Economic Outlook with Dr. Don Bruce
2026-01-14 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join the Knoxville Chamber for an economic forecast from Dr. Donald Bruce, Boyd Distinguished Professor at the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Known for his objective, non-partisan policy research and evaluation under contracts with an array of government agencies at the federal and state levels, Dr. Bruce will provide a national perspective on current economic trends.

Knoxville Chamber | How businesses can partner with ORNL to drive economic development
2026-01-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, 2350 Cherahala Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37932
Discover how your business can collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to accelerate innovation and economic growth in our region. Join us for an informative session exploring partnership opportunities, research collaborations, and technology transfer programs that help businesses of all sizes leverage ORNL’s world-class resources.
Attendees will learn how to connect with experts, access cutting-edge technologies, and take advantage of programs designed to support entrepreneurship, commercialization, and workforce development.
Whether you’re a startup, small business, or established company, this event will show you how partnering with ORNL can fuel your next stage of growth.

Protecting Innovation: Insurance Solutions for Life Sciences
2026-01-20 17:00 | Epstein Becker Green – Nashville Offices, 1222 Demonbreun St., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN
This session will focus on insurance considerations that life science startups should understand early—from risk management to coverage strategies as companies scale. We’re excited to kick off the 2026 Edu Series with this important and often under-discussed topic.

The event will be immediately followed by networking as part of the Beer & Biotech – please also register for that.

Angel Investing 101 - Chattanooga
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, 811 Broad St #200, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37402
Curious about how angel investing works? Want to invest in local companies? Join VentureSouth Chattanooga for Angel Investing 101!

VentureSouth has been angel investing in Chattanooga for four years — and across the southeast for two decades.
You do not need to be a finance expert, multi-millionaire, or sports franchise owner to be an angel investor.
This session provides an overview of what angel investors do and why you might want to consider investing in southeastern startups.
Please join Venture South at the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, 3rd floor, at noon for an introduction to Angel Investing

Maker City Summit
2026-01-30 - 2026-02-01 | Maker Exchange in World’s Fair Park at the Marriott Knoxville & Tennessean Hotels
For a whole decade, makers, dreamers, and doers have been coming together at The Maker City Summit to build businesses, spark ideas, and cheer each other on. And this year, we’re celebrating 10 years of Making Space: space for creativity, for community, and for the next big thing.
Through speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, you’ll learn how to scale your business, attract customers, and build a sustainable brand.

No matter if you’ve been at this for years or you’re just dipping your toes in, there’s a seat saved for you. Our lineup’s as diverse as the makers themselves — from painters to potters, brewers to bakers, performers to fabricators. Whether you’re a part-time hobbyist or a full-time entrepreneur, this is where you’ll learn, be inspired, and connect with folks who get what it means to build something from scratch and pour your heart into it.

2026 Regional Legislative Agenda Breakfast
2026-01-30 07:30 - 09:00 | Hilton Knoxville Airport
Each year, local chambers collaborate to create a regional legislative agenda that reflects shared priorities for state-level advocacy. Join the chambers on January 30th to learn about the finalized agenda during a special program.

Morning Momentum: Developing and Promoting Your Business
2026-02-04 08:30 - 09:30 | Maple Hall, 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902
Morning Momentum is the Knoxville Chamber’s monthly series designed to connect seasoned business leaders & entrepreneurs experiencing growth challenges. It returns for 2026!

Life Science Venture Program Education Series
2026-02-10 15:30 - 17:00 | UTK Center for Precision Health
This session will be led by members of the Avantor team and will walk through key considerations for startups building or expanding lab space — including lab layout and design, equipment and furniture selection, budgeting and timelines, and common pitfalls to avoid when setting up an early-stage lab.
👉 Registration & event details: Eventbrite Registration

Beer & Biotech Knoxville Meetup
2026-02-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Calhoun’s on the River
Join Life Science TN members and life science professionals for a Beer & Biotech networking reception

Join Life Science Tennessee in Knoxville at Calhoun’s On The River for a Beer & Biotech industry networking opportunity. Enjoy a complimentary drink and light bites while meeting researchers, postdocs, entrepreneurs, and representatives from East Tennessee’s growing biotech landscape. It’s a great opportunity to discover exciting local innovations, build meaningful relationships, and spark new business opportunities.
The Beer & Biotech will immediately follow the Life Science Venture Program’s monthly educational series. February’s session will cover how to build your lab as a life science startup with Avantor. Those wishing to attend the LSVP session can learn more and register here.

Capitol Connections - Knoxville
2026-02-27 08:00 - 09:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square
Join the Knoxville Chamber for Capitol Connections with Tennessee General Assembly Representatives. Learn what’s happening on the Hill during a discussion with representatives from Congress. They will share their priorities for 2026 and current business issues within our community.

MARCON Conference
2026-03-02 - 2026-03-05 | Knoxville Convention Center
MARCON (Maintenance and Reliability Conference) is an annual conference hosted by the University of Tennessee’s Reliability and Maintainability Center (RMC). It brings together industry leaders, professionals, and academics to share best practices in maintenance, reliability, and asset management.
You’ll explore proven methodologies, learn how to diagnose and prevent failures, and get hands-on experience with techniques you can apply as soon as you return to your facility. From planning and scheduling to predictive technologies, asset management, and continuous improvement, our workshops are designed to meet you where you are—and help you level up.

Morning Momentum Knoxville Chamber
2026-03-04 08:30 - 09:30 | Maple Hall, 414 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, 37902
This monthly series takes place every first Wednesday at 8:30 AM at Maple Hall. It’s designed to help small business owners tackle growth-related challenges by presenting real issues to seasoned business leaders for immediate feedback. This month’s presenters are seeking input on how to strengthen their business development strategy, from building partnerships to identifying new revenue opportunities. As an attendee, you’ll hear from two entrepreneurs facing real growth hurdles and be invited to offer actionable ideas to help them move forward.

Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit + Report Launch!
2026-03-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203
Join us at the Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit for insights and networking with top industry leaders!

Get ready to dive into a morning filled with inspiration, networking, and growth at the Invest: Nashville 4th Edition Leadership Summit.
Join us at Bridgestone Arena to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable insights from our expert panel discussions. Bringing together hundreds of Nashville’s business and regional leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses and investors.
Light breakfast and refreshments available.

Pinnacle Business Awards
2026-03-05 16:00 - 18:00 | 9133 Hunter Valley Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922
The Knoxville Chamber, in conjunction with Pinnacle Financial Partners, will announce the winners of the 2026 Pinnacle Business Awards on Thursday, March 5. The annual Pinnacle Awards celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy.
RSVPs appreciated

Quantum in Action: Research Commercialization, Talent, and Tennessee’s Advantage
2026-03-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Wolford Family Athletic Center at The University of TN Chattanooga 720 E. 4th St. Chattanooga, TN 37403
On March 12, CO.LAB, UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, and UTC Quantum Center will convene researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and university partners for a half day event at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Wolford Center focused on one question: how does quantum research become real-world economic impact?
Hosted in partnership with the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and presented as part of CO.LAB’s Quantum Activation Series, the event will spotlight practical pathways for quantum commercialization—connecting academic research, emerging startups, and industry use cases across Tennessee. The program is supported by the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC) and IonQ, and held in collaboration with Tennessee Tech University.

Tennessee Housse at SXSW
2026-03-13 - 2026-03-15
Returning to SXSW 2026, the Tennessee House showcases what’s happening in tech and homegrown innovation across the Volunteer State. Meet the creative minds and makers who are powering Tennessee’s startup ecosystem and crafting the future, and enjoy bless-your-heart hospitality infused with local flair.
Friday
We’re kicking 2026 off by celebrating all things Tennessee! Share your Tennessee connection to enter our Opening Night VIP celebration, show your Tennessee school pride, and catch up with our House mascot Rocky the Raccoon. Plus, raise a glass of Tennessee whiskey, and enjoy some iconic snacks from the Volunteer State.
Saturday
Nooga in the morning, Nash at night. Chatt & chill with game-changing startups in quantum and mobility – then add a dash of hot chicken heat as we dive into the sweet spot where innovation meets creativity… Plus, make this a SXSW Saturday night to never forget with Hip Hop Karaoke and a late-night line dancing party for Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday.
Sunday
Start your morning out East with a dynamic look at what’s new in nuclear, and get to know some of Knoxville’s next-gen companies shaping the future. Then, grab your blue suede shoes, head due west, and dive into the Digital Delta! Meet Memphis to uncover why Bluff City is drawing game-changing data centers and innovative startups.

From Idea to Numbers: Can Your Food Business Pay You
2026-03-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Learn how to turn your food business idea into clear numbers, realistic sales goals, and a path to paying yourself.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been operating on a small scale for a few years, this hands-on workshop helps food entrepreneurs understand the numbers behind a sustainable food business.
You’ll learn how to:

Translate your income goals into realistic sales targets
Understand Profit and Loss concepts (COGS, fixed vs. variable expenses, profit)
Identify startup or growth costs and ongoing fixed expenses
Calculate your break-even point (in dollars and units)
Estimate how long it may take to reach your sales goals
Use a simple Excel spreadsheet to run these numbers

We’ll cover Excel basics as we go and walk through everything step by step—no finance or Excel experience required.
What you’ll need to bring: A laptop and your current numbers if you have them.
Leave with: Clear financial targets and next steps.

Nashville VC Fast Pitch. Pitch, Connect, Fund!
2026-03-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Vanderbilt University
Pitch and network with venture capitalists, angels and accredited investors from throughout the country in Nashville!

Pitch and network with venture capitalists, angels and accredited investors from Tennessee, the southeast and throughout the country at the Nashville VC Fast Pitch on Tuesday March 17, 2026 from 6pm to 9pm at Vanderbilt University.
Over the last 15 years, VC Fast Pitch has hosted 60-plus events around the country, raising over $130 million for entrepreneurs.

Knoxville Chamber Briefing Breakfast
2026-03-18 09:30 - 10:30 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, Knoxville
Join us on March 18 at 9:30 am to discover what we do and how you can be part of shaping Knoxville’s future. Whether you’re a new investor, a new team member, or simply curious about our work, this session offers a quick look at how we’re supporting economic development, regional enhancement, and talent attraction across the region.

InvestTN AMA March 2026
2026-03-19 11:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for an interactive session to learn more about our $70M fund, InvestTN.
This 1.5-hour session is designed for entrepreneurs interested in funding opportunities and investors looking to connect with high-potential Tennessee startups.
​Our team will take a deep dive into how the program works, what the process is like, updates on the portfolio, and much more! We welcome all entrepreneurs who may be interested as well as investors in or outside of our ecosystem.
RSVP is required to attend.

Financial Fitness Class: Discovering Credit
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Knoxville Area Urban League, 1514 East Fifth Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
The Urban League is hosting a free Financial Fitness Class in March to help individuals and families strengthen their credit, reduce debt, and prepare for sustainable homeownership.
This class provides clear, practical guidance on budgeting, credit improvement, and accessing available homeownership programs in Knoxville.

What's The Big Idea Pitch Competition - Finale
2026-03-22 17:30 - 20:00 | TBD
Join us for the 2026 What’s The Big Idea Pitch Competition on Sunday, March 22nd.
Finale Schedule:
5:30 PM – Doors Open
6:00 PM – Event Kickoff
6:15 PM – Pitches Start
8:00 PM – Winner Announced

Belmont Entrepreneur Awards
2026-03-24 | Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
This event honors the success of alumni-founded businesses while recognizing Belmont’s Top 100 Founders for their impact in the innovation space.

Knoxville Spring Housing Update
2026-03-24 14:00 - 15:00 | East Tennessee Realtors, 609 North Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN, 37919, United States
Join the Knoxville Chamber as Maria McHale, Government Affairs Director for East Tennessee REALTORS®, shares the 2026 Housing Market Forecast and reviews the first few months of the year.

Capital Conversations Tri-Cities
2026-03-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Southern Craft BBQ, 601 Spring St #101, Johnson City, TN, 37604, United States
Learn about InvestTN, funding opportunities + more
We’re back on the road to share key info on funding, investment opportunities, and how to tap into resources right in your community at our upcoming Capital Conversations events.
Next stops:

Tri-Cities on March 24 – RSVP

Food Business Incubator Info Session
2026-03-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Pellissippi State Community College: Magnolia Avenue Campus, 1610 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37917, United States
Ready to turn your food business idea into a viable, sustainable operation? Learn about the Food Business Incubator Program.

Are you an early-stage food entrepreneur looking to formalize your business, strengthen your business model, and access hands-on support?
Join us for this required info session to learn about the Real Good Kitchen Foundation’s Food Business Incubator Program—a comprehensive program designed to support food entrepreneurs as they move from idea to operation, or from informal to formal business.
What You’ll Learn
During this session, we’ll walk through:

An overview of the Food Business Incubator Program and what participants can expect
Eligibility requirements and selection criteria
The application process, timeline, and tips for submitting a strong application
The basics of a feasibility study, including what is required for the application
(A feasiblity template and resources will be provided)
Live Q&A with program staff

About the Incubator Program
The Food Business Incubator Program combines:

Classroom instruction on food business fundamentals
Hands-on kitchen instruction and technical assistance
Support using the shared commercial kitchen at Real Good Kitchen

The program is designed to help early-stage food entrepreneurs build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to operate a successful food business.
Who Should Attend
This session is ideal for:

Early-stage food business owners
Aspiring food entrepreneurs with a clear concept

Important Information

This is the final Info session for this year’s Incubator Cohort. Attendance at this session is required to apply for the Food Business Incubator Program
The Incubator Program will only be offered once in 2026
Applications will be due in May
This session is free to attend, but registration is required

Reserve your spot to learn whether the Food Business Incubator Program is the right next step for your food business.

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AI Tennessee Summit in Nashville
2026-03-25 - 2026-03-26 | Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, United States
Mark your calendars for the inaugural AI Tennessee Summit, hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in collaboration with the Tennessee AI Advisory Council, SCORE, Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis, the Oak Ridge National Lab, and the Tennessee Board of Regents. The summit will bring together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore how Tennessee can position itself at the forefront of the nation’s AI race.

UTK and IACMI Demo Day at FCMF
2026-03-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility, 2730 Cherokee Farm Way, Knoxville, TN, 37920, United States
Now fully commissioned at Innovation South in UT Research Park, FCMF is operating at full capacity for technical and high-performance manufacturing and actively advancing workforce development initiatives across K to 12, higher education, and industry.

This event will provide an opportunity to see the facility in operation through live machinery demonstrations and cutting edge manufacturing technologies led by our undergraduate and graduate student researchers and staff.

Innovation Crossroads Founders' Forum
2026-03-26 15:30 - 17:30 | Smoky Mountain Brewery (11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934)
Join us for the March Innovation Crossroads Founders’ Forum, featuring:

Jesse Smith, Manager of Industrial and Economic Development Partnerships at ORNL, offering guidance to early-stage entrepreneurs seeking lab or office space in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville region.
Tom Mann, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor, sharing his personal journey, lessons learned, and practical advice for founders.

Event Details:

When: Thursday, March 26, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Smoky Mountain Brewery, Private Room
Address: 11308 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934

Capitol Connections
2026-03-27 08:00 - 09:00 | Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square
Learn what’s happening at the Tennessee General Assembly during a discussion with members of the Tennessee State House of Representatives. You will hear about their priorities for 2026 and current business issues within our community.
