Business Resources

A vibrant Downtown is one filled with strong, successful small businesses. Are you interested in joining the collaborative and eclectic community of entrepreneurs in Downtown Jackson? Jackson Downtown Development Corporation is here to help, along with the following local organizations:

  • theCO

    As the front door for entrepreneurs in West TN, theCO provides wayfinding meetings to get started, coworking and makerspace for members, and small business support with programs like CO.STARTERS, SOUL Collective for Black Businesses, and Downtown Development’s incubator space at theLOCAL.

  • Tennessee Small Business Development Center

    Through the counseling services of the TSBDC, resources for funding, business plan development, marketing, cash flow analysis, costing, licensing, corporate identification, and other business information is available.

  • Southwest Tennessee Development District

    The SWTDD is designated by the Federal Government as an Economic Development District to provide assistance to communities in planning and facilitating economic and community development projects through grant programs and small business loans.

  • Greater Jackson Chamber

    By investing in the Jackson chamber as a member, not only do you commit to the growth and success of the community, but also to the future success of your own business. As part of that investment, you immediately have access to the resources, contacts and networking reach of 1000+ chamber members.

  • African American Chamber

    As the resource for African American business owners, partnerships and corporations in Rural West Tennessee, our objective is to help new and existing businesses reach their potential by using our resources to connect them with major corporations, community leaders, and other business owners so that they learn, grow and network for greater economic development and success.

Opening a business will require permits, licenses, and other approvals from the City of Jackson. Here are a few helpful resources to get you started: 

  • The Planning Department is responsible for reviewing and advising Jackson and Madison County on a wide array of issues such as the development of new subdivisions, shopping centers, and industries; the preservation of historic properties; and the location of new streets and roads to serve our growing community.

    Click here to get started.

  • Doing Business in Jackson — Click here for Forms, Permits, Licenses

  • Visit the County Clerk

    Monday - Friday:

    7:30 am - 5:00 pm

    100 E Main St.

    Phone: 731-988-3960

  • The Environmental Health Program ensures sound environmental sanitation practices in the community by providing education and consultation to individuals and businesses. Visit Website

    804 N Parkway (Main Facility)

    Phone: (731) 423-3020

  • Jackson Energy Authority set out to build a unique broadband network, owned by the community, to deliver an extraordinary level of service and value to customers. We call this service EPlus Broadband. Visit Website

  • Meet Tennessee SmartStart. Access to support and resources is crucial to early business success. This online tool will help you visualize your business model and connect with resources across the state. Visit Website

Funding Resources:

  • Small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive when they get the right capital at the right time. Connect with your local Participant Lenders to learn how your business can thrive.

    Learn More

  • Powered by Launch Tennessee, InvestTN makes equity investments into Tennessee-located startups (Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A and B) and venture capital funds.

    Learn More

Local Corporate Entrepreneurship Grants

WBBJ, The City of Jackson, Boren & Boyd, and the Bank of Jackson have partnered to support small business by giving away a $6,000 advertising campaign with Corporate Entrepreneur Grants (CEG). Each month, a committee will select a different local business to receive a comprehensive advertising schedule. This includes broadcast, digital, and social media advertising.

To be considered for this opportunity, a business must be locally owned (within WBBJ’s Viewing Area) and have been operating less than two (2) years.