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business support

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FREE

Tuition to technical and community college for all Tennesseans
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Low business taxes

And the lowest state debt per capita in the U.S.
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NO

Personal income tax
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#3

For business friendliness in CNBC’s 2025 Top States for Business
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#3

Best state for business by Chief Executive Magazine
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#2

State for business incentives programs
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9%

Below national average for cost of living
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#4

Cooperative local and state government
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#1

Fastest-growing startup scene in the world
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#3

In the U.S. for business friendliness
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#2

In the U.S. for site readiness programs
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70%

Projects since 2019 represent existing business expansions
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$11.2B

Invested by companies growing or expanding in Tennessee in 2025
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70%

Projects since 2019 represent existing business expansions
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55%

New jobs committed since 2019 are from existing businesses
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#1

State in the Southeast for small businesses with <10 employees
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#4

State for small businesses with <10 employees
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20%

Job growth for Tennessee small businesses from 2021-2024
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#1

In the Southeast for job growth for businesses with <50 employees
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#3

State for job growth for businesses with <50 employees
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50%

Of Tennessee’s workforce is employed by small businesses
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99%

Of Tennessee companies are small businesses
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741K+

Small businesses in Tennessee
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1.2M+

Tennesseans employed by small businesses
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45%

Of Tennessee small businesses are women-owned
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6.5%

Of Tennessee small businesses are veteran-owned
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#1

Fastest-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in the world (Pitchbook)
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55%

Job growth for businesses with <50 employees from 2019-2024
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TOP 5

State for movers (U-Haul 2025 Growth Index)
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70%

Amount of total capital investment from international companies in 2025

Your Business Is Our Business.

Every great band needs an opener. Think of Tennessee’s business support resources as your opening act—whether you’re considering relocating, expanding or starting your business here, we’ll help warm up the crowd.

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Relocate Your Business

Tennessee is where a pro-business environment meets an unmatched quality of life. Discover resources and incentives that will make the decision to move your business to the Volunteer State an easy one.

Make the Move

Expand Your Business

Have an existing business in Tennessee? Learn how TNECD can help you turn up the volume and expand your operation.

Start Growing

Start Your Business

We’re the birthplace of country music—and your business, too. Tennessee offers resources and support to help you launch your new venture.

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All FAQs

We’ve Got Answers

From bustling urban centers to miles of open spaces, Tennessee is in a state of momentum. Propelled by low business costs, groundbreaking university research, diverse culture and superior infrastructure, Tennessee offers a pace of life that attracts talented people and encourages them to refuel. Explore more reasons why Tennessee rocks.

In addition to offering a highly skilled workforce in one of the top business climates in the U.S., the state offers targeted, performance-based programs to help businesses grow in Tennessee. Explore incentives and grants for businesses.

Get In Touch

If you’re ready to call Tennessee home, our team of experts is on standby to answer any questions, discuss your needs and find a solution that can help your business achieve its goals.

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