Memphis has long been recognized for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location. In recent years, the city has also emerged as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship, offering a range of resources and programs designed to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.
Epicenter: Catalyzing Innovation
Epicenter serves as the innovation hub of the Delta region, dedicated to ensuring that founders of innovative businesses have the support they need to develop, launch, and grow their ventures in the Greater Memphis area. The organization offers various programs, including the Capital Readiness Accelerator, which helps entrepreneurs effectively raise capital in a rapidly changing investment environment. Additionally, Epicenter hosts events like the annual DelTech Conference, fostering collaboration and innovation within the community.
Crews Center for Entrepreneurship: Nurturing Student Innovators
Located at the University of Memphis, the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship empowers both aspiring and active student innovators. Through hands-on learning experiences, personalized advising, and dynamic programming, the center supports students at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Signature programs like ImagineU, a summer pre-accelerator, provide immersive experiences that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to launch successful ventures.
Ignite M.O.B.: Supporting Diverse Entrepreneurs
Ignite M.O.B. is committed to fostering a transformative ecosystem for entrepreneurs, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups. The organization provides comprehensive education, mentorship, and access to capital, emphasizing the importance of social entrepreneurship. By encouraging businesses to address social needs within the community, Ignite M.O.B. aims to create a more inclusive and socially responsible business environment in Memphis.
MemphisTEN: Creating Jobs Through Entrepreneurship
The Black Chamber of Memphis’s signature initiative, MemphisTEN, aims to create 8,000 jobs by 2030 through targeted support for underrepresented entrepreneurs. The program offers back-office support services, procurement assistance, and facilitates business creation or acquisition, thereby strengthening Memphis’s economy from within.
Lift & Launch: Virtual Incubator for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Launched in April 2026, Lift & Launch is a 20-week virtual small business incubator designed to support aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Memphis region. The program guides participants from business formation through launch, emphasizing practical tools, compliance readiness, financial foundations, and sustainable growth. The first cohort was offered free of charge, increasing access to structured entrepreneurial support and strengthening the local business pipeline.
These initiatives, among others, underscore Memphis’s commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. By providing resources, mentorship, and financial support, the city continues to empower local entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and innovation in the region.