Forward Momentum: Nashville Is an Entrepreneurial Boomtown
Nashville has long been known for its vibrant economic diversity, from insurance to education, advanced manufacturing to automotive, and health care to hospitality.
So, it’s no surprise that in 2024, the technology sector, one of the world’s fastest-growing, is investing heavily in the area.
“We are definitely seeing more tech jobs coming in,” says Bishoy Mikhail, vice president of research for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The tech business vertical has grown a lot here over the past few years.”
Amazon and Oracle: Major Tech Players in Nashville
A significant landmark was the 2018 announcement by online retailer Amazon of a logistics hub destined for Nashville Yards. Today, the tech giant employs over 2,500 workers in various roles, from highly technical development to traditional business functions.
In 2021, software maker Oracle announced plans to build a 65-acre campus on Nashville’s east riverfront. Oracle expects to create 8,500 jobs and invest $1.2 billion in the site by 2030.
Mikhail says robust growth across Nashville is helping expand the city’s technology footprint.
Myriad Roles for Tech
With technology integration across virtually every type of business, demand is growing for a wide range of specialized tech services.
“Tech is one of those words that can mean a lot of things, and it’s not always a specific sector,” Mikhail says. “For example, technical innovation is really big in health care, and with that will come the need for a lot of tech support and innovation.”
Other layers in the tech vertical can include engineering analytics, software development, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Why Tech Companies are Choosing Nashville
Some of the city’s savviest business newcomers are relocating from places like New York City, Los Angeles and Silicon Valley.
“They come to escape high tax burdens and a heavy regulatory environment,” Mikhail says.
“The companies have followed a similar trend to many of our newer residents, moving here because it is less expensive.”
While price points are an advantage, the caliber of the Middle Tennessee workforce and the availability of higher education and specialized training also help the thriving region stand out.
“It’s one of the first questions we get when our development team recruits a new tech company: ‘Can I find the workforce I need to meet my needs?’ And it’s easy to say yes. Nashville has a very vibrant workforce. They follow where there is talent.”
Get to Know Nashville, TN
Want to learn more about living and working in Nashville? Check out the latest edition of Livability Nashville Region, TN.