Background:

Nashville was recently left off a few “Top Cities to Start a Business” lists (list 1, list 2 and list 3.) and we are not happy about it! Below are 6 things that set Nashville apart and make it worthy of being on any such list.

The List:

1. Incredible Small Business Resources

With the award-winning Nashville Chamber of Commerce and the newly added Entrepreneur Center, companies in Nashville are able to connect with the resources they need to be successful.

2. Access To Early Stage Capital

In its second year, the JumpStart Foundry brings a unique model to Nashville that combines intense mentorship and seed capital in an effort to start and grow companies.

3. Access To Talent

Being surrounded by Vanderbilt University, Belmont University and Lipscomb University has a variety of perks including an extremely strong talent pool that has a history of staying in the area.

4. Access To Growth Capital

Organizations like the Angel Capital Group and the Nashville Capital Network help to prepare entrepreneurs and put them in front of angel investors. In addition to these organizations, Nashville has a handful of traditional VCs (Mountain Group Capital, Solidus Company and FCA Ventures) that are looking to fund high-growth companies.

5. Educational Opportunities

Orgainzations such as Digital Nashville and events such as Innovation Nashville keep calendars packed with learning opportunities that not only set Nashville apart, but also helps its business leaders stay ahead of the curve.

6. Places To Work

For solopreneurs or startup junkies finding a place to work, in most cities, is a nightmare leaving most cooped up in their home. This is not so in Nashville where both co-working spaces (E|Spaces, CoLab) and coffee shops (Fido, Frothy Monkey, Portland Brew) welcome business owners and encourage community.

Did I miss anything? If so, leave it in the comments below!