate data company Clever’s list of the best cities to start a business in this year. The rankings were determined by a number of factors including employment growth in the last 12 months, business applications per 100,000 people in the last five years, and LLC filing fees.

So, do you have a super cool business idea, but don’t know where to begin? Check out these five helpful (and mostly free) resources to help get your wheels in motion.

📚 Nashville Public Library | First things first, get yourself a library card. Once you’re a member, you’ll have access to NPL Means Business, a collection of resources that help you navigate the process of starting and growing your own business (think: online training, recommended reading lists, databases, and one-on-one help). Here are a few perks:

The Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset Training Course
Online databases to research competitors, business contacts, news, trends, and data
One-on-one help with Book a Librarian

🤝 Tennessee Small Business Development Center | TSBDC helps connect new + existing entrepreneurs to coaches — at no cost. It also offers a variety of low-cost training programs from industry experts and qualified TSBDC consultants. Get help with creating a business plan, market research, compiling financial data, and more.

🏢 Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce | Our chamber is full of resources for area entrepreneurs + plays a huge role in economic development — ahem, attracting new businesses.

Connect with business professionals through luncheons, mixers, and other events.
Leadership development opportunities

💰 Nashville Capital Network | This local organization helps entrepreneurs get a jumpstart by providing growth capital for early stage companies that are seeking to raise $1 million to $5 million in Series A financing.

💸 LaunchTN | This statewide resource helps fund and guide innovative startups and entrepreneurs. It also draws funding for local businesses through the BuildTN initiative, a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

Fall Craft Spectacular | Thurs., Oct. 13 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, 1900 Davidson St. | An open house-style crafting day with all sorts of fun projects to get creative and into the fall spirit. 🧵

Friday

Ainsworth Charity Poker Tournament | Fri., Oct. 14 | 6-11 p.m. | The Ainsworth, 206 21st Ave. S. | $150+ | The Ainsworth Nashville is partnering with Operation Standown to host a Charity Poker Tournament — a night of food, drinks, and prizes.
Candlelight: Mozart’s Requiem and More | Fri., Oct. 14 | 6:30-7:35 p.m. | The Parthenon | $45 | Discover the magic of Mozart’s Requiem at The Parthenon, a multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. 🕯️

Saturday

Fall Break Kayak-Cumberland Colors Saturday | Sat., Oct. 15 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bells Bend Outdoor Center, 4187 Old Hickory Blvd. | $25 | Get on the water for one last kayak session and see the early change of colors along the Cumberland.
Light The Nations | Sat., Oct. 15 | 5 p.m. | The Nations, 51st Ave. N. | The 6th annual event features local businesses, art vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. 💡

Sunday

City Girls Who Walk Nashville - Walk | Sun., Oct. 16 | 10-11 a.m. | McCabe Park, 4601 Murphy Rd. | Free | City Girls Who Walk Nashville is a free walking group for women to come together to make friends, and walk safely while exploring their city — kids & leashed dogs are always welcome.
Post Malone: Twelve Carat Tour | Sun., Oct. 16 | 8 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $107+ | The artist will be joined by special guest Roddy Ricch. 🎤

Monday

Music City Celebration | Mon., Oct. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $25 | Enjoy the best of Christian music as multi-award winning TaRanda Greene joins Charles Billingsley, Voices of Lee, and The American Festival Choir.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Meet the newest addition to one of NASH’s oldest neighborhoods 🔥

Aerial photo of rooftop pool and lounge at dusk at NOVEL Edgehill apartments in Nashville, TN.

The rooftop terrace features a pool, hot tub, cabanas, fire pit, lounge seating + shaded outdoor kitchen. | Photo by Iran Watson - Property Photography via NOVEL Edgehill

Walkable to The Gulch, Downtown and Music Row are Edgehill’s newest luxe apartments, NOVEL Edgehill.

Deeply rooted in one of Nashville’s oldest neighborhoods, the complex blends unexpected pairings + bespoke finishes in an authentic neighborhood setting.

Touring is easy — pick from the comfort of your couch via a virtual tour, in person with a leasing agent or via a self-guided tour of the property. 👀

However you see the space, you can’t miss the view from the rooftop terrace… or the other breathtaking amenities, like the:

Public courtyard with a bouldering wall, movie screen, bar seating, firepit + hammock farm
Dog run + pet lounge with grooming tables and pet wash/dry facilities
Gym with strength + cardio equipment, and ample barre studio space
Private courtyard with activity lawn, badminton, ping pong, fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen

Studio, 1-bedroom + 2-bedroom floor plans are currently available, and, a bonus: new residents can score up to two months free rent on select floor plans. 👀*

TAKE A TOUR

Weather

70º | Sunny | 12% chance of rain

Announced

Presale tickets are now available for Monster Energy’s AMA Supercross, which takes over Nissan Stadium on Sat., April 29, 2023 after a four-year hiatus. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tues., Oct. 18. 🎟️
Mayor John Cooper announced applications for the Know Your Nashville Ambassadorship Program are now open. The initiative partners with students (18-24) who will participate in focus groups, foster pathways for engagement, and grow constituent connection through media platforms and campus events.

Eat

The Nashville Predators have released new menu items ahead of today’s regular season home opener against the Dallas Stars. Some new bites include fajitas, meatballs, and salads. Plus, expect new twists on classic favorites like the Nashville hot chicken corn dog. (WTVF)

Number

$3 million. That’s the amount HCA Healthcare has pledged to give to Fisk University and Tennessee State University. Half of the money will go towards Fisk scholarships for students pursuing nursing degrees, and the remainder will aid TSU’s Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute Accelerated Medical Pathway program. 💰 (Nashville Post)

Nashvillian

Blake Shelton is taking a final bow on NBC’s “The Voice” after 12 years as a coach on the show. The country music star will leave the show after the spring 2023 season and new coaches will step up to the chairs, including Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan. (WSMV)

Award

Bridgestone Arena won the Arena of the Year award at the International Entertainment Buyers Association Conference. The venue has taken home the honor at least five other times in the past, including 2008, 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019. 🏆

Pets

Metro Animal Care and Control is offering a special discounted adoption rate for pets with music-themed names. The “Sing Your Heart Out Adoption Special” began yesterday and runs through Mon., Oct. 17. (WKRN)

Ranked

Brentwood was recognized as the fifth-best small city in the US on WalletHub’s recent ranking. It was the highest ranking for a Southern city. Franklin was also recognized, locking in spot No. 31. Brentwood performed well in affordability and economic health factors. (The Tennessean)

Biz

Puttshack, an indoor mini golf + restaurant and bar concept with a location planned for Nashville, has received $150 million in additional funding. The business said the money will go towards US expansion. Puttshack signed a lease at the former Gibson Guitar factory — 1111 Church St. — and will open in 2023. ⛳ (Nashville Business Journal)
Did you know it’s important to set communication boundaries at work? Scott Friesen, founder of Simpletivity, chats with Trainual CEO Chris Ronzio about the communication tactic you should be doing to get things done effectively during the work day. Listen to their conversation. 🎧 *

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Go bananas over these foodie brands 🍌

Go bananas over these 30+ foodie brands

Just one of these local, specialty foods on your table will impress your dinner guests. | Graphic by NASHtoday

We polled City Editors across our parent company, 6AM City, about foodie brands they love. The result? A list of mouthwatering food products ranging from SC Lowcountry’s favorite biscuits to a line of vegan dipping sauces that hail from San Diego.

Best Maid Pickles (Fort Worth, TX) | From dill pickles to sweet pickles to pickle juice by the gallon, Texans swear by this pickle brand. | We love: Xtreme Hot Pickle Bitez

Dot’s Pretzels (Velva, ND) | A popular Midwest snack that has recently made its way across the country due to rising popularity on social media. | We love: Original seasoned pretzels

Goo Goo Cluster (Nashville, TN) | Coined “Nashville’s official candy” + offered in many different flavors and sizes. | We love: Lil’ Goos snack-sized clusters

Hoff & Pepper (Chattanooga, TN) | Smatch batch hot sauces that are made with peppers from a generational family farm. | We love: Hoff’s Smoken Ghost Hot Sauce

27 MORE FOODIE BRANDS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Skylar.

Editor’s pick: To infinity and beyond. According to “The Most Popular Halloween Costume in Your State” survey conducted by All Home Connections, Tennesseans will be dressing up in a Buzz Lightyear costume this year.

Speaking of which, there’s an idea in my boot. If we were to put together a few Nashville-specific costumes (think: people, places, and things) using items you can find at local Nashville stores, what would you like to see? Let us know.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Book it to the Southern Festival of Books this weekend.

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Editorial: Dylan Aycock, Skylar Webb, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Sarah Edwards | Advertise with us.

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