The Enterprise Center

What The Enterprise Center does

The Enterprise Center is a Chattanooga, Tennessee-based nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by city, county, and community leaders to catalyze economic development and bridge the digital divide in the Southeast Tennessee region. The organization operates a portfolio of digital equity, workforce development, and community resilience programs rather than a single product. Its flagship program, Tech Goes Home Tennessee, delivers 15-hour digital literacy courses plus free Chromebooks and has trained more than 20,000 residents since 2015, while HCS EdConnect, a partnership with EPB and Hamilton County Schools launched in 2020, provides no-cost high-speed internet to approximately 28,000 residents including more than 16,000 students annually. Additional programs include the Networking & Neurodiversity employment series, Basecamp workforce networking, EMPACT (Google IT certification with Chattanooga State), the open-source Resiliency Checklist (adopted by 600+ organizations), the Innovation District of Chattanooga, Placemaking for Healthy Communities, the Older Adults Home Modification Program, Environmental Sensors in partnership with US Ignite, and Chattamatters civic storytelling.

Technically, the organization runs a web-based platform with the Resiliency Checklist published as open source on GitHub. Underlying technology is lightweight and non-AI-centric; the differentiation lies in community distribution rather than software complexity. The organization is funded through a diversified mix of government grants (EPA, FCC, State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development), foundation grants (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Benwood, Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Footprint Foundation, Maclellan Foundation, Truist, United Way, TVA Connected Communities), corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and meeting space rental. All programs are delivered free of charge to participants, and the go-to-market is community-led through a 200+ partner network spanning schools, libraries, churches, community centers, nonprofits, employers, and municipal institutions. The Enterprise Center maintains its headquarters in the historic Lupton Building at 1010 Georgia Ave. following an October 2025 relocation and currently operates under President & CEO Sammy Lowdermilk.

Name

The Enterprise Center

Legal name

The Enterprise Center

Website

https://theenterprisectr.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Enterprise Center is a Chattanooga-based nonprofit founded in 2003 that delivers digital literacy training (Tech Goes Home Tennessee), no-cost home internet for students (HCS EdConnect), workforce and small-business programs, and community meeting space across Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and Southeast Tennessee, serving tens of thousands of residents free of charge through a 200+ partner network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Digital Equity Services

NAICS

Computer Training (611420)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Inclusion & Civic Tech (Connectivity, GovTech for Social Good) (BPAGALAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education Access & EdTech for Equity (Low-cost Learning, Skills Platforms) (BPAGALAH), Digital Inclusion & Public Tech Access Training (Device/Internet/Basic IT) (EDAAAFAE)

Keywords

• Digital equity programs
• Workforce development services
• Digital literacy training
• Community meeting spaces
• Smart community initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: Primary revenue stream from federal, state, and local grants including funding from EPA, FCC, State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and other government sources
2. Foundation Grants: Funding from private foundations including BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Smart City Venture Fund (Benwood Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Footprint Foundation, Robert L. and Kathrina H. Maclellan Foundation), Truist Foundation, and United Way of Greater Chattanooga
3. Donations: Charitable donations from individuals and organizations supporting digital equity and community development missions
4. Meeting Space Rental: Revenue from renting community meeting spaces including Floor Five at the Edney and the new Lupton Building location

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Enterprise Center is a Chattanooga-based nonprofit that delivers digital equity, workforce development, and smart community programs in partnership with government, education, philanthropy, and 200+ community organizations. Its core offerings include Tech Goes Home Tennessee (digital literacy training with free devices), HCS EdConnect (no-cost high-speed internet for qualifying students), an open-source Resiliency Checklist for small organizations, inclusive workforce networking events, and community meeting spaces.

Product overview

The Enterprise Center operates as a community nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of digital equity, workforce development, and smart community programs rather than a single software product. The core programs include Tech Goes Home Tennessee (digital literacy training with devices), HCS EdConnect (no-cost internet for students), the Resiliency Checklist (open-source preparedness tool), Networking & Neurodiversity (inclusive employment events), and Basecamp (workforce networking). Additional offerings span placemaking, environmental monitoring, community storytelling, and the Innovation District initiative. These programs collectively aim to bridge the digital divide and build economic opportunity in the Chattanooga region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tech Goes Home Tennessee: Digital literacy training program providing 15-hour courses and free devices to help Tennesseans develop technology skills. Reached 20,000 graduates across the state.
• HCS EdConnect
• Placemaking for Healthy Communities
• Chattanooga Smart Community Collaborative
• Resiliency Checklist

Products and services

• Tech Goes Home Tennessee A digital literacy training program providing 15-hour courses and free Chromebook devices to residents, teaching computer basics, workforce development, and digital skills; reached 20,000+ people across Tennessee since 2015.
• HCS EdConnect A public-private partnership with EPB providing no-cost high-speed fiber internet to Hamilton County School students and their families who qualify based on household income (SNAP, NSLP, or free/reduced lunch eligibility); serves nearly 28,000 residents including 16,000+ students annually.
• Resiliency Checklist A free online checklist tool (open source on GitHub) for small businesses, non-profits, and faith-based institutions to assess and build preparedness for adversity; utilized by more than 600 organizations across the region and available to other communities to replicate.
• Networking & Neurodiversity A quarterly workforce development initiative creating inclusive networking events for neurodivergent professionals and employers, featuring panels, mock interviews, and employer connections; averages 100+ attendees per event and won the 2024 Advocate of the Year Award from the Chattanooga Area Employment Consortium.
• Basecamp A free day of networking, coworking, and professional development for job seekers and employers, held at venues like the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
• EMPACT A workforce development program providing training and stipends for community residents to earn Google IT certification, delivered in partnership with the City of Chattanooga IT Services and Chattanooga State Community College.
• Black in Tech A workforce development partnership with the global Blacks in Technology organization aimed at increasing diversity in tech careers and fostering professional connections; addresses the fact that only 8% of tech employees are Black.
• Chattamatters A civic storytelling and information program aimed at uplifting community voices across Chattanooga and engaging neighborhoods on local questions and issues.
• Innovation District of Chattanooga A quarter-mile radius innovation district from downtown Miller Park where businesses, startups, and educational institutions cluster to create a vibrant and innovative atmosphere; the first innovation district in a mid-sized city.
• Placemaking for Healthy Communities A community development initiative focused on improving health and well-being outcomes through technology and smart city solutions, including the TVA Connected Communities grant work (30+ homes upgraded, 21 public WiFi access points in Historic Orchard Knob).
• Environmental Sensors A program collecting and analyzing air quality data from sensors across the Chattanooga region in partnership with US Ignite.
• Floor Five / Meeting Space Community meeting and event space at the Lupton Building (formerly at The Edney) providing well-equipped public spaces for local educators, non-profit organizations, community organizations and entrepreneurs; the prior Edney location hosted 20,000+ people across 1,500+ community events annually.

Quantifiable outcome

• Digital device ownership in Hamilton County increased from 83% to 95% since 2015
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

42 partnerships are on record, tiered core, former core and secondary.

• Sammy Lowdermilk (President & CEO)coreOthers · 1 October 202510-year TEC veteran, former Program Director for Tech Goes Home, became acting President & CEO December 2024 and named President & CEO February 2026.
• Monique Kuykendoll Quarterman (Former President & CEO)former coreOthers · 1 October 2024Led the organization from approximately 12 staff to over 30 full-time employees and over $7M in annual revenue. Resigned December 2024.
• EPBcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020EPB provides high-speed fiber internet for HCS EdConnect program providing no-cost internet to qualifying Hamilton County School students and families. Partnership since 2020 has connected nearly 28,000 residents.
• Hamilton County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHCS EdConnect program delivers internet access to students and families through Hamilton County Schools enrollment system. Over 16,000 students served annually.
• City of ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founding partner since 2003; ongoing collaboration on digital equity initiatives, smart city development, and community programs.
• Hamilton County GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founding partner since 2003; ongoing partnership on HCS EdConnect, digital inclusion, and county-wide initiatives.
• US IgnitesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for environmental sensors project collecting and analyzing air quality data from across the Chattanooga region.
• Chattanooga 2.0coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership for workforce development initiatives including IT Pathways hackathon and coordinated community efforts.
• Chattanooga State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for EMPACT workforce development program providing Google IT certification training and connections to employment.
• CO.LABcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Kiva micro-lending program and collaborative workforce and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Blacks in TechnologysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Black in Tech workforce development initiative to address diversity gaps in tech industry (only 8% of tech employees are Black).
• La PazsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with La Paz Chattanooga for small business and entrepreneurial support with Latino community outreach.
• Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for small business support services and entrepreneurial development resources.
• Chattanooga Chamber of CommercesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Innovation District activities and small business ecosystem support.
• Kingdom PartnerssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based organization partnership for Resiliency Checklist outreach and support to churches and religious institutions.
• Venture ForwardsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for entrepreneurial support and small business development resources.
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Networking & Neurodiversity events, HCS EdConnect research with Boston College and UTC researchers, and AmeriCorps fellowship programs.
• Chattanooga Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner for digital inclusion, hosting Tech Goes Home classes, HCS EdConnect enrollment, and digital inclusion events.
• Project ReturnsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Tech Goes Home classes for justice-involved individuals to reduce recidivism rates.
• The BRAVE EffectsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Tech Goes Home classes helping reduce recidivism rates through digital skills for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Chattanooga Autism CentersecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Networking & Neurodiversity program supporting neurodivergent individuals in job search and employment.
• UnumsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor for Networking & Neurodiversity events and Basecamp workforce networking events.
• GamesOn (Game On Chattanooga)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing games and interactive activities at Networking & Neurodiversity events to facilitate connections.
• Simple FocussecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDesign and development partner for Resiliency Checklist and other web-based tools.
• Lead for America (American Connection Corps)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps fellowship program hosting fellows like Mateo Jimenez who supported Affordable Connectivity Program outreach.
• Green|SpacessecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Placemaking for Healthy Communities initiative in Historic Orchard Knob neighborhood.
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater ChattanoogasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for TVA Connected Communities grant work in Historic Orchard Knob neighborhood.
• Parkridge Health SystemsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Placemaking for Healthy Communities initiative supporting community health outcomes.
• WYRE TechnologysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Chattanooga IT Pathways hackathon designing future-ready IT career pathways.
• ChaTech CouncilsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for IT Pathways hackathon and tech workforce development initiatives.
• Thrive Regional PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for regional broadband alliance, digital equity initiatives, and AmeriCorps fellowship hosting.
• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization recognizing Chattanooga and Hamilton County as Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for 5 consecutive years.
• Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral NetworksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for expanded digital equity collaborations across Tennessee.
• Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and DisabilitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership extending digital equity work to additional communities across Tennessee.
• LAUNCH Chattanooga Kitchen IncubatorsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Startup Matrix program providing business training with Tech Goes Home digital skills support for food entrepreneurs.
• Signal CenterssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing assistive technology services for accessibility in digital inclusion efforts.
• Chattanooga GoodwillsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for digitally-focused job training and placement services.
• Apprenticeship WorkssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Basecamp workforce networking events with apprenticeship information and opportunities.
• Young Professionals of ChattanoogasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Basecamp workforce networking and professional development events.
• Urban League of Chattanooga Young ProfessionalssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Basecamp events supporting professional development and diversity in workforce.
• Latinos Professionals NetworksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Basecamp events supporting professional development in Latino community.
• Historic Orchard Knob Neighborhood AssociationsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood association partner for TVA Connected Communities grant work and placemaking initiatives.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Benton Institute for Broadband & Society: Nonprofit policy organization focused on broadband deployment, affordability, and digital equity research. Adjacent policy-and-advocacy counterpart to TEC's on-the-ground digital inclusion delivery.
• Code for America: Civic-tech nonprofit focused on modernizing government service delivery, frequently intersecting with digital equity and workforce upskilling — adjacent mission rather than direct program-level competition.
• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA): National membership/advocacy body for digital inclusion practitioners; awards the Trailblazer designation TEC has earned five consecutive years. Operating as an industry association rather than direct service provider.

Direct peers

• PCs for People: National nonprofit that refurbishes computers and pairs them with low-cost home internet for low-income households. Closely mirrors the combined device-plus-connectivity model underlying Tech Goes Home and HCS EdConnect.
• E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide): Charlotte, NC-based nonprofit that refurbishes and distributes computers to students without home access, paired with digital literacy support. Closest mid-sized-city peer in mission and program mix.
• Connected Nation: Nonprofit focused on broadband access, digital inclusion, and technology adoption research and programs across U.S. states. Operates at the same intersection of broadband policy, training, and community partnerships as TEC.
• Digitunity: National nonprofit that connects low-income individuals with refurbished computers and digital literacy resources through a nationwide network of affiliates. Highly analogous in combining device access with training via partners.
• EveryoneOn: National digital inclusion nonprofit providing low-cost internet and devices with digital skills training through a partner network. Directly comparable operating model and beneficiary base to TEC's Tech Goes Home and HCS EdConnect programs.
• Tech Goes Home (Boston): Original Tech Goes Home program in Boston; TEC explicitly adapted and scaled Tech Goes Home into 'Tech Goes Home Tennessee.' Both run digital literacy curricula with bundled device distribution and partner-led instruction.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/thenterprisectr
• GitHubgithub.com/EnterpriseCenter/resiliency-kit
• YouTubevimeo.com/theenterprisecenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/theenterprisectr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Enterprise Center