City of Memphis, EDGE Launch Entrepreneurship City Initiative
The City of Memphis and the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE) today launched a bold new marketing campaign and initiative to support and elevate entrepreneurs across the city. The announcement was made during the third annual Small Business Loan Expo, held at the Renasant Convention Center. City of Memphis Mayor Paul A. Young delivered the welcome address and officially unveiled “Entrepreneurship City: Where Grit Meets Growth.”
The Expo brought together dozens of small-business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and economic development partners to explore resources such as EDGE’s Small Business Loan Program. Since the program’s launch, more than 120 businesses have received more than $2.7 million in forgivable loans.
“Entrepreneurship City is more than a campaign, it’s a commitment to the builders, the dreamers, and the doers who make Memphis move,” Mayor Young said. “In this city, big things start small, and they don’t just survive, they scale.”
The initiative unites local organizations, small-business programs, and business owners under one banner to amplify Memphis’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through digital storytelling, enhanced visibility, and expanded access to resources, Entrepreneurship City aims to ensure that every entrepreneur – from students to seasoned founders – knows Memphis is a place where ideas can start and scale.