NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 18, 2024) – The Tennessee Titans’ ONE Community platform is officially launching applications for its 1st & Goal Small Business Assistance Program for small and minority-owned businesses seeking access to capital. The $3 million dollar fund – supported by $2 million from the Titans and $1 million from New Nissan Stadium construction manager, Tennessee Builders Alliance (TBA) – is housed with Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company and is anticipated to support 25 businesses annually to foster economic equality in the Nashville community.

A combination of loans and grants will be distributed through the fund to best support the individual, complex needs of every small business. Those who do not yet qualify for a financial award will be given a priority opportunity to participate in programs offered by ONE Community partner organizations Nashville Business Incubation Center (NBIC) and Corner to Corner.

“ONE Community was designed in collaboration with local community leaders and residents, reflecting some of the greatest opportunities to make a significant impact,” said Johari Matthews, Titans Vice President and Executive Director of the Titans Foundation and Community Impact. “Opportunity is a core pillar of ONE Community, with support for small businesses as a top priority. We hope the 1st & Goal Small Business Assistance Program will be an extremely valuable tool for small and minority-owned businesses as they continue to be the fabric of our Nashville history and play a paramount role in our future as a city.”

Those interested in applying for the 1st & Goal Small Business Assistance Program should first submit an interest form at www.tennesseetitans.com/1standgoal.

Formal program application requirements are listed below.

All applicants must provide:

  • EIN
  • Proof of Personal Credit Score of 580 or Higher (for loan only)
  • Year-To-Date P & L Statement
  • If filed, your business formation documents (ex. LLC, S Corp, C Corp)
  • Schedule C or Tax Documentation (for loan purposes: two years of filed tax documentation)
  • Minimum 2 Years in Business

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee of small business owners, representatives of minority chambers of commerce and business support programs. Committee members include Jeff McGruder, Chief Relationship Officer, Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company; Shana Berkeley, Executive Director, Corner to Corner; Delfine Perales Fox, President & CEO, Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Peacock, Founder, Memento Law, PLLC.; and Angela Crane Jones, President and CEO, Nashville Business Incubation Center (NBIC).