Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

What Urban League of Greater Chattanooga does

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (ULGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1982 as an independent affiliate of the National Urban League (founded 1910), headquartered at 401 E M.L. King Blvd., Chattanooga, Tennessee. It delivers community services across Hamilton County and surrounding Southeast Tennessee counties, organizing its work through three strategic Empowerment Centers: the Center for Equity & Inclusive Leadership, the Center for Economics & Business Success, and the Center for Education & Family Empowerment. Its core functional offerings include workforce training (Level Up Academy in phlebotomy, IT support, and construction trades; Senior Community Service Employment Program/SCSEP), youth and education programs (LEAPs afterschool, Project Ready Summer STEAM Camp, National Achievers Society), minority business acceleration (Next Level accelerator, Minority Business Hub online directory), free tax preparation (VITA), executive leadership training (Inclusion by Design), and the State of Black Chattanooga research initiative.

The organization's revenue mechanics blend four streams: philanthropic contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners (including a $2.6 million unrestricted Mackenzie Scott gift); federal and state government grants and contracts (SCSEP, Tennessee Department of Education literacy grant, public workforce funding via the Family Prosperity Workforce Initiative); paid program fees (Next Level at $250, Inclusion by Design at $7,500 per participant); and recurring individual and organizational membership dues at tiers ranging from $20 (collegiate) to $1,000+ (President's Circle). Outreach is delivered through direct in-person programming at the Empowerment Centers, supplemented by an online Minority Business Hub directory, monthly e-newsletters, social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn), and partnership referrals from schools, employers, government agencies, and community organizations. ULGC served 10,980 individuals in Fiscal Year 2025 and has been led by Candy Johnson (2021-2025), the first female President and CEO, who secured over $10 million in new investments.

ULGC's strategic priorities center on economic mobility, workforce advancement, business growth, leadership development, and education — anchored by the three-center model. Notable competitive positioning includes the 2024 National Urban League Affiliate of the Year (John W. Mack Award) recognition, the State of Black Chattanooga Report and Black-White Equality Index as differentiated data assets, and a dense partner ecosystem that includes the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County Schools, UTC, Benwood Foundation, Footprint Foundation, Unum, Pathway Lending, Brightbridge Capital, the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, and multiple small business support organizations across the Chattanooga innovation ecosystem.

Name

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

Legal name

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, inc.

Website

https://ulchatt.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1982, that delivers workforce development, youth education, small business acceleration, and executive leadership programs across Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee through three Empowerment Centers, serving 10,980 individuals in FY2025.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Child and Youth Services (62411), Civic and Social Organizations (81341)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Leadership, Civic Education & Service-Learning Nonprofits (BPAGADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD), Civic Education & Community Engagement (Voting, Local Government) (EDAAAFAC), NGO/Nonprofit Education Programs & Service Delivery (EDADALAC), Civic Participation & Leadership Development (Voting, Advocacy, Community Leadership) (EDAAADAL)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Youth education programs
• Small business assistance
• Executive leadership training
• Community economic empowerment

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Services Revenue: Fees charged for specific programs including Next Level business accelerator ($250 participation fee), Inclusion By Design executive leadership program ($7,500 tuition), and membership dues at various levels ($20-$500 annually). These fees support program delivery and organizational operations.
2. Individual Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $20 (collegiate) to $100 (general) to $1,000 (President's Circle), providing access to events, networking, and organizational resources.
3. Philanthropic Contributions: Donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners supporting workforce development, youth leadership, economic mobility programs, and the State of Black Chattanooga research initiative. Includes major gifts such as $2.6 million from Mackenzie Scott.
4. Government Grants and Contracts: Federal and state funding including SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program), public grants for workforce development, and literacy grants. In 2022, the Family Prosperity Workforce Initiative returned nearly $1 million directly to low-income households.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga delivers community-based programs in workforce development, education, youth empowerment, small business support, executive leadership, and financial stability through three strategic Empowerment Centers. It charges program fees and membership dues for select offerings (such as the Next Level Business Accelerator at $250 and Inclusion by Design at $7,500) while providing many services free or subsidized to qualifying individuals, and funds operations primarily through philanthropic donations and government grants.

Product overview

The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga operates as a multi-program nonprofit organization structured around three strategic centers (Center for Equity & Inclusive Leadership, Center for Economics & Business Success, and Center for Education & Family Empowerment) that deliver a portfolio of distinct programs and services. Key offerings include the Next Level Business Accelerator and ULGC Business Directory for entrepreneurship support; LEAPs After School Program, Project Ready Summer STEAM Camp, and Level Up Academy for education and workforce development; Inclusion by Design Executive Leadership Program and Urban League Emerge Leadership Fellows for leadership development; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for financial support; and the State of Black Chattanooga as a research initiative. The organization also operates ULGC Young Professionals as an auxiliary group and offers the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) as targeted interventions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ULGC: Urban League of Greater Chattanooga abbreviation used in branding and communications.
• ULGC Young Professionals (ULGCYP)
• ULGC Minority Business Hub
• LEAPs (Lottery Afterschool Program)
• Project Ready Summer STEAM Camp
• Project Ready, National Achievers Society (NAS)
• Next Level
• Inclusion by Design (IBD)
• ULGC Emerge Leadership Fellows
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
• Level Up Academy
• Family Prosperity Initiative
• State of Black Chattanooga

Products and services

• Center for Equity & Inclusive Leadership Strategic center advancing equity through education, community engagement, and leadership development, with signature focus on equity education, inclusive leadership, community engagement, and systems change. Delivers programs such as Inclusion by Design and ULGC Emerge Leadership Fellows.
• Center for Economics & Business Success Strategic center supporting minority-owned businesses through training, mentorship, and access to capital, offering business acceleration, capital access, supplier diversity, and business coaching. Houses the Next Level Business Accelerator and the Minority Business Hub.
• Center for Education & Family Empowerment Strategic center helping individuals and families build stability through education, workforce, and support services, including academic achievement, career readiness, financial stability, and family empowerment programs such as LEAPs, Project Ready, Level Up Academy, and VITA.
• Next Level Business Accelerator Entrepreneurship and business development initiative providing structured guidance, technical assistance, and strategic connections to help entrepreneurs strengthen operations, increase revenue, and access capital, resulting in a customized three-year strategic growth plan. $250 participation fee; classes every other Monday.
• ULGC Business Directory (Minority Business Hub) A centralized platform and directory designed to help minority-owned businesses grow, connect, and access new opportunities, providing visibility, access to TA providers and lenders, knowledge bank, events and supplier opportunities, and business directory listing.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) IRS-certified volunteers provide free tax preparation and electronic filing to help individuals and families avoid costly filing fees and claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Available via scheduled appointments or self-service online filing through myfreetaxes.com.
• LEAPs After School Program Lottery Afterschool Program providing structured academic support and enrichment opportunities for students during out-of-school hours, strengthening academic performance and supporting social-emotional development.
• Level Up Academy Industry-recognized workforce training programs providing technical certifications, hands-on training, and employer connections in phlebotomy, IT support (Google IT Support Certification), and construction trades, leading directly to employment opportunities. Up to 18-week hybrid certification pathway with stipend, laptop provision, and childcare support for phlebotomy.
• Inclusion by Design Executive Leadership Program Multi-faceted executive leadership development program using a market-based approach to cultivate inclusive leadership, equipping senior leaders with accountability frameworks and measurable benchmarks. $7,500 per participant; executive nomination required; includes 6 Executive Leadership Sessions, 8 Executive Coaching Sessions, and 2 Community Engagement Activities over approximately 9 months.
• Project Ready Mentor & National Achievers Society Comprehensive college and career readiness program supporting high school students through mentorship, academic support, career exposure, and civic engagement with dedicated adult mentors. Earned first place in National Urban League competition in 2024.
• Project Ready Summer STEAM Camp Week-long immersive summer experience for rising 6th-8th grade Hamilton County students introducing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through hands-on, theme-based learning and career exploration in partnership with UTC College of Arts and Sciences. Held Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• ULGC Young Professionals Volunteer auxiliary targeting young professionals ages 21-40 to empower communities through volunteerism, philanthropy, and membership development, supporting the Urban League Movement. $65 annual membership; includes events, mixers, professional development workshops, and networking.
• Urban League Emerge Leadership Fellows High-potential leadership development program cultivating emerging leaders committed to advancing equity, with structured leadership development, executive mentorship, and systems-level impact focus.
• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Federally funded job readiness program providing paid, part-time community service and job training opportunities for eligible older adults (55+) in Bradley, Hamilton, Polk, Meigs, McMinn, and Rhea counties, with placement at nonprofit organizations and public agencies.
• Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Free, year-long lifestyle change program helping individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes build healthier habits through weekly group sessions with trained lifestyle coaches.
• State of Black Chattanooga Signature research initiative assessing social, economic, and civic conditions impacting Black residents, producing actionable recommendations and measurable benchmarks including a Black-White Equality Index. First published in 2022.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11,000+ individuals served annually through workforce, education, and economic programs
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• National Urban LeagueflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1982ULGC gained affiliation with the National Urban League in 1982, establishing formal membership in a national movement dedicated to economic empowerment and civil rights. This affiliation provides access to national resources, research, best practices, the State of Black America report, National Member Network, and recognition programs.
• City of ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partnership for advancing economic opportunity and community development across Chattanooga. The City seal appears on ULGC materials indicating collaborative relationship in serving the community.
• University of TennesseecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership including collaboration with UTC's College of Arts and Sciences for the Project Ready STEAM Summer Camp, providing students hands-on learning experiences and career exploration.
• TN Small Business Development Center (TSBDC)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides no-cost business consulting and training to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. Listed as a business training and coaching partner on ULGC's Training & Funding Resources page.
• SCORE ChattanoogacoreTechnology or IntegrationOffers free mentoring from experienced business professionals and business workshops. Listed as a business training and coaching partner providing mentorship support for entrepreneurs.
• Launch ChattanoogacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports underrepresented entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and access to business resources. Listed as a startup resource partner for entrepreneurs.
• Chattanooga Office of Economic DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides resources and programs supporting business growth and economic development. Offers business resources, guidance, and small business support referrals.
• CO.LAB (The Company Lab)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccelerates early-stage startups through mentorship, capital connections, and startup programming. Listed as a startup and innovation support partner.
• The Enterprise CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports Chattanooga's innovation ecosystem through digital skills training, entrepreneurship resources, and collaborative initiatives. Listed as startup and innovation support partner.
• UTC College of Arts and SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for Project Ready Summer STEAM Camp, connecting middle school students to real-world applications and high-demand career pathways through hands-on, theme-based learning.
• Tennessee Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState education partnership secured significant three-year literacy grant in 2022 for advancing early grade reading outcomes for K-3 students across Hamilton County Schools.
• Hamilton County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partnership for K-3 literacy tutoring program and broader student support initiatives. Partnership for literacy grant advancing early reading outcomes.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Urban League: The national umbrella organization founded in 1910 of which ULGC is an affiliate. Operates the State of Black America report, national program frameworks (Project Ready, Inclusion by Design), and affiliate recognition programs (John W. Mack Award) that shape ULGC's programming and funding pipeline.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National community development financial institution that funds minority-owned businesses, affordable housing, and workforce programs in Chattanooga through partner organizations. Comparable in economic mobility and minority business development focus, with broader geographic scope and capital deployment capabilities.
• NAACP: National civil rights organization with local chapters pursuing adjacent goals of racial equity, education access, and economic empowerment. Overlapping advocacy and youth programming but with a broader litigation and policy focus rather than direct service delivery.
• UnidosUS: National Latino community empowerment organization with an affiliate network structurally similar to the National Urban League. Operates comparable workforce, education, and small business programs targeting underserved communities, providing a parallel model for mission-aligned community development.

Direct peers

• Urban League of Greater Atlanta: Direct sibling affiliate within the National Urban League network, operating a comparable three-pillar model (education, workforce, entrepreneurship) and serving a similar minority community in a Southeastern metro. Most directly comparable in mission, programming mix, and network affiliation.
• United Way of Greater Chattanooga: Community-impact nonprofit operating in the same Chattanooga geography, funding and convening partner for many of the same social service agencies. Comparable in mission (community-level economic mobility) and donor base, with overlapping grant-making and volunteer networks.
• Goodwill Industries of Chattanooga: Local workforce development nonprofit operating in the same geography with similar mission components: job training, placement, and adult education for disadvantaged populations. Directly comparable in funded program mix (SCSEP-adjacent services, credentialing pathways) and employer relationships.

Others

• The Enterprise Center: Chattanooga-based innovation and digital equity nonprofit listed as a ULGC startup and innovation support partner. Complementary in digital skills training and entrepreneurship programming, but focused on broader tech ecosystem rather than minority-focused community development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@urbanleagueofgreaterchatta7810
• Facebookfacebook.com/ulchatt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/urban-league-of-greater-chattanooga
• Instagraminstagram.com/ulchatt
• Xx.com/urbanleaguecha

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Urban League of Greater Chattanooga