ATTENTION ALL BUSINESS OWNERS and ENTREPRENEURS Destination Business BootCamp Coming to Tennessee!!!

Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is Accepting Applications NOW!!

From the desk of Silas Stoddart, Rural Program Manager

Dear Tourism Partners,

We’re excited to announce that the Destination Business BootCamp® with nationally recognized destination expert Jon Schallert is coming to Tennessee this fall, and it’s completely free for Tennessee businesses to attend, thanks to full sponsorship by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

This 2½-day, in-person workshop is designed to help small businesses and community leaders transform their storefronts into destination magnets, attracting more visitors, increasing revenue, and sparking local reinvestment.

Please help us spread the word!
We ask our local and regional partners to share this opportunity with businesses in your communities and encourage them to apply for this transformational bootcamp. Whether they’re retailers, restaurateurs, makers, or service-based entrepreneurs, if they’re ready to grow their visibility, customer base, and impact, this program is for them.

2025 Workshop Locations & Dates:

• Cookeville (Middle TN): September 30 – October 2 (Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday)
• Jackson (West TN): October 14 – 16 (Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday)
• Farragut (East TN): November 5 – 7 (Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday)

Workshop Hours:

• Days 1–2: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Day 3: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Apply Now:

Applications are open! Each location is limited to 50 businesses, and participation will be awarded through a competitive selection process.

Each selected business may send up to two representatives to attend the workshop.

Participants will also receive access to follow-up virtual coaching sessions with Jon to support the implementation of the strategies they have learned.

Application link: Application CLICK Here!

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Participants will be notified in early August.

Want to learn more before applying?

Want to learn more about the Destination Business BootCamp® before applying? Join us for a free informational webinar on Thursday, July 25 at 10:00 AM CDT with nationally recognized destination expert Jon Schallert. During this live session, Jon will walk through what to expect from the BootCamp, who it's designed for, and how it can help transform small businesses into destination drivers. Whether you're a retailer, restaurateur, maker, or service-based business, this is your chance to get your questions answered and see how this opportunity can benefit your business or community.

Webinar Sign Up: Click Here to Sign up today and reserve your spot!