Chattanooga’s business community continues to grow stronger, more diverse, and more resilient thanks to the dedicated entrepreneurs who invest in their own development—and in the future of our city. This year, several outstanding small business owners completed the Chattanooga Chamber’s Business Literacy Series, a rigorous nine‑part program designed to equip companies with the tools, confidence, and strategic insight needed to thrive.
Oak Commercial Funding
Born out of financial setback and limited ability to traditional funding, Cassie Sparks saw her struggle as motivation to bring something meaningful to entrepreneurs. Sparks realized how difficult it can be for business owners to secure capital—even when they are working hard to move forward. Many gaps exist in the financial system, in which inspired the birth of Oak Commercial Funding.
Founded in 2024, the mission to bridge funding gaps and provide small business owners with access to capital, education and guidance remains at the forefront of her vision. Sparks hopes her work creates a ripple effect of opportunity throughout Chattanooga, committed to shifting the narrative around funding. She’s enthusiastic about showing there is still a path forward, recognizing the goal isn’t just to fund businesses, but to help them get stronger communities and families.
Sparks says the Business Literacy Series helped grow her confidence in both practical and meaningful ways. She explained that running a business often requires clarity and structure, and the program helped her strengthen her entire approach. “Today, I feel more equipped, more focused, and more confident in my ability to lead my business with both vision and discipline.”
Sparks encourages the community to stay connected by visiting oakcommercialfunding.com, where business owners can learn more about her services and access helpful resources. Oak Commercial Funding is also active on LinkedIn and Facebook, where Sparks regularly shares insights on business funding, financial education and strategies for growth.
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Desserts On The Roll
Leah Davis founded Desserts on the Roll out of a passion for creating fun, interactive desserts that turn ordinary moments into memorable experiences. After starting with mastering the work of rolled ice cream, she quickly realized people loved not just the product but the experience of watching it be created fresh. A small idea grew into an award-winning dessert and food truck business, now broadening into milkshakes, Italian ice and acai bowls.
Extremely passionate about giving back through events and supporting different causes, Davis wants Desserts On The Roll to be more than a place to grab a sweet treat for the Chattanooga community. “Whether it’s families, kids, or community events, we create a fun, welcoming experience,” she says. “Creating inclusive, joyful spaces is something that means a lot to me.”
Davis said graduating from the Business Literacy Series helped her step fully into her role as a business owner — and now as a CEO. “It gave me structure, confidence in my numbers, and the ability to make strategic decisions instead of just operating day-to-day,” she stated. Chattanooga’s business community has played a major role in her growth through events and networking, and the ability to connect with other entrepreneurs. “I’ve grown from just “making it work” to truly building something sustainable and scalable,” says Davis.
Davis said the best way to support Desserts on the Roll is by following the business on social media where she shares updates on new menu items, upcoming events and the food truck’s next stops. The dessert business is actively out in the community, appreciative of the in-person support of Chattanooga.
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Off Canvas Designs
Curated from the love of creation and wanting her friends events to feel more personal, Off Canvas Designs’ idea was born. Brittany Crutcher After multiple friends began requesting custom pieces, the business has since expanded into creating thoughtful, one‑of‑a‑kind designs for weddings, brands and special events. Crutcher said that while Off Canvas Designs has grown far beyond what she imagined, its heart remains the same: intentional, handcrafted pieces made with care.
Crutcher hopes her business impacts the community through a collaborative future with other local entrepreneurs, and support with events that help bring people together. In support, the Business Literacy Series helped boost her confidence and allowed her more insight. “They provided me with tools to better align myself and the business for funding opportunities, and connected me with an awesome ecosystem of entrepreneurs,” she says.
In shaping her journey as an entrepreneur, Crutcher said creating a business ecosystem was critical for her. “We were also able to skip the “trial-and-error everything phase” , shortcutting months of figuring it out on our own,” she says in regards to the strong Chattanooga business community. “Building partnerships and gaining access, helped put our name in circulation.”
Crutcher said supporters can learn more or place orders by visiting offcanvasdesigns.com, and to join the Canvas community through Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date.
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