Chattanooga Launches Creative Entrepreneur Assessment Survey
The Chattery is collecting data from local creatives to shape future business support and programming in the region.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you believe local initiatives provide the support necessary for small creative businesses to succeed?
The Chattery has launched a regional Creative Entrepreneur Assessment for the greater Chattanooga area to better understand the goals and challenges of local creators. The initiative includes a survey, focus groups, and interviews designed to guide future business resources.
Why it matters
The project aims to identify the specific needs of creative entrepreneurs to ensure regional organizations can provide effective programming. By gathering direct feedback, stakeholders hope to better support the growth of the local arts and cultural sector.
The survey takes approximately 5 to 8 minutes to complete, and participants selected for follow-up focus groups will receive $100. This assessment is supported by a grant from Tennessee Placemakers.
The players
The Chattery
This is a Chattanooga-based nonprofit organization that provides educational classes and creative resources to the community.
Prospera Strategies
This is a consulting firm that helps organizations develop data-driven strategies for impact and growth.
Rad Work
This organization collaborates on research and development initiatives focused on creative and professional workforce development.
The details
The assessment is being conducted in partnership with Prospera Strategies and Rad Work to analyze the experiences of creative entrepreneurs. The survey is available in both English and Spanish to ensure wide participation across the greater Chattanooga region.
Timeline
The regional assessment survey launched on October 29, 2026.
The deadline to participate in the survey is December 4, 2026.
Follow-up focus groups are planned for early 2027.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the funding model established by the Tennessee Placemakers grant program to support local cultural infrastructure. It positions Chattanooga to better align its professional resources with the rapid growth seen in the state’s creative industries.
Local creative entrepreneurs have until December 4, 2026, to contribute their perspectives to this regional assessment. Participants who are selected to join subsequent focus groups will be compensated for their time with a $100 payment.
The takeaway
This assessment serves as a vital step in mapping the needs of the local creative economy to ensure resources are allocated effectively. Entrepreneurs should participate to influence the types of business support and community programming available in Chattanooga.
What happens next
The Chattery will hold follow-up focus groups in early 2027 to build upon the findings from the initial survey phase.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the area at Chattanooga Openings & Closings.
More information
Eligible participants can complete the Creative Entrepreneur Assessment survey online.
Live Poll
Do you believe local initiatives provide the support necessary for small creative businesses to succeed?
