Here at NOOGAtoday, we often mention organizations like the Company Lab, Enterprise Center, and Urban League — and while the work that they all do is incredibly important, sometimes, it can also be incredibly confusing to know which is which + why they do what.
Today we’re diving into what, exactly, some of our major business + economic-related organizations do.
💼 CO.LAB (aka The Company Lab) | Startup accelerator, 501c3 Nonprofit | Provides classes for entrepreneurs + startups, helps businesses access capital, and shares the stories of Chattanooga’s startups.
- Known for: Startup Week, an annual, weeklong event celebrating Chattanooga’s entrepreneurship + businesses — including the “Will This FLOAT?” small business pitch competition.
🏢 The Enterprise Center | Economic development agency | The Enterprise Center does quite a lot in Chattanooga, but its main areas of work include digital literacy, equity, and connectivity access.
- Known for: Tech Goes Home, a partnership with other local orgs to provide free smart technology and internet education classes + HCS EdConnect, a program that provides free internet to qualifying Hamilton County Schools students.
🗃️ INCubator | Business incubator | A product of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, INCubator is Tennessee’s largest startup incubator — and the third largest in the US. The three-year startup development program offers manufacturing + office space, training workshops, administrative services, and business counseling.
- Known for: Major local businesses alumni — Hoff & Pepper + Branch Technology started at the INCubator.
📈 LAUNCH Chattanooga | Business development service, 501c3 Nonprofit | This local business development org offers business training, support + affordable resources to underrepresented entrepreneurs. While the organization has partnered with LAUNCH Tennessee in the past, the two are unrelated.
- Known for: LAUNCH CHA, a 10-week course for budding entrepreneurs.
💻 ChaTech | City technology council, 501c3 Nonprofit | ChaTech works to connect Chattanooga’s technology community and drive economic growth through a tech membership association + local youth outreach.
- Known for: Scenic City Summit, an IT professional development conference + TechX Awards, a celebration of local tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and developers.
🤝 Urban League of Greater Chattanooga | Economic + social services organization, 501c3 Nonprofit | Our local affiliate of the National Urban League, this organization works to help underserved individuals secure economic self-reliance + power through tax help, workforce development, leadership programs, and entrepreneurship resources.
- Known for: The State of Black Chattanooga, a report on the conditions of Black people in Chattanooga + Hamilton County.