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Economic Development

12th Fastest Growing City in the USA!

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Demographics

  • Population - 51,501
  • Average Age - 39.3
  • Number of Households - 19,244
  • Growth Rate - 8.9%
  • Daytime Population - 58,154
  • Average Household Income - $81,823
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rick-bellOver 200 years ago, the newly formed Wilson County needed a county seat. When surveyors found an artesian spring, they exclaimed, “This is the place!” They could have added another word because Lebanon is a special place. It is a place where people have invested personally and financially. 


Lebanon has always had a strong business community. From the Lebanon Woolen Mills that provided blankets for soldiers during World War I to Cracker Barrel which has been a stop for countless hungry travelers, our city has been the birthplace of businesses that have impacted our nation and the world. This tradition continues today with small, locally owned businesses thriving alongside large corporations.


If you are opening a new business or are searching for a new location for your current business, then the City of Lebanon has many assets that make it “The Place.”

 
Cumberland University is a four-year, fully accredited university that offers graduate degrees in several fields. It provides a trained workforce for businesses in various industries.

The Lebanon Municipal Airport is capable of handling most corporate travel needs.

The Music City Star provides public transportation from downtown Lebanon to downtown Nashville. Your employees have easy access to the Nashville scene. In return, citizens and visitors of Nashville have easy access to the shops and restaurants of Lebanon.

Lebanon also sits at the convergence of several major interstates. I-40, which runs from North Carolina to California, makes its way through our city limits. I-840 goes to I-65, which runs from Alabama to Chicago.

Vanderbilt Hospital, known for excellent medical care, recently opened a campus in Lebanon.

Thriving Downtown, Lebanon’s Historic Square is the vibrant heart of Lebanon. The area is a bustling spot for shopping, dining, entertainment, tasting local and regional brews, and exploring heritage tourism.

I believe these assets continue to make Lebanon a special place for the people who call it home. They can also make it a special place for you to invest in your business; in your quality of life; and in this community.

We are proud of our 200-year history as a thriving business community. However, we are looking forward to a stronger business future. This has been the place for hundreds of successful businesses, and it is the place for your business investment.

If you would like to make Lebanon home for you or your business, then please reach out to me or to Sarah Haston, our Economic Development Director.

rick-signature

Rick Bell
City of Lebanon Mayor


grants
1

 Local Grant Initiative Application

This grant application period has expired.


Application Due
May 1, 2025 - Extended to May 23, 2025
for June 2025 Review

MAYOR RICK BELL ANNOUNCES NEW LOCAL GRANT INITIATIVE

The Industrial Development Board (IDB) Will Award a Total of $50,000

Lebanon, Tenn. – Mayor Rick Bell recently met with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of the City of Lebanon to launch a new initiative aimed at providing grants to small businesses. The Lebanon City Council has allocated an additional $50,000 for economic development in fiscal year 2024-2025, and this amount will be conveyed to the IDB for the purpose of awarding grants in June 2025.

The Local Grant Initiative aims to encourage the revitalization of buildings, with a specific focus on enhancing the aesthetics of the City’s Commercial District. This includes areas such as the historic district, downtown, Main Street, and along Highways 231 North and 231 South.

“This local grant initiative and application has been in development for many months by the IDB,” said Mayor Bell. “The Lebanon City Council and I are confident that the IDB will thoroughly vet all applicants and award grants based on merit.”

The IDB was established to oversee and manage incentives that will help Lebanon attract the types of businesses it desires. In addition to managing this Local Grant Initiative, the board consists of eight Lebanon residents, with Jessica Fain serving as chair.

“This is an excellent opportunity for small business owners in Lebanon. We hope to see many businesses benefit from the revitalization efforts offered by this grant,” remarked Economic Development Director Sarah Haston. “With the support of the Mayor and Lebanon City Council, I hope to see an increase in funding for the Local Grant Initiative as we move forward.”

Small business owners interested in applying must complete a Local Grant Initiative Application. All applications are due by Thursday, May 1, 2025. The total of $50,000 is available for grants during this remaining fiscal year, ending June 2025. However, applicants are encouraged to submit worthy proposals of any amount. The nature of the applications received could help inform future funding for local grants. For additional questions, please contact Sarah Haston, Economic and Community Development Director at 615-443-2809 Ext 2122. Final applications and deliverables should be sent to Samantha Smith, Economic & Community Development Coordinator at Samantha.Smith@lebanontn.org.

 Click HERE for Local Grant Initiative Application.

This grant application period has expired. The IDB is not currently accepting new applications. There is no second round of the Local Grant Initiative scheduled. The IDB is hoping to make this an annual incentive and will announce a new deadline date when the City Council approves additional funding.



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