Small Business Expo celebrates Memphis entrepreneurs and community partnerships

From neighborhood restaurants and service providers to makers and artists, the Fourth Annual Small Business Expo showcased the incredible talent, resilience, and innovation that continue to strengthen Memphis and Shelby County.

Hosted by EDGE at the Renasant Convention Center, this year’s event welcomed entrepreneurs, business support organizations, community partners, and residents for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating local businesses and the impact they make every day in neighborhoods across our community.

Beyond just an expo, the gathering served as another activation of Entrepreneurship City – the initiative launched by EDGE and the City of Memphis to connect founders with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to start, grow, and scale successful businesses.

Celebrating the businesses building Memphis
Throughout the Expo, attendees had the opportunity to meet the entrepreneurs behind many of Memphis’ beloved businesses, engage directly with local partners, hear their stories, and learn more about the journeys that transformed ideas into thriving companies.

Many participating businesses have benefited from EDGE’s Small Business Loan Program, which has helped neighborhood-serving businesses invest approximately $9 million into their communities while creating nearly 600 jobs since the program launched. These opportunities create jobs, activate commercial corridors, provide gathering places, and help define the unique character of Memphis neighborhoods.

Honoring a Memphis legend
One of the highlights of this year’s Expo was recognizing Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken Founder Louis Martin III with EDGE’s inaugural Small Business Legacy Award.

For decades, Uncle Lou’s has been a community institution, demonstrating how a locally owned business can create lasting economic and cultural impact while remaining deeply rooted in the neighborhood it serves. The award recognizes businesses whose legacy extends beyond commercial success to include community investment, resilience, and a lasting contribution to Memphis’ entrepreneurial story.

Introducing Culture Corner, sponsored by TVA
New this year, EDGE unveiled Culture Corner, sponsored by TVA, to celebrate the important role artists, creatives, and cultural entrepreneurs play in Memphis’ economy. The interactive space featured local artists, singers, performers, and musicians, highlighting how creativity fuels innovation, strengthens neighborhoods, and contributes to economic growth.

Culture Corner reflected a simple truth: economic development isn’t only about buildings and business recruitment. It’s also about supporting the creative talent that makes Memphis distinctive and helps attract people, investment, and opportunity.

Building the future through Entrepreneurship City
The Small Business Expo demonstrated what is possible when entrepreneurs have access to support, capital, mentorship, and meaningful connections. As Entrepreneurship City continues to grow, EDGE remains committed to helping founders transform bold ideas into thriving businesses that strengthen communities across Memphis and Shelby County.

Thank you to our sponsors, partners, participating businesses, volunteers, and everyone who attended the Fourth Annual Small Business Expo. Together, we are creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive – and where Memphis continues to grow through innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.