CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Startup week is using this week to focus on small businesses and entrepreneurs in Chattanooga.
“I think Co-lab especially has done a great job really reigniting Chattanooga through this. I mean it’s been incredible 40-50 people I haven’t seen in ages, who I’ve run into throughout these events. We’re excited to see each other and then we talk about business and growth and challenges and how to work through them. So it’s necessary,” said Burke.
“It’s a great way for people who are wanting to become entrepreneurs or finding different resources for entrepreneurs to come and get more resources to get help with that,” said Butler.
This is particularly important as many small businesses were negatively impacted over the past 18 months due to the pandemic.
“We were stuck in the house for almost a year and so I think it’s definitely a blessing that we’re able to come out and be in person and see each other face-to-face and have that coming together and fellowship with one another,” said Butler.
They said one of the key focuses of startup week is using the Chattanooga ecosystem as a launchpad to a successful business.
“Start with, is kind of, favors or who do you know or who are people that are in place to help you out. Then you move on to how do you get exposure, how do you work with media, and really get your name out there so that people know who you are until your unique story. Then from there how do you start turning that into a revenue opportunity,” said Burke.
Burke says as small businesses and startups flourish it allows Chattanooga to become a better, more successful city.
