The State of Tennessee sponsors an annual statewide competition in the fall to select the top 20 most promising high-growth early stage technology companies to present their business plans to regional and national investors and technology stakeholders in a 2-day forum. The City of Chattanooga has established a screening committee to help identify, promote and screen candidates from the region. Three Chattanooga companies presented in the final competition in 2002 and the City of Chattanooga was the only city to assist in sponsoring this statewide event. The 2003 Tennessee Venture Forum will be held in Chattanooga, drawing talent and investors from all over the state and nearby major regional markets to review the business plans of Tennessee’s best.

For application, further information or consultation contact: Allen Summey, Chattanooga Manager, Southeast Community Capital, (423) 425-3774 or www.tennesseetechnology.org/venture.html.