8 Greater Chattanooga Business Incubators to Know

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

For companies, especially early-stage ones, access to necessary resources means the difference between succeeding and failing. Fortunately for local entrepreneurs, a variety of business support organizations stand ready to assist them in their ventures. These organizations make it their mission to help businesses thrive. 

INCubator 

Chattanooga, TN 

A joint program of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and Hamilton County, the INCubator offers early-stage companies manufacturing space and business counseling services. The INCubator has fostered the development of over 530 companies and is in the process of moving to the planned Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center. 

The Kitchen Incubator 

Chattanooga, TN 

Founded in 2020 by nonprofit LAUNCH, the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga offers food and drink entrepreneurs business training and access to affordable, accessible kitchen space. The organization focuses on underrepresented entrepreneurs and is the area’s first food-centric incubator. 

CO.LAB 

Chattanooga, TN 

Designed for early-stage and venture-backed startups, The Company Lab (CO.LAB) Accelerator offers emerging-tech entrepreneurs intensive business coaching and direct placement into real-world pilots with major industry partners. The organization focuses on the future-forward movement of people, goods, energy and data, serving as the region’s hub for mobility and quantum innovation. 

Brickyard 

Chattanooga, TN 

Billing itself as a business insulator, Brickyard is a venture capital firm for technical founders who work alongside each other at the firm’s headquarters. 

“As we continue building the future of cross-border commerce, Chattanooga has provided the resources, relationships and environment needed to grow from startup to international business,” says Karla Valdivieso, co-founder of Shappi, an alumnus of Brickyard. 

Cleveland-Bradley Business Incubator 

Cleveland, TN 

Founded in 2000, the Cleveland Bradley Business Incubator offers companies guidance on marketing, finance and operations, as well as discounted office and manufacturing space. The nonprofit provides flexible workspace and administrative support, serving as Bradley County’s primary stepping stone for self-sustaining business growth. 

The Food Hub 

Athens, TN 

The Food Hub in downtown Athens provides food entrepreneurs with flexible commercial kitchen space, technical assistance and hands-on business resources. Operating as both a full-service culinary incubator and a local community market, the organization supports regional food truck operators, bakers and caterers at every stage of launch. 

The LITE House 

Athens, TN 

With an aim to “Lead Innovators to Excel,” the LITE House offers Small Business Development Center coaching sessions, networking opportunities and even youth programs. The LITE House provides local owners a home for their business and a community of support. 

Entrepreneurial Center (NACC) 

Rainsville, AL 

The Northeast Alabama Community College Entrepreneurial Center provides business support in DeKalb and Jackson counties. “The E-Center is proud to support Greater Chattanooga by helping entrepreneurs and remote workers thrive,” says Jennifer McCurdy, director of the center.