Greater Memphis Chamber — The Business Community Behind Memphis

The Greater Memphis Chamber is the city's premier business membership organisation — and a 2025 Chamber of the Year award winner, recognised nationally for its bold leadership, economic impact, and transformative initiatives. In Memphis, they invest in jobs, growth, and prosperity for all.

With over 1,500 members strong, the Chamber is more than a networking club. It is an active engine for economic development, small business growth, workforce development, and policy advocacy — working every day to make Memphis a better place to start, grow, and sustain a business.

Free Small Business Support — The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)

One of the most valuable things the Chamber offers entrepreneurs costs absolutely nothing. The Greater Memphis Chamber is pleased to partner with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), and a business specialist is housed in their offices. Their services are free and tailored to your needs.

This means that as a Memphis entrepreneur, you can walk into the Chamber and sit down with a real business specialist — at no cost — and get help with:

General Consulting — business planning, accessing funding, marketing, operations, and compliance.

Financial Consulting — financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, and financial projections.

Marketing Consulting — product and service positioning, market segmentation, advertising channel assessment, website review, market research, and social media review.

Whether you are still developing your business idea or trying to navigate a growth challenge, the TSBDC specialist at the Chamber is one of the most accessible and practical resources in the city.

Membership — Built for Every Stage of Your Business

The Chamber offers tiered membership levels designed to meet entrepreneurs and business owners where they are:

Access Membership — Access Membership is for the entrepreneur, lifestyle business owner, or small business owner who wants to grow their business through making more business connections, increasing their brand's reach in the business community, and developing a strong team. It is recommended for businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

Key benefits include connections with decision makers at Chamber events, access to educational and professional development programs, health plan and workers' comp savings, up to 55% off office supplies through the Chamber's Office Depot program, complimentary job postings, and company listing in Greater magazine.

Engage Membership — Engage Membership is for the established, but growing small business wanting to get more involved in the business community. Additional benefits include a complimentary ribbon-cutting ceremony, the ability to share company news in the Chamber's weekly email newsletter, and an opportunity to elevate to Advocate-level membership.

Advocate Membership — Advocate Membership is perfect for the seasoned small business or emerging middle market company owner ready to help shape public policy and advocate for the business community. This level includes access to industry councils, Chamber departments for direct business assistance, economic development research, and customised marketing solutions.

Small Business Councils — Community Within the Community

Membership opens the door to a number of specialised councils where entrepreneurs can find their tribe, build relationships, and access tailored programming:

Small Business Council — A dedicated space for small business owners to connect, learn, and grow together. The Council hosts pitch workshops, networking events, and practical learning sessions designed specifically for entrepreneurs at all stages.

Women's Business Council — Supporting women entrepreneurs and business leaders in Memphis with programming, mentorship, and community.

Young Professionals Council — For the next generation of Memphis business leaders — a community for young entrepreneurs and professionals to connect and grow.

The Shelf Ready Competition

For entrepreneurs with a product ready to hit retail shelves, the Chamber's Shelf Ready Competition is a standout opportunity. This pitch competition gives product-based business owners the chance to present their offerings to buyers and industry decision makers — a direct pathway to retail partnerships and wider market reach.

Business Resources — Tools to Help You Grow

Small Business Resiliency Playbook — Drawing from insights of some of the city's top business minds, the goal was to create a dynamic tool that any small enterprise could consult time and again. Visit smallbusinessresiliency.com to access it for free.

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Industry Report — This annual report serves as a strategic guide and blueprint for fostering action and collaboration for a more prosperous Memphis. It is packed with data, trends, and actionable insights for local entrepreneurs.

On-Demand Video Library — The Chamber maintains a growing library of free on-demand masterclasses, certification sessions, and essential business update videos — covering topics from competitive advantage and certification pathways to doing business with the federal government. All available at no cost through their website.

Report & Research Services — Economic data and market research powered by the Greater Memphis Economic Research Group (GMERG), giving entrepreneurs access to the kind of business intelligence previously reserved for large corporations.

Member Benefits — Save Money While You Grow

Chamber membership comes with tangible financial benefits that can directly reduce your business costs:

• Health Plan Coverage — Access to level-funded health plans with member-only pricing
• Workers' Compensation — Earn up to a 5% premium rebate on your workers' comp insurance
• ChamberCare Health Centres — Save on healthcare costs with access to primary care clinics
• Office Essentials Savings — Save up to 55% on office supplies through the Chamber's Office Depot programme
• Earned Wages Access — A flexible payroll benefit for your employees

Advocacy — Your Voice in City Hall

The Chamber doesn't just support businesses — it fights for them. Through their Government Affairs team, the Chamber actively advocates on behalf of the Memphis business community at the city, county, and state level, ensuring that the policies shaping Memphis's business environment reflect the needs of entrepreneurs and business owners.

Members can also connect directly with elected officials through the Chamber's Contact Elected Officials platform — making it easy to make your voice heard on issues that matter to your business.

Additional Starting Resources

For entrepreneurs who are just getting started, the Chamber's small business team has curated direct links to the essential steps:

Prosper Memphis 2030 — The Big Picture Every Chamber membership contributes to the broader mission of Prosper Memphis 2030 — the Chamber's bold economic development strategy aimed at creating 50,000 new jobs, adding 700 advanced industry firms, and annually awarding 20,000 STEM certificates across the region. As a member, your investment in the Chamber is an investment in the city's future.