After diversity businesses have become certified with the Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise and the business has been assessed as requiring technical assistance as a small, woman owned or minority owned business, a referral may be made to the Department of Economic and Community Development Business Enterprise Resource Office (B.E.R.O).

The B.E.R.O. provides technical, financial and management information assistance to small, minority and women owned businesses. B.E.R.O.’s main office is located in Nashville with regional offices in Memphis and Knoxville.

Small, Women and Minority Owned Businesses, who have been in business 2 years or less, re-defined their product, may also be included in these referrals to the Department of Economic & Community Development Office for technical assistance. Please click on link: http://www.state.tn.us/ecd/bero/index.htm for more information on the Department of Economic & Community Development and their services.

The Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise provides assistance to certified diversity businesses seeking bid opportunities. The Purchasing Division Liaison within the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise will assist diversity businesses with questions regarding the state’s procurement processes and understanding Bid Opportunities. Direct your inquiries to: