About The Innovation District

Where Chattanooga’s entrepreneurs, academics, and creatives collide. 

Events Calendar

Discover activities and events in the area.

Resiliency Checklist

Everything you need to prepare your organization for a crisis.

Small Business Supports

Helping small business owners across the region.

The Edney Innovation Center

The front door to the Innovation District of Chattanooga.

Tech Goes Home

Expanding access to technology and teaching digital literacy.

Digital Access Committee

Bringing together partners to close the digital divide, together.

HCS EdConnect

Home internet at no cost to thousands of families.

Connected Communities: Orchard Knob

The OKC leverages the collective support of partner organizations to tackle the whole picture of health and wellness in the historically underserved neighborhood.

Chattamatters

Answering the most basic and most complex questions about life in Chattanooga

EMPACT Program

Preparing residents for the jobs of tomorrow, and today. 

Chattanooga Smart Communities Collaborative

Working together to identify our region’s challenges and create solutions.

Environmental Sensors

Collecting and analyzing air quality data from across our region with US Ignite.

Education (4K Microscope & Lola)

High-tech tools in Hamilton County’s classrooms.

Community Connectivity

Expanding access to the internet in homes and neighborhoods.

Celebrating Her Legacy: The Deb Socia Connectivity Fund

Deb Socia celebrated her retirement at The Enterprise Center on Oct. 23, 2024.

“It has been a blessing everyday to be able to say at the end of the day, ‘We made a difference today.’”

That was one of Deb Socia’s takeaways from her tenure as president and CEO of The Enterprise Center. Every day she was able to say the work of The Enterprise Center and its statewide programs were making a difference.

Colleagues, city and organizational leaders, family and friends shared stories with Deb during her retirement celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Floor Five was decked out in Deb’s favorite color—orange—and decorated with vibrant flowers.

Jermaine Freeman reads the city proclamation to Deb Socia. Photos by Justin Booker @ Vityl Media Group.

A City Proclamation for Deb

City of Chattanooga Chief of Staff Jermaine Freeman commended Deb for her commitment to serving the community with a city proclamation. 

Deb served the community generously as President and CEO of The Enterprise Center since 2019 to the benefit of thousands of Chattanooga residents and their futures.

During her leadership, she grew the nonprofit organization from a modest staff to a team of more than 30 full-time employees and over $7M in diversified annual revenue for positive, impactful work in our community.

In her service to The Enterprise Center and her prior work as the Executive Director for Next Century Cities, she expanded Chattanooga’s leadership in digital equity to serve Tennesseans statewide, and guide other communities across the nation.

As an expert and advocate in inclusive business practices, she led The Enterprise Center’s team to attract national recognition for its dedication to equity, justice, and advocacy for underserved populations in Chattanooga and beyond.

Deb Socia and her husband, Bob, have opened their family and home to Chattanoogans in need, going wherever they were needed, and continuing to selflessly serve the community.

The Deb Socia Connectivity Fund

In honor of Deb’s retirement, The Enterprise Center team members and board established the Deb Socia Connectivity Fund to acknowledge the lasting impact she has made in the community.

A scholarship in Deb’s name is a beneficial way for her inspirational work to continue. Consider a contribution to the fund at the link below.