Research Guides: Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Getting Started

Getting Started

This guide offers essential resources to help you explore business ideas, understand the startup process, and connect with tools and communities that support small business development. Whether you're launching a venture, conducting research, or seeking inspiration, start here to build a strong foundation.

Explore this guide or jump to:

Research & Planning

Access tools, data, and guides to research markets, understand audiences, and build a strong foundation for business success.

Starting a Business

Curated resources, tools, and connections for every stage of business—from idea to funding—tailored to Tennessee entrepreneurs and beyond.

Innovation & Startups

Discover tools, books, podcasts, and stories to inspire, inform, and support your entrepreneurial journey from idea to impact.

Community & Support

Connect with local and professional organizations offering mentorship, networking, and resources to grow your business and build community support.

Citing & Writing

Access writing guides, citation tools, and support services to help you communicate clearly and cite sources accurately in research.

Campus News & Events

Stay informed with the latest campus news, upcoming events, and opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with your community.

Featured Resources at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

UT Libraries
University of Tennessee

Gaming Resources | Game Services Group
Explore gaming tools, consoles, and spaces that support creativity, collaboration, and experiential learning across disciplines, including entrepreneurship.
Library Tutorials
Explore interactive tutorials on research, citations, databases, and library tools to support academic success and information literacy.
Medbery Makerspace
Empowers entrepreneurs with tools, technology, and creative space to prototype, innovate, and launch small business ideas.
Patent & Trademark Resource Center
This guide introduces patent and trademark resources available through the UT Libraries’ Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). It offers tools, search strategies, and guidance to support innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
Research Data Services | Data and Digital Scholarship Services
Supports data-driven research with guidance on data management, visualization, analysis, and access to specialized tools and consultations.
Research Impact and Open Access
Supports researchers in maximizing visibility, impact, and accessibility through open access publishing, metrics, and strategic dissemination tools.
The Studio
The Studio offers multimedia tools, software, and support for creating videos, podcasts, and digital content for academic or entrepreneurial projects.
Using Generative AI
Explore tools, ethics, and research strategies for using generative AI in academic work, creativity, and responsible innovation.

Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Haslam College of Business
The Anderson Center at UT's Haslam College supports student entrepreneurs through coaching, grants, accelerators, and events that foster startup growth and regional impact.
Invention Disclosure Enterprise Application (IDEA) Dashboard
The University of Tennessee IDEA portal (Innovation Discovery & Entrepreneurship Accelerator) is a NetID‑secured hub for managing invention disclosures, accessing commercialization tools, funding opportunities (e.g., Venture Launch Program, Chancellor’s Innovation Fund), and startup/accelerator support via UTRF.
Partnerships & Economic Development | Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development (ORIED)
The University of Tennessee’s Division of Partnerships & Economic Development connects faculty, students, and external partners—corporate, nonprofit, and community—to advance innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and regional economic growth.
Spark Innovation Center at UT Research Park
Spark Innovation Center supports hard-tech startups with lab space, mentoring, and accelerator programs to advance cleantech innovation and commercialization.
UT Entrepreneurship Resources Search | Haslam College of Business
Discover tailored UT resources, programs, and tools to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business development at every stage.
UT Research Foundation (UTRF)
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) is a non‑profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates commercialization of UT innovations, supports research and startups, and fosters regional economic development.
UTRF Business Incubator
The UTRF Business Incubator offers affordable space, mentoring, and resources to help early-stage tech startups grow and succeed.