EDGE.30 logo in gray and green on a white background

30 Small Businesses to Watch

30 businesses. 10 awards.

One look at the companies shaping our region in 2027.

EDGE magazine is looking for the startups, innovators, legacy businesses, employers, founders and community-minded companies worth watching in the year ahead.

Nominations open Oct. 14–Nov. 2 • Self-nominations welcome

Winners revealed Jan. 21, 2027 • The Signal

30

Finalists

10

Award Categories


16

Counties


3

Finalists per category


The EDGE.30 celebrates the small businesses and entrepreneurs shaping what's next for the Chattanooga region. Thirty finalists will be featured in the December issue of EDGE magazine, with 10 winners revealed live Jan. 21.

Green “.30” text on a wooden background.

Is your business one to watch?

Who can enter?

✓ Independently owned
✓  Fewer than 100 employees
✓  Headquartered in Edge's 16-county region, including Cleveland and Dalton
✓  Businesses may enter up to three categories
✓  Self-nominations are welcome

$75 first category

$125 for two

$175 for three

Find Your Category and Nominate

Startup to Watch

New. Growing. Going Somewhere. Open less than three years, with real early traction and a clear plan for where the business is headed in 2027.

Judges consider: Traction • Market Opportunity • 2027 Business Plan

Comeback of the Year

Turning a challenge into a comeback. Recognizing a business that recovered from a setback or successfully reinvented itself through a major pivot within the last five years.

Judges consider: Results • Resourcefulness • Size of the challenge

Legacy Business of the Year

Local roots. A future still being written. For a business operating 25 years or more that continues to adapt while maintaining deep ties to the community it serves.

Judges consider: Adaptation • Community roots and future plans • Stewardship

Micro-Business of the Year

Small team. Outsized impact. Celebrating a business with fewer than 10 employees, including the owner, accomplishing remarkable things for its size.

Judges consider: Achievement for its size • Growth • Customer reputation

Community Impact Award

Doing business while doing good. Recognizing a business whose giving, volunteer work or mission makes a measurable difference across our region.

Judges consider: Measurable impact • Ongoing commitment • Involvement

Small Business Innovator

A better way to do business. For a company breaking new ground through a product, service, process, business model or creative use of technology.

Judges consider: Results • Originality • Ability to scale

Founder of the Year

The vision behind the business. Honoring an individual founder whose leadership, ideas and determination have built a business—and created influence beyond it.

Judges consider: Leadership and results • Vision • Influence beyond the business

Employer of the Year

A great business starts with its people. Recognizing an employer that stands out through strong pay, benefits, workplace culture and opportunities for employee growth.

Judges consider: Retention and culture • Pay and benefits • Employee growth

Woman-Owned Business of the Year

Women leading the way. Recognizing an outstanding business that is at least 51% woman-owned and operated—and positioned for continued impact in 2027.

Judges consider: Growth • Community impact • Leadership • 2027 outlook

Groundbreaker Award

Building where it’s needed most. Recognizing a business that opened in an underserved community, bringing new jobs and services to the people who live there.

Judges consider: Community need • Jobs created • Services added

1

Nominate

Nominations are open today through November 2, 2026

2

Finalists Announced

30 finalists featured in EDGE magazine's December issue

3

Winners Revealed

January 21 at The Signal in Downtown Chattanooga

4

Winners Featured

February's EDGE magazine in print, digital, social and video

Sponsors do not judge. Entries are reviewed by independent judging panels, with criteria scored for each award.

The EDGE.30 Awards

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027

8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Signal • Chattanooga


• Breakfast + networking
• 2027 Small Business Outlook
• Business-focused panel discussions
• Awards luncheon
• Keynote speaker Ted Alling

• 10 winners revealed live at the event

Event details and tickets coming soon.

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.Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I nominate my own business?

    Yes, small businesses may nominate their own companies for these awards.

  • Can I nominate another business?

    Yes, small businesses may nominate other small businesses for these awards.

  • Can a business enter more than one category?

    Yes, each business can enter up to three categories.

  • How much does it cost to enter?

    Nominations are $75 for one nomination; $125 for two; $175 for three

  • What businesses are eligible?

    Small businesses that are independently owned, have fewer than 100 employees and are headquartered within the 16-county EDGE coverage area are eligible for the awards.

  • Who chooses the winners?

    A panel of independent judges chooses the award winners. Sponsors do not judge.

  • When will the finalists know?

    Finalists will be notified on November 9 and featured in the December issue of EDGE magazine.

  • When are the winners announced?

    Winners will be announced at the live event at The Signal in downtown Chattanooga on January 21, 2027.