Greater Memphis Employer Resources
Connections that Count
Concierge Services
The Existing Business team is an indispensable resource, functioning as a comprehensive one-stop shop.
Our mission is to deliver a bespoke, concierge-level service tailored to the unique needs of established companies. We are dedicated to ensuring that they not only thrive but also flourish within the vibrant landscape of Memphis. Our commitment lies in equipping them with the essential resources, support, and opportunities necessary to not just sustain but also propel their growth and success in our community.
We assist companies in the following areas:
- Expansion Opportunities
- Workforce Solutions
- Tax and Incentive Opportunities
- Pain Point Solutions
For more information, contact Jeanette Jones, Existing Business Consultant.
Seeing the Greater Picture
Delivering the services that help Memphis businesses grow and thrive is part of our Prosper Memphis 2030 strategic plan.
Export Services
The U.S. Commercial Service is part of the International Trade Administration under the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Our goal is to help U.S. companies export overseas and attract foreign direct investment to the U.S.
We provide support including market intelligence, business-to-business matchmaking services, international company vetting, market access support and advocacy through our network of offices located in most U.S. states and based in U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas in more than 80 countries.
We offer the following resources for U.S. exporters:
- Export Counseling
- Market Intelligence
- Business Matchmaking Services
- Trade Education Events
- Commercial Diplomacy including Advocacy Support
Apply Now for the STEP Grant
STEP Grant Program
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a national export initiative which makes matching-fund awards to state entities to assist small businesses in entering and expanding into international markets. In Tennessee, STEP is administered by the Tennessee Export Initiative (TEI) at Belmont University. This grant program is funded in part by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and through the efforts of the Tennessee District Export Council (TDEC), a non-profit organization established to support and promote the expansion of export opportunities for Tennessee companies and to serve as a communication link between the business community and the U.S. Commercial Service. The main objectives of STEP is to increase the number of U.S. small businesses that export, increase the value of exports, and increase the number of U.S. small businesses exploring significant new trade opportunities.
Eligible Reimbursable Expenses Include
- Virtual or In-Person Matchmaking Services with Foreign Buyers, Distributors, and Representatives
- Website Translation and Localization
- Website Search Engine Optimization
- Marketing Media Design for International Audiences
- International Trade Show Exhibition
For more information, contact Jeff Overby, Director, Tennessee Export Initiative.
Is My Company Eligible?
To be considered eligible, a company must meet all of the requirements below:
- Organized and incorporated in the United States
- Registered in Tennessee as a for-profit business
- Has operations in Tennessee
- Meets the SBA definition of a small business (see SBA Self-Representation Form)
- Has been in business not less than 1 year
- Has sufficient resources to bear the costs associated with trade, including the costs of packing, shipping, freight forwarding, and customs brokers
- Is engaged in, or wishes to be engaged in, the delivery abroad of goods and/or services
- produced in the United States
- Offers products or services that are of U.S. origin or have at least 51% U.S. content
Website Internationalization for Overseas Sales
In today’s interconnected world, having a website is not enough. That means making sure you indicated you do international sales, but that your website can also be found in international search to make a sale.
Click the video to learn more.
For more information, contact Lilliam Baez, Director, US Commercial Service Memphis.
Certificate Services
Greater Memphis Chamber’s Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is a document issued by a competent authority, such as a chamber of commerce or a customs agency, that certifies the country in which the goods being exported were produced or manufactured. It serves as a declaration by the exporter, confirming the origin of the goods, and is often required by customs authorities in the importing country to determine eligibility for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements or to assess import duties. The Certificate of Origin provides important information for customs clearance and helps prevent fraud by ensuring that goods are accurately classified and valued based on their origin.
The Greater Memphis Chamber issues these certificates.
For more information regarding Certificates of Origin, please reach out to Chris Stewart.
Research Services
The Chamber’s Greater Memphis Economic Research Group (GMERG) manages offers strategic advisory projects to drive quality job growth and investment activity into the Greater Memphis region. The GMERG team leverages data to align regional stakeholders around the metrics that matter to improving economic performance and promoting a Greater Memphis.
