Two officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration recently visited the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) in Chattanooga for the purpose of meeting the new director, discussing the local TSBDC’s 2012 objectives, and touring the Economic Development Center. Administrators, Traci Giddens and Walter Perry, met with Jeff Olingy, Chattanooga State vice president for economic & community development, and Sharyn Moreland, the new director of the TSBDC.

TSBDC Advisory Council members Mike Sarvis, president & CEO of Cohutta Bank, and Charles Millirons, Jr., vice president/relationship manager at Cornerstone Bank, were also on hand to welcome the dignitaries.

Moreland arranged a tour of some of the businesses located in the Economic Development Center, which is housed within the TSBDC at 100 Cherokee Boulevard. The businesses Giddens and Perry visited included RMJ Tactical LLC, Cabeen Originals, Neslin Insurance, Madden Coach Lines and Tours, and Legends of the Game Cookie Company. New businesses can lease space at the Economic Development Center for an economical rate until they are financially secure enough to relocate in the community.

The SBA through the local TSBDC (Tennessee Small Business Development Centers) provides loans and free counseling services to small businesses for the purpose of facilitating entrepreneurial development and growth assistance. The TSBDC is one of many community outreach programs overseen by Chattanooga State Community College. The TSBDC’s service area includes Bledsoe, Franklin, Hamilton, Grundy, Marion, Rhea, Sequatchie, Van Buren, and Warren counties.

Anyone interested in starting a business or needing assistance with a current entrepreneurial endeavor can contact the Chattanooga TSBDC at (423) 756-8668 to schedule a counseling appointment or to register for various free or small fee business seminars listed at TSBDC.org.