How many small businesses are in Tennessee?

Tennessee has approximately 688,000 small businesses, representing 99.5 percent of all businesses in the state. They employ 1.3 million workers — 44.0 percent of Tennessee's private workforce. Source: SBA Office of Advocacy, 2024 Small Business Profile.

How active is SBA 7(a) lending in Tennessee?

Tennessee received 1,564 SBA 7(a) loan approvals in FY2024, totaling $667 million. The average loan size was approximately $427,000. Source: SBA FOIA loan dataset, FY2024 aggregate.

Does Tennessee have a commercial financing disclosure law?

No. Tennessee has not enacted a statewide commercial financing disclosure law as of 2026. Commercial lending is governed primarily by federal law and lender agreements.

What financing products work best for Tennessee small businesses?

Healthcare businesses use SBA 7(a) and equipment financing. Construction and logistics firms use equipment financing. Hospitality businesses use revenue-based financing for seasonal cash flow. The right product depends on your industry, revenue, and use of funds.

Is ClearValue Lending available in Tennessee?

Yes. ClearValue Lending routes Tennessee SMB applicants to lender partners operating across Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and statewide. We are a funding platform, not a lender or broker.

What are typical eligibility minimums for Tennessee SMB financing?

SBA 7(a) typically requires 2+ years in business, 650+ FICO, and $150,000+ annual revenue. Revenue-based financing may be available with 500+ FICO, 6+ months in business, and $10,000+ monthly revenue. All financing is subject to lender underwriting on the full file.

Small Business Loans in Tennessee

Tennessee has 688,000 small businesses employing 1.3 million workers — 44.0 percent of the state's private workforce. In FY2024, Tennessee small businesses received 1,564 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $667 million, with an average loan size of approximately $427,000. Tennessee's business-friendly environment — no state income tax on wages, low cost of living, and central logistics position — has attracted significant corporate relocation and SMB migration, particularly to Nashville and the greater Middle Tennessee region.