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đź’ˇ 3 local hubs for aspiring founders
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| Launch Tennessee’s 3686 conference brings Tennessee's startup and entrepreneurial community together this week, Sept. 14-16. | Photo provided by 3686 |
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As Chattanooga’s startup scene continues to grow, so does the network of organizations helping entrepreneurs build and scale. But what exactly is an ESO? Entrepreneurial Support Organizations are intended to strengthen local economies through mentorship, training, community connections, and, sometimes, funding. Here are three serving Chattanooga:
CO.LAB | This nationally recognized accelerator helps Chattanooga startups scale through capital, mentorship + pilot opportunities, and connecting founders with corporate partners in mobility, energy, EVs + infrastructure. Save the date: CO.LAB’s Tennessee Quantum Hackathon runs Nov. 13-15, bringing college students from across the Southeast together for real-world quantum challenges. Applications close Oct. 1.
LAUNCH Chattanooga | LAUNCH has supported Chattanooga entrepreneurs since 2011 through education, mentorship, and programs for startups and business owners. Save the date: KIC Nights on Friday, Sept. 25, bringing together local food businesses, vendors + the community at the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga.
INCubator | This program helps Chattanooga startups scale through workspace, training, networking, and mentorship, with support from the Chattanooga Chamber, TSBDC + industry partners. New applications are currently on hold as the program prepares to move to the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center, but support services remain ongoing.
Heading to Nashville this week? Launch Tennessee’s 3686 conference kicks off today, bringing together the Southeast’s startup + entrepreneurial community. Take a peek at the speaker lineup. |
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Asked
Have you worked with a local ESO?
A. Yes
B. No
C. No, but I'm planning to. |
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News Notes
BizChattanooga’s Industrial Development Board approved $1.3 million in grants to improve storefronts along major corridors, with awards up to $50,000 and no required match. The city also approved $337,000 for businesses that agree to hire at least four registered apprentices, with grants up to $50,000. (Chattanoogan)InnovateUTC is getting $3 million in federal funding to help turn academic research into patents, licensed technology, and real-world products. The new Translational Research Program will fund prototypes, seed research, and commercialization efforts, with the goal of creating startups, jobs, and new technology in Chattanooga and beyond. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)LeadershipWTCI-PBS President Bob Culkeen is leaving Chattanooga’s public television station after leading it since 2020. The board named Chief Content and Engagement Officer Shaun Townley as interim president while it searches for Culkeen’s permanent replacement. Culkeen is leaving to help lead another PBS member station. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)AwardArtsBuild awarded $65,000 to 34 local projects through its Community Cultural Connections grant program, supporting everything from arts workshops and performances to community festivals and educational programs across Hamilton County. The 2026-27 grant application is now open, with the next round of reviews starting today, Sept. 14. (The Pulse)EduThe University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is turning 140. Founder’s Week runs Sept. 14-20, kicking off a yearlong anniversary celebration with events for students, alumni, and the Chattanooga community. The celebration’s centerpiece is Founder’s Day this Friday, Sept. 15, featuring Chancellor Lori Bruce’s State of the University Address and a birthday celebration. (The Pulse)AskedThank you to everyone who took the time to fill out our 5 Questions with the CEO form. We have a lot to sift through. If you’ve completed yours, feel free to send a good-quality, horizontal headshot or action shot — it may help expedite your feature. We can’t wait to share your stories.AwardThe 2026 TechX Awards finalists have been announced, recognizing Chattanooga’s technology community across companies, educators, students + innovators. Winners will be revealed Thursday, Sept. 24 at The Wolford at McKenzie Arena, with individual tickets + tables available now.Read5. That’s how many minutes it takes to read an unbiased, factual, and refreshingly human roundup of the world’s news from 1440. No bots, no bias — just clear, comprehensive news on business, politics, and culture trusted by over 4 million readers. Subscribe for free.*Try ThisDid you know you can get your business in front of 20,000+ local readers with just a few clicks? Our Self-Service Portal makes it that easy. Try it today and see what a little local love can do for your business.
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FinanceThe banking partner behind local growth| Presented by First Financial Bank |
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| Pete Goda, President of Greenleaf, meets with Bob Rhodes, Business Development Officer of First Financial Bank. | Photo courtesy of First Financial Bank |
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Manufacturing builds more than products. It builds jobs, communities, and lasting legacies.
GreenLeaf has grown from a small Indiana startup into a leading manufacturer by investing in quality, local production, and its people. Since 2018, the company has tripled revenue and added nearly 100 jobs.
Along the way, First Financial Bank has provided trusted financial guidance, supporting GreenLeaf's growth with banking solutions that help the company invest in its future and the community it calls home. |
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Agenda
Editor's PickBloom Creative Summit | Thursday, Sept. 17 | 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | The Landing Social House | $39 | Connect with Black women and non-binary entrepreneurs for a day of community, business resources, wellness, and inspiration, featuring NYT bestselling author Austin Channing Brown.
Monday, Sept. 143686 | Monday, Sept. 14-Wednesday, Sept. 16 | Times vary | Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville | $349
Chattanooga Connect 2026 | Monday, Sept. 14-Wednesday, Sept. 16 | Times vary | Chattanooga Convention Center | $199
Tuesday, Sept. 15Resume Review and Interviewing Tips with Unum | 4-6 p.m. | Eastgate Library | Free
Wednesday, Sept. 16The Enterprise Center | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Vault | Free
YPC After Hours | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Vault | Free
Plan AheadCity of Chattanooga Purchasing Expo | Thursday, Sept. 24 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tyner Community Center | Free
2026 TechX Awards | Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5-8 p.m. | The Wolford at McKenzie Arena | $110+ |
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Listed
Office, for lease413 Spears | 1,254 sqft | $26.79 sqft/yr | Offers a character-rich office setting in Northshore/North Chattanooga, with walkable access to Publix, restaurants, coffee shops, Frazier Avenue + nearby parks, plus utilities and EPB high-speed internet included.
Office/retail, for lease5417 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd. | 1,819 sqft | $15 sqft/yr | a fully furnished, high-visibility with road frontage, 15+ parking spaces, four private offices, workstations + convenient access to I-75.
Specialty, for sale1542 Dodds Ave. | 16,965 sqft | $995,000 | A historic, three-story former church in Chattanooga’s Southside offers redevelopment potential, with the 1910 building located directly across from the 40-acre Mill Town mixed-use project.Land, for sale2101 Broad St. | 1.69 acres | $3.2 million | A high-visibility commercial development opportunity near Finley Stadium, Chattanooga Market + Southside, with access to Broad, 20th + 21st streets and I-24.
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The Wrap
| Curious where Chattanooga’s biggest workforce hubs are? We rounded up the area’s top 10 employers, spanning healthcare, education, manufacturing, and government. Together, they employ more than 43,000 people. Take a look at the list to see which local employers are putting the most people to work. |
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