Free Help to Start, Grow, and Sustain Your Business
No-cost, one-on-one advising, training, and access to capital for small businesses across the region, through the TSBDC at ETSU.
You don’t know what you don’t know when you’re starting or growing a business. The TSBDC does.
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs and owners at every stage, from a first business plan to steady growth. Every consultation is free and confidential, and it stays that way for the life of your business.
What you get
- No-cost, confidential one-on-one consulting
- Training and events across the region
- Help finding capital and funding resources
- Market research and business data
- A local center and advisor near you
Proof, Not Promises
Every number below comes straight from TSBDC clients in our region — not projections. 2020–2025.
Client-reported impact data, 2020–2025. Verified through three levels of audit review every year.
See the full picture: TN SBDC Annual Statewide Report · TN SBDC Economic Impact, Statewide
The People Behind the Numbers
These aren’t self-nominated awards. The U.S. Small Business Administration singles out a handful of businesses statewide each year, and TSBDC at ETSU clients keep making that list.
One Center, Ten Counties
The TSBDC at ETSU is based in Kingsport, inside the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. From there, it covers:
Serving Veteran Entrepreneurs Through STRIVE
TSBDC at ETSU is a program partner of STRIVE, ETSU’s free 8-week entrepreneurship training for veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses building an early-stage business. Graduates have gone on to statewide recognition, including 2021 Tennessee SBA Veteran Business of the Year Ed Sheffy of Rowan Tree Care.
Two Locations, One Front Door
Sit down with an advisor in Johnson City or Kingsport. Same free, confidential advising at both offices.
Ready to talk to an advisor?
Connect with a TSBDC consultant, browse training and events, and find a center near you.
The Tennessee Small Business Development Centers network, hosted by Middle Tennessee State University, is an accredited member of America’s SBDC and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, participating universities and community colleges, and regional support partners. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.