Our Story

In 2004, the Kingsport Chamber and City of Kingsport jointly formed the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE), to specifically nurture, counsel and encourage the continued robust growth and development of startups and existing small businesses in Kingsport, Tennessee.


Vision: Our desired future state

Our intent is to be the go-to organization in Kingsport for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their business, by creating and developing the right tools and resources and cultivating the right partnerships.

Purpose: Why we exist

To help small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the rough waters of small business ownership and management.

Mission: What we do

We are a technical assistance provider offering assistance including but not limited to: forming a business, how to write business plans, business plan reviews, obtaining capital for start-up or expansion, pursuing government contracts, analyzing financial and management performance, proving business case, developing existing and new business, and planning for succession.

Core Values: The shared beliefs that define our culture and foster loyalty

  • Respect
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Results
  • Continuing Education
  • Collaboration

Our Partners

Achieving More by Working Together

In 2004, the Kingsport Chamber and City of Kingsport jointly formed the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit economic development organization, to specifically nurture, counsel and encourage the continued robust growth and development of startups and existing small businesses in Kingsport, Tennessee.

On February 15, 2011 your Kingsport Chamber announced the new partnership between KOSBE and the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) becoming the TSBDC at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office. Through its affiliation with TSBDC at ETSU, the Kingsport Affiliate Office covers a wider service area, including Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins and Sullivan counties. We're proud to call these industry leaders our partners:

  • The City of Kingsport
  • East Tennessee State University*
  • Eastman
  • Kingsport Chamber
  • Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC)*
  • Kingsport Economic Development Board (KEDB)
  • Appalachian Highlands Women's Business Center (AppH-WBC)

*The cooperative agreement between KOSBE and East Tennessee State University is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the State of Tennessee.


Our Impact

Annual Report

Read our annual report and meet the people who are helping us make our community better and stronger.

2022 Annual Report