Starting a Business in Gallatin

Achieving a successful business venture is a challenging task.  Whether you are new to the area, a first time business owner, or a seasoned local ready to expand, the requirements of starting or expanding can be very demanding. Learn the area, demographic, and business climate through resources like the Chamber’s annual City Guide and Business DirectoryMTIDA‘s annual Community Data Profile, and the Gallatin EDA’s Annual Report and Marketing Guide. Utilize the resources, information, and links below to find the steps needed to start and/or grow in Gallatin. 

Our team is well equipped to answer your questions and offer referrals to help lead you in the direction you may need for developing a business plan, obtaining financial assistance, finding real estate, and helping you get your business the licenses and permits needed to operate. If you have additional questions about starting or growing a business in Gallatin, please don’t hestiate to contact us at (615) 452-4000 or kim@gallatintn.org

Resources

Tennessee Small Business Development Center

For over 30 years, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) network has been empowering small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals with a business idea to innovate new products and services that compete in the global marketplace. They have a network of certified professional business counselors at 14 various locations across the state; 1 is an affilate office, and 1 is their online center – available 24/7. Fortunately for Gallatin business owners, one of those locations is right here in our city!

Located on the campus of Volunteer State Community College in the 300 Building Nashville Pike, Office 103C, Gallatin, they provide small business start-up services including, but not limited to: business plan development, finanical planning assistatnce, marketing plan development, sources of capital, and social media guidance. Additionally, the Gallatin TSBDC office provides exisiting businesses assistance including, but not limited to: business growth planning, government contracting guidance, international trade guidance, sources of capital, and social media strategy guidance. For more information contact the Gallatin TSBDC office at (615) 230-4780.

Gallatin Economic Development Agency

Recognizing that business is the lifeblood of any community, the Gallatin Economic Development Agency is committed to developing new business and helping exisiting business thrive. Gallatin Economic Development Agency actively recruits new business to the area, helps new and exisiting businesses grow, and ensures that these businesses remain the area to continue serving the economic interests of the Gallatin community. 

Expansion and relocation decisions demand careful analysis – tax and regulartory climate, workforce, infrastructure, and innovation – all part of the growth equation. That’s where Gallatin EDA comes in! Their team can assist with providing answers at the speed of business, connecting site selectors, employers, and members of the workforce for maximum mutual benefit. The Gallatin EDA office is located in Gallatin City Hall at 132 West Main Street, Gallatin. For more information, contact their office at (615) 451-5940.

State of Tennessee Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) exisits to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the number one location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The TNECD seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to faciliate expansion and economic growth.

In addition to developing strategies for successful growth, the TNECD also offers a number of valuable resources for those looking to start or expand their business in Tennessee. For starters, they offer a helpful and detailed Start Up Guide that can be viewed online as well as printed. Understanding that the challenges entrepreneurs face are often intimidating, they also office a step-by-step How To Start a Business Guide as well as a Small Business Resource Map, pinning availalbe resource sites availalbe across the state. 

For more information on TNECD, their mission, and services, you can contact their office at (615) 741-1888.

US Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, and counseling sessions as well as other forms of assistance to small business. The SBA provides assistance primarily through four programmatic functions: access to capital, entreprenuel development, government contracting, and advocacy. 

Their website is packed full of resources and information for businesses who are just getting started as well as those ready to grow thier business to another level. One of their many valuable resources is thier Resource Guide for Small Business, produced a few times each year with up-to-date information for small business owners. For more information on the SBA and their services, you can visit their Tennessee District Office at 2 International Plaza Drive, Suite 500, Nashville or reach them by phone at (615) 736-5881. 

Permits, Processes, Licenses, Etc.

Business Tax Licenses

Sumner County: This license may be obtained from the Sumner County Clerk’s Office (Business Tax Division) located at 355 North Belvedere Drive (Room 105), Gallatin. For more information, please call (615) 452-4063. 

City of Gallatin: If your business is located inside the City limits of Gallatin, you must also purchase a City license for the City of Gallatin. You can contact them at the following address or telephone number: Gallatin City Hall – City Recorder, 132 West Main Street, Gallatin. (615) 451-5893.

Planning and Zoning

City of Gallatin: If your prospective business location is inside the city limits or planning region, you will need to contact the city planning department: City of Gallatin – Planning Department, 132 West Main Street, Gallatin. (615) 451-5796.

Sumner County: All prospective businesses in the rural areas of the county should contact the Construction & Development Department located at 355 N. Belvedere Dr. #202, (615) 452-1467. Certain home based businesses operated with in the residential structure may qualify as a “home occupation” business, however any business that is operated in a detached or accessory structure would not qualify as a home occupation business. In most cases a small business owner, if current zoning allows for that type of business operation, would not need to re-zone his property. Instead the owner of the property could appear before the Sumner County Board of Zoning Appeals. Other business operations may need to seek a re-zoning based on the size of the operation or the use. For more information, or to discuss which course of action you would need to seek, contact the Construction & Development Department at (615) 452-1467.

Sumner County Assessor’s Office (Personal Property Tax)

This tax is imposed on Businesses’ Tangible Personal Property located within Sumner County. Information concerning the applicability of this Tax and reporting requirements can be obtained by contacting the Sumner County Assessor’s Office at 355 N. Belvedere Drive (Room 206) Gallatin, TN. 37066 or call (615) 452-2412.

Sumner County Health Department

If your business operations in any way involve the purchase, processing or sale of food items, or the cutting, styling or care of hair, a permit may be required by the Sumner County Health Department, located at 1005 Union School Road, Gallatin, TN. 37066 or call (615) 206-1100.

State of Tennessee, Department of Revenue (Sales Tax Registration)

All prospective businesses should contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue, located at the Andrew Jackson State Office Building, Nashville, TN, to determine the applicability of the sales and use tax regulations to the proposed business activity. For further information, call (615) 253-0600.

Employer’s Federal Identification Number

A business operating as a sole proprietorship with no hired employee may satisfy the reporting requirements of the Federal Government under the Social Security Number of the proprietor. However, a partnership, a small business corporation or any business operation with one or more hired employees must obtain an employer’s identification number from the Federal Government. Application may be made to the Internal Revenue Service on form SS-4 which is available at the IRS Office in the United States Federal Courthouse, located at 801 Broadway (Room 134), Nashville, TN. or call 1-800-829-1040. A request should also be made for publications 17 and 334 for information concerning record keeping and reporting requirements for small businesses through the Internal Revenue Service. Detailed information concerning an employer’s reporting and remittance liabilities is contained in publication 15 and Employer’s Circular E. Additional assistance with business-related IRS regulations and reporting requirements are made available through IRS free workshops. These are usually offered once each month in Nashville. For information or to register for the next workshop, contact the IRS at its toll free number, 1-800-829-4933.

State of Tennessee (Board for Licensing Contractors)

Any person, business, or subcontractor making improvements to residential property, or single family units where the job is less than $25,000.00, and requires a permit from the Sumner County (Building Permits) Office, are subject to and must obtain a State of Tennessee Home Improvement License, required by the State of Tennessee Home Improvement Licensing Act. For more information, please call 1-800-544-7693. A person, business or prime contractor performing a construction job in excess of $25,000.00 is subject to and must obtain a State of Tennessee General Contractors License. This license is obtained at The Board of Licensing Contractors located at 500 James Robertson Pkwy. Nashville TN. 37219, or by calling (615) 741-8307. 

This list of information regarding permits and licenses was gathered from the Sumner County Clerk’s website. For a printable version, click here

Whitney Buck

Whitney Buck

Highpoint Health Sumner

Dr. Whitney Buck graduated from University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology in 2015 and received her Doctor of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies in 2019. She completed her Obstetrics/Gynecology residency at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield and Novi, Michigan Summer 2024. Whitney and her husband love spending time outdoors, playing with their two lab mixes, Olive & Penny, and are thrilled to be moving back to Tennessee and joining the Sumner County community.

Keiara Marsh

Keiara Marsh

Tennessee Mental Wellness

Keiara Marsh, LMFT, ACS, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and AAMFT Supervisor Candidate passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families. Born and raised in Nashville, TN, she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her Master’s in Family Sciences from the University of Kentucky. With experience in both community mental health and private practice, Keiara tailors her approach to each client’s needs. She is trained in Brainspotting and also conducts Bariatric Assessments. Outside of work, Keiara enjoys spending time with her husband and son and exploring new restaurants.

Julie Riemenschneider

Julie Riemenschneider

Dive Barre

Julia Riemenschneider, a Gallatin native, is the owner of The Dive Barre, the only boutique fitness studio in the heart of downtown Gallatin. After facing health challenges, she discovered the healing power of Pilates, which inspired her to teach Pilates at her own studio and empower others through fitness. Known for her sassy yet sweet personality, Julia is passionate about building connections within her community. When she’s not running her business, she enjoys swing dancing and all things vintage, bringing joy and energy into everything she does.

Sara Magoun

Sara Magoun

Reclaiming Wellness

Sara Magoun has been part of healthcare in Sumner County since 2004, starting as an ICU and Emergency Department nurse before becoming a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015. In 2021, she opened Reclaiming Wellness to offer affordable holistic care, driven by her passion for wellness and a natural approach to medicine. Known for her personalized care, Sara ensures patients feel comfortable and never rushed. Outside of work, she and her husband Jay, a local physician, run a non-profit farm animal rescue, Last Chance Ranch.

Kathryn Good

Kathryn Good

Good Circle Marketing

Kathryn Good is the founder of Good Circle Marketing, a purpose-driven agency that helps organizations amplify their good work through clear strategy and authentic storytelling. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, Kathryn brings a thoughtful mix of clarity, creativity, and care to every project. She’s passionate about helping mission-focused teams simplify their marketing, show up with confidence, and share what makes their work matter. Known for her encouraging, down-to-earth approach, Kathryn also hosts A Good Pour: Conversations about Good Work and regularly leads workshops on marketing strategy and the thoughtful use of AI.

Amy Brodrick

Amy Brodrick

Walk In It

Amy Brodrick is a distinguished sales professional with over three decades of experience in hospitality. With a proven track record in leadership, she has driven revenue growth, expanded market reach, and embraced emerging technologies. Recognized for strategic vision and relationship-building, she has led dynamic teams in renowned hotel chains. Her contributions to the industry include mentoring aspiring professionals and sharing expertise at conferences and training programs. Amy’s exceptional leadership and dedication have earned her multiple sales awards, solidifying her reputation as an industry innovator.

Amy Gleaves

Amy Gleaves

The Purpose Filled Life

Amy Gleaves is a certified life coach, entrepreneur, and creator of The Purpose Filled Life program. With a background in real estate, marketing, and brand management, Amy has helped individuals and businesses grow through strategic planning, personal development, and leadership. She specializes in guiding people to up-level their lives by setting goals, building accountability, and embracing possibility with passion.

Pamela Hubbard

Pamela Hubbard

Be Connected Coaching, LLC

Pam is the founder of Be Connected Coaching, LLC, helping individuals, teams, and organizations build stronger connections. With 33+ years in executive coaching and HR strategy, she specializes in leadership development, conflict resolution, and organizational change. She holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and an MS in Counseling Psychology from Capella University, blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior.

Heather Shingleton Headshot

Heather Shingleton

Clutter Company

Heather Shingleton founded Clutter Company in January 2023. Clutter Company’s mission is to empower homes and businesses to simplify their spaces and lives. Having experienced the transformative power of decluttering firsthand, Heather is passionate about guiding clients to identify what truly matters. As a business owner, part-time registered nurse, mother, and wife, Heather understands the feeling of a packed schedule, and she is dedicated to bringing peace to her clients.

Wendy Navarro

Wendy Navarro

Navarro Creative Group

Wendy Navarro is the founder and CEO of Navarro Creative Group, a full-service marketing agency that helps businesses grow through bold branding, smart strategy, and creative storytelling. With over 20 years of experience in business development and marketing, Wendy is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to confidently tell their story, connect with their audience, and elevate their impact. When she’s not building brands or brainstorming big ideas, you’ll find her cheering on fellow entrepreneurs, spending time with family, or dreaming up her next creative adventure.

Erica Twiddle

Erica Twidle

Black Tie Floral

Erica (Herron) Twidle, a Gallatin native, is the owner of Black Tie Floral Design and Events. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Maryville College, where she was also a collegiate soccer player. A devoted mother of two and co-Girl Scout troop leader, she is a passionate sports enthusiast and the proudest supporter of her children’s athletic and creative endeavors.

Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Kee Bryant-McCormick

Sumner County

Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick serves as Sumner County General Sessions Judge for Division III, appointed in 2022. A graduate of the University of Missouri, Mississippi College, and Vanderbilt Law School, she has a background in private practice and as an Assistant Public Defender. Judge Bryant-McCormick is the first African-American and second female judge in Sumner County, recognized with awards including the Athena Award and NAACP Citizen of the Year. Outside of her career, she is a devoted wife, mother, and coach for Beech High School’s Mock Trial team.

Rosemary Bates

Rosemary Bates

Gallatin Economic Development Agency

Rosemary Bates is the Director of the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, leading efforts to attract businesses and drive growth. With a background in journalism, business management, and government service, she has spent nearly two decades serving the city. A proud Volunteer State and MTSU graduate, she’s passionate about community development, including her recent project to transform a condemned school into a non-profit daycare. Her greatest feat? Keeping a plant alive for 37 years—against all odds.

Major Paige Brown

Paige Brown

Mayor of Gallatin, TN

Paige Brown is serving her third term as Mayor of Gallatin, Tennessee, elected in 2014. A Florida State University graduate, she previously worked as a news reporter, anchor, and Executive Producer at NewsChannel 5 in Nashville. Paige has served as Executive Director of the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce and is currently President of the Tennessee Municipal League and Vice-Chair of the Regional Transit Authority. She received the Tommie Goodwin Mayor of the Year Award and is an advocate for oncology research, serving on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Board of Governors.