Economic Development

UT CIS creates comprehensive economic development solutions for Tennessee businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations and government leaders. By training, consulting and assisting our communities through the identification and development of economic potential, we improve quality of life for all Tennesseans.

Leveraging research and development assets to create and retain high-quality job opportunities, we increase capital investment statewide. At UT CIS, our involvement in everything from small business innovation and technology transfer—to our rural entrepreneurship system and many other initiatives and services—our ongoing focus remains on helping advance the economic well-being of Tennessee.

Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program

The TCED Program covers economic trends, opportunities, core components and tools essential for competition in today’s global economy, with a focus on economic development in Tennessee.

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Randy Boyd TCED
EDA University Center UT CIS

EDA University Center

Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the EDA University Center at the University of Tennessee assists existing Tennessee businesses, industries and communities by fostering economic growth and improving economic competitiveness.

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Made in Tennessee

The Made in Tennessee program is a no-cost membership program that allows registered members to have a profile in a manufacturing directory through which other businesses and customers can locate information about products and services. Members of the program are granted use of the Made in Tennessee logo so that they can proudly display where their products are made. 

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Made In Tennessee
Performance Consulting Courses and Assessments

Performance Consulting Courses and Assessments

How does your team collaborate? UT CIS can help you understand the strengths of your team members and identify opportunities for growth. You can register for an existing course or we can provide the training to your team at your facility. 

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Asset-Based Planning

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) partners with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) and the Tennessee Development District Association (TDDA) to help rural counties build on their assets to promote economic growth.

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Asset-Based Planning Initiative
Meet the Team UT CIS

Meet Our Experts

Meet the UT CIS Economic Development team.

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