Governor's Office of Diversity Business
Gwendolyn Sims Davis, Commissioner

1. What is the statewide Diversity Business Enterprise Program?

Tennessee enacted the state’s diversity program in 2004, several months after the Governor signed Executive order No. 14. The executive order established the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise who developed state regulations providing additional detail for the program. Businesses must apply for certification and provide evidence of ownership and control by minority or woman person (s) or small business enterprises as part of the diversity business certification process.

2. What is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)?

A MBE means a minority business enterprise is a business that is a continuing, independent, for profit business which performs a commercially useful function and is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more minority individuals who are impeded from normal entry into the economic mainstream because of past practices of discrimination based on race or ethnic background. A minority is generally defined as an individual who is African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, or Native American.

3. What is a Woman owned Business (WBE)?

A WBE means a woman owned business enterprise that is a continuing, independent, for profit business which performs a commercially useful function and is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned and controlled by one (1) or more women and whose management and daily business operations are under the control of one (1) or more women.

4. How do I register to become a certified business?

Please go to the “Vendor/Grantee Registration application” link on our website. This is an On-line registration that registers your company for State procurement and the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise. You are encouraged to click on the pdf format of the registration and make a copy of the form. This will enable you to understand all questions prior to registering on-line.
Also, a “Documentation Checklist” link is available as a guide to the type of documents that will be requested prior to certification.

5. Who should I call for assistance with registration questions?

Through our partnership with the Department of General Services, Purchasing Division there is one Vendor/Grantee Registration application. This application serves both purposes:

1. To registration as a Vendor
   
2. Certification Application
   
3. Contact Vendor Registration at (615)253-6875 for any questions regarding the registration process.
   
4. Contact Go-DBE at (615)253-4657 for any questions regarding the certification process.

6. Is there a difference between Registration and Certification?

Yes, there is a difference.

Registration: Your business will be eligible to compete for state purchasing and contracting opportunities. You will receive e-mail notification from General Services Purchasing Division once you have completed the registration process. Registration for Tennessee bid opportunities is open to all businesses.
Certification: is a process that requires a thorough investigation of a company’s operations, including, but not limited to; financial statements, by-laws, charter, stock certificates, lease agreements, salaries of owners, number of employees, license/authorities, etc. You will be notified by Go-DBE to submit the required documents needed to complete the certification process. This process is open to minority owned, woman owned or small business enterprises. Certified businesses have met specific criteria to validate their diversity claim status.

7. Where can I register?

The preferred method of registrations for certification is the on-line registration by visiting our web site at www.tennessee.gov/diversity. Click on Vendor/Grantee Registration application. A PDF version may also be obtained on our web site. All Documentation must be submitted to:
Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise
William R. Snodgrass “Tennessee Tower”, 27th Floor
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Nashville, TN 37243

8. Do I need an appointment to get certified?

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.

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

Please see the “Documentation Checklist” link as to the type of necessary documents. Required documents are to establish that the business meets business ownership and control guidelines 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, all requested documentation must be provided.

10. Do you provide loans and or grants for new businesses?

The Go-DBE office does not provide loans or grants to businesses. This office specifically works with assisting diversity businesses to compete successfully with state executive branch expenditures which are bid out competitively.

11. What are the advantages of becoming certified with Go-DBE?

Certification as a diversity business enterprise provides greater exposure for opportunities with the state of Tennessee. The names of all certified businesses appear in the Go-DBE Directory for state agencies and departments to utilize in meeting their agency internal goals.

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

Upon your registration completion, you are 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.

13. When will my certification expire?

Beginning April 1, 2006, certifications issued by Go-DBE office are valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance. For re-certification, please click the “Re-Certification” link and complete the “Affidavit of No Change” on the website and fax or mail your response to:

Governor’s Office Diversity Business Enterprise
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. 27th Floor Wm. R. Snodgrass Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37243
Fax: 615 253-4813

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

Your Social Security Number may be used to register. Under the new Edison Enterprise Solution, it is recommended you use your FEIN for registration. You will be required to complete a new Vendor/Grantee Registration application when you change from your SSN to your FEIN.

15. My firm is located in another state, am I eligible for certification with Tennessee?

The Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise may only certify in state of Tennessee businesses. All out of state businesses must submit evidence of an existing certification from their own state in order to be eligible for certification in Tennessee. Self certification is not acceptable as evidence of certification.

16. 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

State Treasury
Small and Minority-Owned Business Assistance
Program (SMOB)
www.tnsmob.org