Today's businesses are operating in a highly competitive environment. Many small business owners need to develop the necessary skills and/or the management expertise to successfully compete and plan for the future growth of their company.
The City of Memphis Renaissance Business Center (RBC), our One-Stop-Shop, provides entrepreneurs and small businesses in Memphis with training, one-on-one counseling and information to assist in their success.
Need help to grow your business? The RBC is committed to being your #1 resource for small business development. As a part of our One-Stop-Shop service delivery, we have published a Business Resource Guide containing information on other business resource providers available to you. To review our network of resource partners please click here, Memphis Small Business Resource Guide.
Additionally, the RBC serves as a central point for businesses seeking data and financial resources from public and private entities. Seminars, training sessions and workshops are held throughout the year covering various topics How to Start A Business, How to Develop a Business Plan, Basic Accounting for Small Businesses, Tax Preparation, Cash Flow Analysis and Marketing and Advertising.
Specific Loan Programs
The Renaissance Business Center offers access to a wide variety of loans to meet every small business's needs.
Special loan programs have been established to provide financing to assist small, minority and women owned businesses having difficulty qualifying for business loans because they are start-ups, provide non-traditional services and products, or lack equity. The major loan programs available at the RBC include:
- Contractors Assistance Program (CAP)
This program is designed to assist small and minority contractors in becoming stronger competitors in the local construction industry. The CAP program offers technical assistance, bonding and insurance, state licensing and a revolving loan fund. (For more information click on Contractors Assistance Program Q and A)
- Memphis Business Opportunity Fund (MBOF)
This fund is designed to provide direct access to capital for the purpose of business expansion, start-up, and operating capital for small businesses in Memphis. Southeast Community Capital, Inc. is the administrator of the fund with a local office at the RBC. (For more information click on Memphis Business Opportunity Fund Q and A)
Other Resource Providers
Other resource providers are available on premise at the Renaissance Business Center to offer counseling, financing options, special training, seminars and other technical assistance programs.
- Small Business Administration
For details on all SBA programs and services, which includes information on financing, loan applications, government regulations and licensing, please visit our website at http://www.sba.gov, or call the Nashville District Office at (615) 736-5881, or SBA's Memphis Business Information Center located at the Renaissance Business Center (901) 526-9300.
- Southeast Community Capital
Delivers financial products and developmental services to start-up and early-stage small businesses in communities that do not have access to traditional financing. SCC's goal is to create employment for low-to-moderate income area residents through investments in and loans made to these businesses.
For more information see the company website at www.sccapital.org or call local office at the Renaissance Business Center (901) 526-9300.
- Tennessee Small Business Development Center
Provides one-on-one counseling, training and referrals to start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners within three counties in west Tennessee. TSBDC is a network of professional business consultants that prides itself on providing expert business advice to all types of businesses whether you are a manufacturer, retailer, service provider, or a professional. There is no charge for counseling. We are here to help you help yourself; so visit our website at www.tsbdc.org or visit one of our two locations in the Memphis area.
- Black Business Association
A resource for minority, small and women owned businesses. Our programs and services are designed to provide guideance, access to training and networking opportunities to start-up and existing businesses looking to grow their companies. For more detailed information visit our website at BBAMemphis.org.
- Memphis Area Minority Contractor's Association
Established 32 years ago to assist minority contractors in the greater Memphis area. We offer technical assistance, training and support in all phases of construction. We have a satellite office at the Renaissance Business Center located at 555 Beale Street or you can contact us at (901) 526-5504. MAMCA's goal is to build a better Memphis -- one contractor at a time. (MAMCA website available soon.)