Stewardship, Not Sales: Save the Hamilton County BDC

The largest small-business ecosystem in Tennessee is under threat. Hamilton County is proposing the sale and potential demolition of the Business Development Center (BDC)—a facility donated to the public in 1984 to serve as a permanent engine for local jobs. We are calling on the County Commission to honor its role as a steward of this gift, not a real estate flipper.

What’s at Stake?

On April 15th, a proposal will be presented to the County Commission to sell the BDC. A final vote is scheduled for May 6th.

If this sale moves forward, the 3rd largest incubator in the United States — a hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and robotics—could be replaced by luxury condos. We aren't just losing a building; we are losing the grit and innovation that built this city.

An Asset That Performs

We aren't debating politics; we are presenting a business case. The INCubator program at the BDC is a high-performing asset that supports the entire regional supply chain.

• Proven Scale: As the 3rd largest incubator in the country, the BDC provides specialized infrastructure for manufacturing and mechatronics that "traditional" office spaces cannot replicate.
• Diverse Growth: The BDC is the front line for diversity and inclusion, providing a scalable path for minority-owned and service-based businesses that are being priced out of the city.
• Economic Impact: Our tenants aren't just "startups"—they are employers. We create local jobs, secure federal contracts, and generate the revenue that keeps Hamilton County competitive.
• A Public Legacy: This building was a gift from the American Lava Group in 1984. It was entrusted to the county to build businesses, not to be sold for a one-time profit.