The Tennessee Small Business Development Center has released its 2026 Annual Report, showcasing significant statewide impact through client services, counseling hours, and training events. The report highlights substantial economic contributions, including jobs supported, capital formation, and loans secured for local businesses.



View the full 2026 Annual Report https://tsbdc.org/annual-report/

JULY

INDEPENDENT RETAILER MONTH

The entire month of July celebrates Independent Retailer Month. The month-long observance offers an opportunity for us to show local small businesses appreciation. It also encourages people to shop at independent retailers and show support for the important role they make on the economy.

#IndependentRetailerMonth

According to the Census Bureau and Small Business Administration, independent retailers employ approximately 51 percent of the U.S. workforce, excluding non-farm workers. In addition, they often supply products and services normally not found in big box stores..

Registration is open for our AI Day Virtual Summit on July 16th, which will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping small-business operations, growth, and advisory services.This free two-hour virtual summit runs from 2-4 pm ET. You can register here.

Workforce challenges continue to impact small businesses across Memphis and Shelby County. Hiring, retention, and skills gaps can slow growth and limit expansion opportunities.

The Memphis TSBDC helps small businesses strengthen their workforce strategy through practical, no-cost consulting and connections to local training resources.

How We Support Your Business

Our team works with business owners to:

• Identify workforce and skills gaps
• Develop structured training plans
• Improve employee retention strategies
• Strengthen management and leadership capacity
• Connect to workforce funding and training partners
• Prepare for expansion or contract readiness

Whether you are scaling operations, pursuing government contracts, or simply trying to reduce turnover, a structured workforce plan can improve productivity and profitability.

Why It Matters

When Memphis businesses invest in their employees:

• Productivity increases
• Turnover costs decrease
• Workplace culture improves
• Economic impact strengthens across our community
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A stronger workforce builds a stronger Memphis economy.

If your business is facing hiring or retention challenges, schedule a session with the Memphis TSBDC www.tsbdc.org to explore available workforce development strategies and resources.

National Disability Independence Day is celebrated on July 26, commemorating the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional match funding is passed through the Tennessee General Assembly through the Tennessee Board of Regents to Middle Tennessee State University's Tennessee Small Business Development Lead Center.  All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. For arrangements call Monica Crawford @ 901-333-5085.