Coordinated Diversity Business Enterprise Program

Applicants can contact the Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise to request a registration form, or see our website at www.tennessee.gov/diversity. The form can be completed on-line or handwritten in ink with the original form to be sent to the office.

Whom do I call for assistance with registration questions?

Call (615) 253-4657 for any questions regarding the registration process.

Where can I register?

Registrations can be obtained, completed and returned to:
Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise
William R. Snodgrass “Tennessee Tower”, 27th Floor
312 8th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are strongly encouraged. Knowledge of the required documents will help expedite the process. Although "walk-ins" are accepted, meetings with a Diversity Liaison without an appointment will be on a first-come first-served basis and behind scheduled appointments.

What documents or other important information do I need to provide for registration?

Documents needed are to establish that the business meets business ownership requirements and status as a Diversity Business Enterprise, e.g.:
     a.  Birth Certificate, Driver's License
     b.  Articles of Incorporation, Partnership or Operating Agreement
     c.  State authorization to transact business - business licenses held
Note: To complete the certification process, other documentation may be required.

Do you provide loans and or grants for new businesses?

Start-up businesses and those requiring technical and/or financial assistance will have the opportunity to meet with a liaison from the Business Enterprise Resource Office. The Resource Office is specifically designed to accommodate new businesses and assist in any way possible to enhance the potential for success.

What is considered a minority owned business?

A minority owned business is a for-profit business with at least a 51% ownership controlled by a minority member of specified ethnic backgrounds: African American, Hispanic American, Native American, and Asian American. Further, the management and daily operations are controlled by the minority member(s). (Greater details of minority, woman and small business guidelines are available on the GO-DBE website).

What happens after I register?

A Diversity Business Liaison will contact you to review your application and assess your business interests, qualifications, etc. to do business with the State of Tennessee. The business will be contacted if further information or documentation is necessary.

How soon after assessment am I able to submit a bid or proposal?

Following your assessment, a referral will be made to the appropriate State procurement entity. Information will be provided as to the commodity or service and procurement schedule. Current bid opportunities are available through the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business website by clicking on “Current Procurement Opportunities”. A connecting link entitled “Upcoming Procurement Opportunities of Acquisition Plans” is also available to view anticipated purchases in the fiscal year. The fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30.

Will my certification expire?

Beginning April 1, 2006, certifications will be good for a period of two (2) years from the time of issuance. Prior to the end of the two year period, the company will be sent an affidavit to complete indicating any changes in the business.

I applied for a Federal Tax ID (FEIN) and I am waiting on the number. Can I use my Social Security Number and change it when I get my FEIN number?

Yes, your Social Security Number can be used. Please notify the Governor's Office of Diversity Business as soon as your FEIN is assigned to update your business information.

Help Starting a Business
Web sites that may provide you with helpful information on starting and operating a business:
Dept. of Economic & Community Development:
state.tn.us/ecd/bizserv_minority.htm

Dept. of Revenue (Starting a New Business):
http://tennessee.gov/revenue/new_bus.htm

Small Business Administration (Starting Your Business):
http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html