Tennessee MBE, WBE, SDVBE, SBE Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 09/12/2018. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

The Tennessee Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (Go-DBE) is the state's minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned and small business enterprises get an equal opportunity to win contracts with the state.

Firms that are certified through Go-DBE are added to the Diversity Business Enterprise Directory, which is used by city officials and prime contractors who are looking to purchase goods and services from DBEs. Certified firms can also access technical assistance that will help make their businesses more competitive when bidding on contracts.

Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? Reciprocity is maintained with the U.S. Small Business Administration (8a) Program, Minority Purchasing Councils, and Airport Authorities, state Department of Transportation, Metro Transit Authorities or other Uniform Certification Agencies, Mid-South Certification Agency, National Women Business Enterprise Council, National Minority Certification Association and local chapters and other State certification programs. However, this reciprocity is not automatic, and is still subject to approval.

Does this certification expire? Certifications are valid for a period of three years following the initial date of certification.

How do I get re-certified? An affidavit of no change along with other documents must be provided in order to renew before expiry of certification. Firms with certifications that lapse or expire must begin the certification process from the start as if making an original application.