Community
At Tennessee Tech University, empowering communities is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to driving economic growth, fostering resilience, and strengthening the fabric of rural and underserved areas across Tennessee. By partnering directly with local leaders, businesses, and organizations, we help communities unlock their full potential through strategic support, innovative solutions, and data-driven insights.
Explore the key services we provide at no cost to communities — designed to equip
you with the tools and expertise necessary to create sustainable economic opportunities
and lasting progress.
Key Services
Our team offers a range of specialized services designed to support economic growth,
inform decision-making, and strengthen communities. These services are provided at
no cost to rural communities, and we also support Tennessee Tech faculty and students
free of charge. By offering expert analysis, data tools, and technical assistance,
we help local leaders, businesses, and organizations access resources that could otherwise
cost tens of thousands of dollars — all while focusing on rural and underserved areas
across the state.
Small Business Assistance
We provide small businesses with the tools, data, and guidance they need to grow,
adapt, and thrive — especially in rural and underserved areas. Our student internship
program also connects businesses with talented interns who offer valuable support
while gaining real-world experience.
Economic Impact Analysis (IMPLAN)
We provide detailed economic impact reports using the IMPLAN modeling platform to
help organizations understand the ripple effects of projects, investments, or policy
changes on jobs, income, and output.
Location Intelligence (Placer.AI)
Using Placer.AI, we offer location-based insights into consumer movement, visitation
trends, and behavioral patterns to support local planning, site selection, retail
development strategies, and more.
Applied Economic Research
Our team conducts custom, data-driven research to inform local and statewide economic
strategies, policy planning, and investment decisions. We tailor our analysis to meet
the unique needs of each partner or community.
Data for Grants & Decision-Making
We supply reliable, validated economic and demographic data to strengthen grant applications
and support data-informed decision-making for public and private sector initiatives.
Technical Assistance
We offer hands-on support to local private businesses, governments, nonprofits, and
community organizations — from strategic planning to project development — to help
build capacity and move ideas forward.
Tourism & Community Branding
We assist communities in crafting research-informed tourism strategies and branding
efforts that highlight local strengths, increase visibility, and attract visitors
and investment.
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to learn more about how we can support your community? Reach out—we’re here to help.