For 25 years, BLDG Memphis (Build. Live. Develop. Grow.), has been a community development association focused on creating self-sufficient neighborhoods by supporting its Members, advocating for equitable policies, and promoting civic engagement throughout the Memphis region. Continuing in our tradition of being Memphis' community development convener, we are excited to launch the Memphis Small Business Ecosystem Building Project.

We are embarking on an exciting new 2-year partnership sponsored by Truist Bank with the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) in Washington, D.C. to further improve and strengthen the local environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Memphis. During the project, CNHED will work with BLDG Memphis to actively convene and collaborate with the small business ecosystem to better serve small businesses in Memphis, specifically those that are minority-owned or in under-resourced neighborhoods.

We are thrilled to partner with CNHED and Truist Bank to bring their proven small business ecosystem model to Memphis. This collaboration aligns perfectly with BLDG Memphis’ mission to foster economic growth and community development. Building on the success of our Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP), we are excited to continue our work supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening small businesses in Memphis.

The ecosystem will include an aligned database of small business grants and loans, a collaborative network of technical assistance programs that specifically addresses business activity in neighborhoods, and continued support of neighborhood-based small business development programming and activating commercial corridors through MEMFix, a BLDG Memphis creative placemaking and tactical urbanism program that led to the revitalization of Memphis areas such as the Broad Ave. Arts District and Crosstown Concourse.

The Memphis Small Business Ecosystem Building Project comes as we supported more than 1,150 small businesses across seven Memphis neighborhoods during the CNPP Program. Working with Alcy Ball Development Corporation, South City Opportunity for Revitalization and Empowerment (SCORE) CDC, Klondike-Smokey City CDC, Frayser CDC, Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation (GWERC), Kingdom Community Builders and The Heights CDC, BLDG Memphis provided more than $250,000 in technical assistance to small businesses and more than $140,000 in incubation and retail pop-up shops across the neighborhoods. This project and related programming holistically leveraged support and impetus for community development organizations to drive small business growth, specifically for businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. More information on the BLDG Memphis' CNPP Program can be found in our detailed report. We are grateful to our seven neighborhood partners for their work in the CNPP Program and we are looking forward to expanding upon our work with the Small Business Ecosystem.

If your organization would like to offer input on the Ecosystem, please fill out this form.

Happy Holidays and we are looking forward to a prosperous 2025.

About BLDG Memphis

Founded in 1999, BLDG Memphis is a coalition of organizations and individuals who support the equitable redevelopment of healthy, vibrant, attractive and economically sustainable neighborhoods throughout Memphis. Formerly called Community Development Council of Greater Memphis, BLDG Memphis works with community development corporations, individuals, associations, public agencies, and nonprofits to promote community-driven development centered on racial, economic, and social equity. It facilitates member engagement, represents them in policy discussions, and collaborates on community improvement projects. It aims to lead in the community development sector and drive systemic change to uplift Memphis neighborhoods.