About TSBDC

Mission, Purpose and Capabilities of the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers

The Tennessee Small Business Development Centers were created to foster economic and business development in the region by providing high quality advice, assistance, counseling and training at low or no cost for entrepreneurs, professionals, independent small business owners or would-be small business owners in order to help promote growth, expansion, innovation, increased productivity and managerial excellence in the free market economy.

The Centers generally provide free, confidential consulting and counseling on an individual basis by experienced and trained small business specialists, who are usually former executives and business owners. These specialists can provide information, direct business owners to resources and act as reviewers of plans and proposals by offering realistic and constructive criticism.

The Small Business Development Center professionals can usually also offer appropriate access to an array of small business services and contacts.

In addition to individual business assistance, Center professionals conduct or participate in workshops, seminars and classes on a variety of business and management topics of interest to small business owners.

The Centers also maintain general business information resources materials or can make referrals to information resources in government, the education system or private industry.

Advice, Counseling, Assistance and Training for Entrepreneurs, Business Professionals and Small Business Owners

Organize and starting a business
Researching markets and industries
Developing business strategies and plans
Seeking resources and capital
Budgeting, accounting and recordkeeping
Manufacturing and engineering
Researching and developing products
Understanding people, tax and legal issues
Implementing cost and inventory controls
Buying from and selling to government
Analyzing finances and insurance
Harnessing computers and technology
Acquiring equipment and technology
Entering or expanding international trade
Buying, franchising or selling a business
Advertising, promoting, selling and publicity

The Small Business Development Centers are not lenders, investors or grantor, but do advise owners on financing and the development of proposals.
Oak Ridge Small Business Development Center
1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Voice (865) 483-2668
Fax (865) 483-1678
Email jbangs@mail.tsbdc.org

The Oak Ridge Small Business Development Center is sponsored by Roane State Community College, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Technology 2020, as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development.

The Oak Ridge Center serves Anderson, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane and Scott counties, and can be reached directly or by contacting the local area chamber of commerce or Roane State Community College campus. Workshops, seminars and counseling sessions are scheduled in all counties served as well as Oak Ridge. Also, service is not limited to individuals or companies in the above counties. Many entrepreneurs or owners considering locating in the service area, wishing access to service area resources, or just taking advantage of the assistance provided contact are helped by the ORSBDC.

For more information, visit www.tsbdc.org and www.sba.gov.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center operates in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (Cooperative Agreement No. 2-603001-G-0045-20). The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of the co-sponsors or participants' opinions, products or services. Arrangements for the handicapped can be provided where possible with advance notifications. The Oak Ridge Small Business Development Center is jointly sponsored by the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Roane State Community College and Technology 2020.