This page offers a vast amount of information to support you and your business.  Please feel free to email us your requests/comments at sistersinbusiness@comcast.net

 

• The Sisters In Business Network

• BDC (Business Development Center)

• Business License/Tax Information of Chattanooga, TN

• Business Resources

• Institute for Women as Entrepreneurs (IWE)

• Networking and Mentoring

• SBA (U. S. Small Business Administration)

• SCORE

• Southeast Women's Business Center

• Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC)

• Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce (TN-MCC)

• Tennessee Small Business Development Center

• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

• Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training (WNET)

• Women-Owned Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Business License/Tax Information                  Home

 

Chattanooga/Hamilton County Business License & Tax Info

 

  Online Business Application

IRS Small Business/Self-Employed Website

Counties and municipalities are each permitted to collect a tax on the privilege of conducting a business. In addition to State law, the Commissioner of Revenue is authorized under certain conditions to establish rules and regulations with regard to the procedures to be followed for the collection of this tax.

Under the Tennessee Business Tax Act most businesses, vocations, and occupations operating within Hamilton County are required to obtain a business license and report their gross receipts to the County Clerk on a yearly basis.

License must be obtained within 20 days after commencement of business. Applications are available at the County Clerk's office or via our forms webpage. When a business closes it is necessary to file a final return within 15 days. Anyone purchasing a business should be certain final returns have been filed by the previous owner, or the new owner can be held liable for any tax due.

An applicant for a business license must remit $20.00 with completed application.

A tax year is not necessarily based on the calendar year. Tax rates vary from 1/8 of 1% to 1/60 of 1% based on the classification established by State law.

EXEMPT BUSINESSES - Businesses that gross less than $3,000 a year are exempt. Also the following businesses are exempt regardless of their gross: manufacturers, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, attorneys, accountants, schools, religious organizations, insurance agents, loan companies, security exchanges, or public utilities.

DEDUCTIONS ALLOWED FROM BUSINESS TAX: Credit for minimum tax of $15. Also, credit for any “Personal Property Tax” paid to Trustee's Office if paid during the period of time covered by the business tax return.

Following the closing date of the tax period taxpayers have two months during which to compute and pay the business tax before penalty and interest accrue.

After a business is licensed a gross receipts report must be filed annually and the appropriate tax paid. Businesses failing to report their gross or to obtain a license are subject to a distress warrant which may be issued directly by the Clerk's office.

The issuance of a warrant results in more costs to the taxpayer, and is taken only as a last resort.

 

 

 

 

http://www.countyclerkanytime.com/business.htm

 

 

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Business Resources                                                

 

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Southeast Women's Business Center

Program Director: Sandi Brock

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4757 Chattanooga, TN 37405

Physical Address: 535 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402

Office: (423) 266-5781

Fax: (423) 267-7705

Email: sbrock@sedev.org

The Southeast Women's Business Center Provides a large range of services. They provide both individual and group counseling, trainings, as well as having access to U.S. Small Business Administration programs such as lending. They have a resource room is full of publications on various topics such as marketing, management, taxes and lending programs. They also have a computer with internet access that is available to clients of our center to schedule.  Click here to go to the SEWBC and learn more.

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BDC (Business Development Center)

 

The Chattanooga/Hamilton County Business Development Center is a 125,000 square foot former ceramic manufacturing facility which has been renovated into a highly successful business incubator.

Located at 100 Cherokee Boulevard, the BDC is owned by the county and managed by the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

The BDC offers start-up businesses office or manufacturing space at below-market rental rates. Tenants have access to BDC clerical support, fax machine, copier and postage machine.

The Small Business Resource Center (SBRC), which has offices in the BDC, features a business library, computer and video centers, which are available to BDC entrepreneurs, free of charge.

Located in the Resource Center is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC, operating in conjunction with the Small Business Administration, provides business planning and management consulting services free of charge. It sponsors seminars, provides networking opportunities and refers clients to other resource organizations.

 

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Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce

Visit our website for technical assistance, events, etc.  www.TN-MCC.org

Sherrie Gilchrist

P.O. Box 1189

535 Chestnut Street - Suite 200

Chattanooga, TN  37402

(423) 265-0021 Office

(423) 265-0023 Fax 

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Tennessee Small Business Development Center

http://www.tsbdc.org

Mr. Kevin Maxfield

100 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 202

Chattanooga, TN   37405-0880

423/756-8668

kmaxfield@mail.tsbdc.org

The TSBDC prides itself on providing expert business advice to all types of businesses whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, service provider, or a professional; we are here to help you help yourself. 

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) offers free assistance to help business owners grow and develop successful, thriving businesses. We have 12 full service centers and 2 satellite offices across the state of Tennessee, along with several smaller affiliate offices, ready to serve the small business community. We also maintain an International Trade Center and a Technology and Energy Services Center for those in need of specialized help.

 

http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/TSBDC/Business%20Links.htm

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Get Live Counseling:

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http://www.sba.gov/

 

http://www.sba.gov/tn/

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The Department encourages economic growth, assists Tennessee communities in preparing and competing for economic development and job creation opportunities, offers support services for entrepreneurs, existing industries and new firms, while marketing the state and recruiting new industries domestically and internationally.

http://www.state.tn.us/ecd/rg_ch7.htm

Women-Owned Business

The resources below target women-owned businesses in an effort to strengthen their participation in the overall marketplace. If you are a woman, resources are available in the following areas: networking/ mentoring, management, access to capital and procurement.

Networking and Mentoring

The Sisters In Business Network

Sisters In Business is a "sisterly" business networking and information services firm that is dedicated to women who, like us, have a "heart and soul" for doing business.  We are committed to serving with excellence and care both Customers and Business Owners in the marketplace.   

 

Sisters In Business was established February 2006 by Founder/Owner/Publisher Tekelia C. Kelly.  The Sisters In Business Network is an ONLINE and LIVE community of Business Clients, Partners, Advertisers, and Vendors.  Sisters In Business is dedicated to women in business who have a "heart and soul" for doing business.  In recognition of them, we offer our primary business directory which showcases women-owned businesses.  We also offer companion directories of other businesses as we value relationships and community---it's a 'sister' thing!   

 

Sisters In Business provides online, onsite, person-to-person, and print business services to support our clients and their businesses.  Our 24-7/365  Business Web Page service features clients and their products and services, and is just one of the many benefits that can come with an annual subscription as a network member.  Using the internet, worldwide web, email, and personal customer support, we provide a wide variety of 21st century business information and technology solutions that help network, advertise, market, and empower (NAME) our members...both locally and worldwide.

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). NAWBO monitors trends and keeps its membership informed about changes in innovation, government regulation, globalization and new technology. The association offers a variety of intangible and tangible benefits to all members, such as peer support, education, leadership training and commercial discounts.

For more information on NAWBO, please contact the Chattanooga, Memphis, or Nashville chapters.

Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training (WNET). WNET links seasoned entrepreneurs with women whose businesses are ready to grow. Experienced women business owners provide technical business advice and training to women with fewer skills and less experience.

Women's Resource Center (WRC). WRC is your "one-stop" resource for training, counseling and technical assistance for start-up and existing women business owners. The resource center's training series assists entrepreneurs with all phases of business ownership, from idea to successful growth. The WRC provides interactive learning experiences and offers several opportunities for women business owners to grow and promote their companies. tnwrc@bellsouth.net
615 248-3474

 

Management and Marketing

Women in Business Development Center (WIBDC). WIDBC promotes the success and development of women-owned businesses throughout Memphis and Shelby County. The center was formed for technical assistance specially geared toward women. Primary objectives are to become an advocate for women-owned businesses through active involvement with economic development organizations; to provide a network for business opportunities in the private and public sector; and to be a clearinghouse of information for services that will help women develop and expand their businesses.

Institute for Women as Entrepreneurs (IWE). Located on the Chattanooga Campus of the University of Tennessee, IWE provides feasibility studies and planning assistance for potential small business owners. IWE also offers planning help and a wide variety of technical and operational consulting for start-ups, as well as established businesses. Intake interviews are required to determine a candidate's needs.

 

Access to Capital and Procurement

Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC). SBICs are private investment and loan companies established to serve the small business market. They are funded with a combination of private and federal investment. SBICs assist only businesses with net worth below $18 million and less than $6 million in net income in a three-year period. They may prioritize investments by type (equity or loan), dollar amount, location or industry.

SBA Women's Pre-qualification Program. This program enables a woman business owner to prequalify for an SBA loan guaranty before going to a bank. The program focuses on the character, credit experience and reliability of the applicant.

SBA Women-Owned Business Procurement Pilot Program. SBA has identified 11 federal agencies to participate in this pilot program. Each agency has designated a women-owned business "advocate" to act as a liaison. Together with other resource partners, SBA and these agencies are developing a systematic approach to expand the pool of women-owned firms receiving federal contract awards. The SBA and the liaisons from each of the agencies provide outreach, training, and marketing assistance to women-owned businesses. For a list of advocates, call 800-827-5722.

 

Contact List

Valley Capital Corporation
 

Krystal Building
100 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Suite 212
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: 423-265-1557

Invests in loans and equity to socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses as defined by the SBA. It specializes in light manufacturing, regional or national franchises, and wholesale distribution with investments ranging from $50,000 to $300,000.

 

West Tennessee Venture Capital Corporation
 

5 North 3rd Street
Memphis, TN 38103-2610
Phone: 901-522-9237

Invests in loans and equity to socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses as defined by the SBA.

 

Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training
For additional information, contact:

Small Business Administration
Tennessee District Office
50 Vantage Way, Suite 201
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-736-5881
Fax: 615-736-7232

 

The Women's Resource Center
For additional information, contact:

The Women's Resource Center
1112 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-248-3474
Fax: 615-256-2706

 

Women in Business Development Center
For additional information, contact:

Women in Business Development Center
555 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-526-9300
Fax: 901-527-2537

 

Institute for Women as Entrepreneurs
For additional information, contact:

Institute for Women as Entrepreneurs
University of Tennessee
School of Business Administration
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Phone: 423-755-4412
Fax: 423-755-5255

 

SBA Women's Prequalification Program
For additional information, contact:

Four Lakes Regional Industrial Development Authority P.O. Box 63 Hartsville, TN 37074 Phone: 615-374-3521	Tennessee Business Development Corp. 1301 E. Wood Street, Suite 2 Paris, TN 38242 Phone: 901-644-1335 Phone: 1-800-383-3071
Knoxville Community Development Corp. 1503 Magnolia Avenue Knoxville, TN 37915 Phone: 865-594-8762	The Small Business Center Austin Peay University P.O. Box 4775 Clarksville, TN 37044 Phone: 931-648-7360
Southeast Local Development Corp. 25 Cherokee Boulevard P.O. Box 4757 Chattanooga, TN 37405-0757 Phone: 423-266-5781	Women's Resource Center 1112 8th Avenue South P.O. Box 101024 Nashville, TN 37203 Phone: 615-248-3474
Women In Business Dev. Center 4515 Poplar Building, Ste. 217 Memphis, TN 38117 Phone: 901-374-0618	Institute for Business & Industry Walters State Community College 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway Morristown, TN 37813-6899 Phone: 423-585-2600

You may also contact any of the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC) listed in Chapter Six: Education & Support.

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Bredesen’s strong commitment to diversity businesses began while he was Mayor of the City of Nashville. He recognized the need to ensure that diversity businesses receive a fair and equal opportunity to participate in city procurements. After discovering that there was very little participation by legitimate diversity businesses on major building projects, Mayor Bredesen sent a clear message to the city’s administration of his desire to increase the number of contracts awarded to diversity business firms on future building projects.

 

 

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The Tennessee Economic Council on Women assesses Tennessee women’s economic status. It develops and advocates solutions to address women’s needs to help women achieve economic autonomy. In setting its priorities, the Council selects issues that are timely and likely to result in positive changes for women.

 

 

 

The Chattanooga African American Chamber of Commerce is committed to economic empowerment of the African American, Minority and Female communities. This will be accomplished through technical assistance, advocacy, education, public and private partnerships, and facilitating access to resources for the betterment of the total community.

 

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Miscellaneous Information

Contracts and Job Bid Announcements

    RFP: Thermal Imaging Cameras, Due March 22, 2006 @ 2:00 PM

    Bid: Water Treatment for Boilers System at Avondale Head Start, 3/15/2006 @ 2:00 PM

    Bid: Fitness Equipment for Chattanooga Fitness Center @ 3/14/06 2:00PM

     (Please contact 423.421.5646 for more information about contracts/bids.)

 

Contract Management Support 

Business Forums & Discussion Groups

Business Articles

Newsgroups

Advocacy Platforms:

     Health Insurance Coverage for Small Business/Women Owners

     Attorney Services for Small Businesses (PrePaid Legal)

Business SME's (Subject Matter Experts), Consultants, & Advisors

Business Coaching

Business Training Classes & Workshops: Technical and People Skills

Meet & Greets

N.A.M.E. Time (Network, , Advertise, Market, Empower, Exchange Info or Educate Entrepreneurs

SIB Showcase/Displays