Opportunity to Prosper
Entrepreneurship
Every individual in America who possesses entrepreneurial vision, ingenuity, drive and desire should have access to resources needed to establish and grow a viable business.
The Urban League helps to bring businesses and jobs to areas where poverty is an everyday reality and people have been profoundly affected by long-term unemployment. The loans and technical assistance are strategic investments that will build strong economic ecosystems, which will support entrepreneurship and business growth in economically disadvantaged communities.
Programs:- Empowerment Opportunity Loan Program: The Knoxville Area Urban League is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI); we provide loans from $5,000-$250,000 to qualified entrepreneurs to start and/or expand businesses in Knox County that will provide jobs, goods and services that meet the needs of the community.

Economic and Business development programs are funded in part by:
- U.S. Department of the Treasury – CDFI Fund
- Pinnacle Bank
- SunTrust Foundation
- City of Knoxville
- Tennessee Valley Authority
For additional information, call 865-524-5511 or email [email protected].