KNOXVILLE CENTER

On Thursday, July 2, Jammin Jams was awarded the 2025 Annual Rising Star Award by the Knoxville SBDC.

Jammin Jams TN LLC is a family-owned artisan jam producer based in Maryville, Tennessee, built on a passion for crafting small-batch, whole fruit jams that deliver what the owner calls "homemade goodness in a jar." Founded more than a decade ago, the business creates classic and inventive flavors using fresh fruits and seasonal ingredients, all while maintaining gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and low-sugar standards without artificial additives. From farmers markets to online sales and retail partnerships across East Tennessee, Jammin Jams has built a loyal following grounded in quality, creativity, and community connection.

As demand increased, the owner turned to the Tennessee Small Business Development Center to navigate growth challenges and prepare for expansion. She needed support in formalizing a business plan, improving cash flow management, and evaluating financing options, while also addressing operational limitations tied to a shared commercial kitchen that restricted efficiency and scale. With long-term goals that included potential future acquisition, she sought objective guidance to make informed strategic decisions.

Working with lead consultant Gregg Bostick, the TSBDC provided hands-on advising tailored to the company's needs. Support included quarterly financial reviews, cash flow analysis, and evaluation of inventory and product capacity, along with strategies to expand retail and online sales. The TSBDC also introduced new retail opportunities and helped develop a comprehensive business plan and financial projections using LivePlan, ensuring the business was positioned for lender readiness and continued growth.

The results have been consistent and measurable. Jammin Jams TN LLC has achieved sustainable growth and exceeded its sales goals in both 2024 and 2025, strengthening its position for further expansion.

The TSBDC will continue supporting the business through ongoing advising, assistance with financing preparation, and facilitation of new sales opportunities. Looking ahead, the owner is focused on increasing revenue and profitability to transition into a dedicated commercial kitchen space and scale operations while maintaining product quality. Reflecting on the journey, she shared that the advising, resources, and encouragement provided by the SBDC helped transform her business from a small venture into a growing presence across East Tennessee, while giving her the confidence to continue expanding.

Read the full

2025 TSBDC Annual Report

to see our impact across Tennessee.



From statewide accomplishments to client success stories like Jammin Jams, discover how the TSBDC is helping small businesses

start, grow, and succeed.

Are you a Veteran interested in starting or growing your Small Business?

The Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship (STRIVE) program is part of a landmark initiative that transforms veterans and military family members into entrepreneurs. The program, offered in conjunction with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), leverages networks and education resources in local communities to support and advance veteran-owned businesses.

One of the most effective ways to prepare your business for growth is mapping out how your business operates. Many business owners seek assistance with documenting procedures, but the process often uncovers much more than expected. Process mapping is a step-by-step exercise that helps owners understand how work flows throughout their business, identify inefficiencies, and reduce reliance on institutional knowledge that exists only in the owner's or employees' minds. Read the full article on our TSBDC website.

Join the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce for breakfast at The Leconte Hotel and Convention Center on Tuesday, July 26th, 2026 to hear from Melissa Carrasco on "Prepared, Not Panicked: I-9 Compliance and Immigration Enforcement Readiness".

In today’s enforcement environment, small businesses can’t afford to take a reactive approach to immigration compliance. This practical session is designed to help employers move from uncertainty to confidence when it comes to Form I‑9 obligations and unexpected worksite visits from immigration authorities.

Melissa is an immigration attorney with over 15 years of experience advising employers in immigration compliance and representing both employers and immigrants at all stages in the visa process.

7/28/2026  | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Roane State Community College

Join APEX Acelerator for an exclusive opportunity to connect directly with major federal prime contractors and the Department of Energy's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (DOE OSDBU). This half-day event is designed specifically for construction firms seeking to expand their federal contracting portfolio.

This session brings together representatives from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), UCOR, Y-12 National Security Complex, and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). You'll gain insider knowledge on how each organization procures construction services and what they're looking for in sub-contractors and partners.

Small businesses have been the backbone of America’s journey since 1776, driving growth, innovation, and opportunity in every community. To honor our nation’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Small Business Administration recently launched the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge.

When you take the pledge, you will:

• Get an official, printable Freedom 250 SBA certificate for your business
• Gain recognition as a partner in America’s 250th anniversary
• Join a nationwide network of small business owners supporting free enterprise
• Proudly display your commitment to job creation and community innovation

Go to sba.gov/freedom250 to sign the pledge and learn more about upcoming events and initiatives.

Emerging Technologies: AI in Manufacturing

Friday, October 23, 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the PSCC Strawberry Plains Campus

Join us for a tour of the PSCC MegaLab after the program.

A free breakfast will be served. 

QuickBooks for Beginners:

Understanding the Essentials

Thursday, July 16| 9:00AM at the Blount Partnership

Managing your business finances doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This beginner-friendly QuickBooks class led by Taylor Frazier will introduce small business owners to the fundamentals of the software, including setting up your chart of accounts, tracking expenses, invoicing, payroll, creating budgets, generating reports, and more. Whether you’re new to QuickBooks or looking for a refresher, this session will provide practical guidance to help you navigate the platform with confidence.

Make Your Marketing Dollars Count

Tuesday, July 28| 9:30AM at the Jefferson City Public Library

Many small businesses spend money on marketing without seeing the return they hoped for. In this workshop led by Lacey Hayes, learn how to create a clear marketing strategy that focuses your efforts, attracts the right customers, and ensures every marketing dollar works harder for your business.

Tax Topics for Solopreneurs

Tuesday, August 4| 9:00AM at the Cocke County Partnership

Learn the tax basics every sole proprietor and single-member LLC owner should know. This workshop led by Teresa Sylvia will cover Schedule C reporting, business income and expenses, self-employment taxes, recordkeeping, and Tennessee tax requirements. Gain practical knowledge to help you stay compliant, maximize deductions, and prepare for tax season with confidence.

7 Strategies for Financial Success

Wednesday, August 5| 9:00 AM Farragut Community Center

This presentation lef by Ava Elkins, AAMS delivers actionable steps for professionals, pre-retirees and business owners aged 45-65 wondering “can I retire yet?”, who are focused on building and preserving wealth. Whether you are planning ahead or refining your current financial strategy, attendees will gain practical tactics to create lasting financial success.

Ask an Attorney

Wednesday, August 19| 12:00PM Zoom

Join us for this one-hour virtual session where you will have access to a local business attorney from Carrasco Trump, PLLC. During this session you will be able to ask your business-related questions and receive feedback at no cost.

Marketing on a Budget

Thursday, August 20| 9:00AM at the Blount Partnership

Great marketing isn't always about spending more. It's a battle of wits and willpower where the consistent, smart, and memorable brands win. Jeremy LaDuke will cover which opportunities hold the most potential for your marketing budget and why distinct branding and standout ads make every dollar work harder... plus the AI tools and shortcuts that save real time and money when you're DIY-ing it. Practical, no-fluff, and built for business owners packing light and climbing high.

Need Assistance?

Need individualized help with your business? Simply request an appointment! We're here to help you start, grow, or sustain your business. There is no cost for any of our services.

We can help with any business topic, such as: finding funding, sales strategies, marketing plans, hiring employees, and operations management... just to name a few.