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Business

In Business for Yourself
Guide to starting a business in Nashville.

Small Business
Services to help small businesses grow.

Existing Business Team
Promotes job retention, new job growth and expansion of local companies.

International Business
Resources assisting new and experienced importers and exporters.

Nashville Business Overview
Nashville's largest employers, expansions and relocations, commercial real estate and targeted industries.

Nashville-Area Workforce
Chamber initiatives to build a stronger Nashville-area workforce.



In Business for Yourself

This guide is published by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce as part of its service to small and entrepreneurial businesses. Obtain a hard-copy version of this guide by contacting our information services department at 743-3070.

In the Nashville economy, small business is BIG business. Small businesses are crucial both to the Chamber's membership base and to the Middle Tennessee economy.

A major management concern both for owners of existing small businesses and for entrepreneurs planning to start a small business is where to find necessary business operations information and business resources. The Chamber has compiled this directory of local, state and federal agencies and organizations to provide you, the small businessperson, the answers to your pressing questions, and to make you aware of low-cost or free assistance and counseling that can help you start and grow your business.

Please be advised this guide provides general information and is not intended as legal advice. Regulations and laws are subject to change. Please consult with the agencies identified in this publication for any changes in the law or specific regulations applicable to your business.

Please click on each section title for more information.
  • Starting a Small Business
    Before investing money and time in starting a business, it's important to assess the viability of your venture. Learn the right questions to ask yourself.

  • Start-Up Requirements
    A checklist of "must-haves" for anyone starting a new business, including agency contact information.

  • Department and Agency Contacts
    Licenses, permits and registrations, zoning and inspections, employment regulations/taxes, trade and consumer practices.

  • Local Business Resources
    Contact information for Nashville organizations that provide help for small businesses.

  • Assistance for Minorities, Women, Others
    If you are a minority or female business owner, you may be eligible for special assistance in starting your business.

  • Financing Your Business
    It takes money to make money. Click here for information on lenders and other sources of backing for your new business venture.

  • International Trade Assistance
    Understanding the intricacies of importing and exporting can be complicated. Find contact information for organizations that provide services to businesses involved in international trade.

  • Government Contract Assistance
    Information for businesspeople bidding for government contracts.

  • Helpful Publications & Web Sites
    More information sources to help new businesses get started.