Nashville ranked No. 15 on real estate data company Clever's list of the best cities to start a business in this year. The rankings were determined by a number of factors including employment growth in the last 12 months, business applications per 100,000 people in the last five years, and LLC filing fees.

So, do you have a super cool business idea, but don’t know where to begin? Check out these five helpful (and mostly free) resources to help get your wheels in motion.

📚 Nashville Public Library | First things first, get yourself a library card. Once you’re a member, you’ll have access to NPL Means Business, a collection of resources that help you navigate the process of starting and growing your own business (think: online training, recommended reading lists, databases, and one-on-one help). Here are a few perks:

The Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset Training Course
Online databases to research competitors, business contacts, news, trends, and data
One-on-one help with Book a Librarian

🤝 Tennessee Small Business Development Center | TSBDC helps connect new + existing entrepreneurs to coaches — at no cost. It also offers a variety of low-cost training programs from industry experts and qualified TSBDC consultants. Get help with creating a business plan, market research, compiling financial data, and more.

🏢 Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce | Our chamber is full of resources for area entrepreneurs + plays a huge role in economic development — ahem, attracting new businesses.

Connect with business professionals through luncheons, mixers, and other events.
Leadership development opportunities

💰 Nashville Capital Network | This local organization helps entrepreneurs get a jumpstart by providing growth capital for early stage companies that are seeking to raise $1 million to $5 million in Series A financing.

💸 LaunchTN | This statewide resource helps fund and guide innovative startups and entrepreneurs. It also draws funding for local businesses through the BuildTN initiative, a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.