In 2023, Microsoft changed the tech landscape of Chattanooga with a $50,000 grant called TechSpark. As a TechSpark partner, the Chattanooga Chamber received resources and support as it expanded and strengthened our tech start-up scene.
Here at the Chamber, we knew the grant would be impactful.
Now, as Microsoft offers a second round of funding, we know just how deeply the grant impacted Chattanooga.
Thanks to Microsoft’s TechSpark funding in 2024, the Chattanooga Chamber’s INCubator was able to:
- Support five new INCubator startups
- Help launch one new INCubator client with diverse founders
- Support three INCubator graduates
- Provide AI workshops and instruction for 14 INCubator clients
- Launched new marketing initiatives geared towards attracting tech-based startups to Chattanooga
“Partnering with Microsoft has been abundantly helpful, allowing us to build and form new relationships that will enhance our tech start-up ecosystem,” said Adam Myers, VP of Economic & Talent Development for the Chamber. “The impact will be felt for years to come.”
In September, more impactful news arrived: that partnership with Microsoft will continue for another year.
“We were offered participation in TechSpark with a second round of funding,” said Myers. “The impact here has been tremendous. We’re so thankful to Microsoft for these opportunities and continued support.”
In 2017, Microsoft launched TechSpark as a national program “designed to accelerate local economic opportunity across communities in the United States.” Since then, TechSpark has offered $125 million in funding for communities across the US while creating 3,300 jobs and teaching job skills to 55,000 Americans.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” the company declared. “Rapid advances in technology are creating new opportunities, but for many, they remain out of reach. TechSpark partners locally to ensure everyone can benefit from the digital economy.”
Microsoft’s TechSpark impacts four key areas: digital skills, digital inclusion, computer science education and digital transformation.
In Chattanooga, INCubator startups received ongoing support, mentorship and instruction; in a tech/AI world that feels like it’s changing by the hour, the Chamber will continue to offer expert and applicable help and resources to member businesses and the community-at-large.
In 2025, Chattanooga Chamber will receive continued TechSpark partnership, allowing us to continue serving regional entrepreneurs, innovators and businesspeople. The downstream impact of this is significant.
INCubator businesses have contributed more than $70 million in economic impact for Hamilton County, according to a recent study. Our business incubator program – housed in the Hamilton County Business Development Center – is the largest in Tennessee and the third largest in the US.
TechSpark funding allowed the Chamber and INCubator businesses to deepen their relationship with a core team of regional partners, including:
- Brickyard
- City of Chattanooga
- Heed PR
- ChaTech
- CO.Lab
- Microsoft
- Launch TN
“Small businesses and startups are the heart of the Chattanooga economy,” said Myers. “The Chamber believes in doing all we can to help, strengthen, support and enhance our members and business community.”
