Economic Development

About

Lebanon, the county seat, is a “community of opportunity,” a city with open arms and an enviable list of resources to help newcomers build their dreams. On Nov. 23, 1819, the City of Lebanon was officially incorporated. Lebanon – a city like no other, it has maintained its rich heritage through historic preservation and yet has a progressive flair that is primed for growth through the city’s effort to move forward with continuously expanding infrastructure. Lebanon remains accessible, affordable and primed for growth.

Transportation

Lebanon’s strategic location is unrivaled. Its central location is also within one day trucking distance to 75% of the United States markets. It sits at the heart of the Nashville Tennessee transportation service area. Lebanon offers direct east and west service through Interstate 40, which connects Memphis to the west and Knoxville to the east. Four existing interchanges provide access to Interstate 40. State Route 840 connects I-40 to I-24, I-65 and I-40. Lebanon is within 650 miles of 50% of the United States population. The City is also served by Amtrak and its own thriving executive airport.

Lebanon thrives with its railway access and three Music City Star Stations – that provides commuter service to and from Nashville. The Nashville and Eastern Railroad Authority also provides rail service for industrial customers throughout the City of Lebanon. The Lebanon Municipal Airport is an asset to many businesses in the community, as it provides accessibility for product deliveries and executive transportation. The Lebanon Municipal Airport serves as the largest welcome center to the city.

Location

Located on Interstate 40, Lebanon sits just east of Nashville, Tennessee, whose metropolitan area was recently named “Hottest City” for business expansion and relocation by Expansion Management Magazine. Lebanon is located only minutes from the Nashville International Airport, downtown Nashville, Bridgestone Arena – home to the Nashville Predators, Nissan Stadium – home to the Titans and the Grand Ole Opry. Lebanon is close to the heart of music city and several country music stars and song writers call Lebanon home.

Demographics

With approximately 40,879 residents and a 58,000 daytime population, Lebanon is the largest city in Wilson County and the hottest economic area in the country.  We continue to tally population increases, garnering +6.37% gain since the 2020 census…and its not stopping!

Quality of Life

Lebanon offers business owners and entrepreneurs a host of desirable amenities in addition to its unparalleled location, including the mild weather, considerable open space and opportunities for outdoor recreation, an historic downtown, a thriving Main Streets Program, community events and public safety agencies recognized for excellence.

City Resources

The City of Lebanon’s Economic Development Department offers businesses a one-stop shop for the information they need to make location and investment decisions. Key customer-service elements provided include site location assistance, project development assistance, and business and workforce development assistance. From providing traffic counts and spending pattern information to navigating the development process and facilitating a talent pipeline with local universities and trades schools, the City of Lebanon is committed to your success.

https://launchtn.org/

https://www.pathwaylending.org/

https://www.tn.gov/ecd/small-business/bero-home.html

Educational Institutions

Lebanon is home to multiple institutions of higher education, including Cumberland University and Tennessee College of Applied Technology, which collectively serve nearly 4,000 students from all over the world. These institutions work closely with our business community to design programs that produce graduates with skills that meet their labor needs.

Economy

The City of Lebanon has leveraged its strategic location and natural assets to become a regional hub for commerce and trade. Today, Lebanon is home to businesses, ranging from family-owned retail shops and restaurants to globally-recognized manufacturers, distributors and retailers. 

Major Initiatives

The City of Lebanon is committed to fostering a positive business environment as set forth by our Economic Development Strategic Plan. Clarity, predictability and efficiency are core organizational objectives and the primary drivers of the City’s “Business Concierge Program,” which strives to provide businesses with an unmatched level of personalized service as they build and grow in Lebanon.