Authored By chloe.morrison

Officials with Mayor Andy Berke’s administration have launched a program called Startup CHA, which is aimed at helping local entrepreneurs.

“I hear from people again and again that one of the most important things for a new business owner is to have a validator, someone who can say their product works,” Berke said. “Chattanooga’s city government has a great deal of infrastructure, from roads to sewers to IT systems. Startup CHA allows entrepreneurs to use our resources as their laboratory.”

For example, a local entrepreneur may have a product or application that could improve street lighting, he said. The business owner can apply to test that product on the city’s lighting system.

The program aims to make it easier for startups and small companies to work with the government, which is often difficult because of complicated purchasing processes, according to the Startup CHA website.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs can use an online portal to submit ideas. From there, the ideas go to David Carmody, who works for the city’s purchasing department. He will talk to other city administrators to narrow down the ideas, Lacie Stone, communications director for the city, said.

Entrepreneurs who have products that meet city needs will be asked to pitch ideas at a monthly Startup CHA council meeting.

Officials with the administration recently held a meeting with business leaders to discuss the initiative.

Representatives from companies such as Variable Inc., Engage 3D, Launch Tennessee, The Company Lab, EPB, Chattanooga State Community College, Quickcue and Society of Work were among those present, Stone said.

Ken Hays-who is a partner with development agency Kinsey Probasco Hays and who served as chief of staff during former Chattanooga Mayor Jon Kinsey’s administration-attended the meeting and said the administration’s efforts send the message that leaders are serious about entrepreneurship.

“With the whole community trying to work together, the fact that the city government is part of that process is a huge step,” he said.

Entrepreneur Kelly Fitzgerald, who recently opened a collaborative workspace downtown called Society of Work, said it’s important for local government officials and entrepreneurs to collaborate.

“If local government can start with something like this and possibly move on to other efforts, that will help build small business,” she said via email. “It’s very encouraging to think about.”

And she hopes the work that’s done will help promote local talent and contribute to Chattanooga’s reputation as a progressive city.

Fitzgerald said it was refreshing to see diversity in the group at the recent meeting. It can be easy to get in the habit of working with the same people, but it’s important to reach beyond those circles because that’s how fresh ideas develop, she said.

“It’s tricky, but we all need to be aware of reaching out beyond our own ‘little bubble,’ for lack of better words,” she said via email. “If not, we’ll continue to get the same answers.”

Government agencies aren’t always known for speed and efficiency, and entrepreneurs can be impatient, Fitzgerald also said.

That might pose a challenge, but if people see positive results, they will be willing to stick it out during a learning curve period, she said.

Although officials love when large companies choose Chattanooga, Berke said that small business is what drives the local economy.

“Some of Chattanooga’s best days have come through its entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “I think those days are growing again, and the city is constantly looking for ways to create an environment where those businesses can succeed.”