Tennessee’s business sector has continued to flourish, according to a new report, with the third quarter of 2023 witnessing the highest new business filings for a third quarter in more than two decades.
Record-Breaking Business Filings
Mr. Hargett’s office announced that the quarter saw 19,304 new entities filing in Tennessee, contributing to a yearly total of 77,596 new businesses, marking a 2.9 percent growth rate.Mr. Hargett noted that a high level of business filings typically leads to jobs, personal income, and state revenue growth.
Along with the new filings, there were 32,954 annual reports (i.e., business renewals) filed, which represented a 5.2 percent drop compared to another elevated level of business renewals from the third quarter of last year.
Geographical Spread and Employment Trends
The growth was particularly noticeable in Davidson (Nashville) and Shelby (Memphis) counties, followed by Knox (Knoxville) and Hamilton (Chattanooga) counties.These four populous counties accounted for 44.1 percent of new filings statewide, with Knox County expanding by 54.2 percent year-over-year for the third quarter.
Don Bruce, director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville commented on this trend.
“The recording-setting number of new business filings in the third quarter shows the Tennessee economy remains healthy and should continue to see strong growth in employment and income,” he said.
The report, a collaborative effort between the Boyd Center and the secretary of state, provides a detailed snapshot of the state’s economic health.
Challenges Amid Growth
Despite the positive trends, the increase in new businesses has also led to a rise in business closures, as some of the businesses started in the past year have struggled to remain open.The report noted that there were 59,589 dissolutions filed in the third quarter of 2023, representing a 4.1 percent increase over the same quarter last year. The report states that the majority of dissolutions in any given year typically occur in the third quarter, as business entities are “administratively closed” on Aug. 1 if they fail to file an annual report.
Detailed Economic Metrics
Tennessee’s economy exhibited sustained growth in the third quarter of 2023, with nonfarm employment increasing by 8,700 jobs in September, contributing to a yearly addition of 54,000 jobs. The state maintained a low unemployment rate of 3.8 percent, reflecting a resilient job market.What’s Next
The third quarter of 2023 shows a thriving economic environment in Tennessee, marked by a surge in new business filings and stable employment rates, while at the same time showing the other side—that some of the new businesses will likely fail.The state’s ability to foster a business-friendly climate while navigating the challenges of new business sustainability shows resilience and the potential for more growth in the fourth quarter.
Mr. Hargett said the record-breaking filings highlight Tennessee’s strength and resilience, offering a promising outlook for the future of the state’s economy.