NUMBER OF SMALL AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES ABLE TO DO BUSINESS WITH METRO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED IN 2008
Increase attributed to change in small business standards, proactive efforts from Metro
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2, 2008) -
Figures released by the Office of Minority and Small Business Assistance today show the number of companies approved for Metro’s small business program has more than tripled in 2008, and the number of minority-owned businesses registered with the city has increased by more than 800 percent in just the last five months.
“The increase in these numbers is largely attributable to city officials working to better inform and engage small and minority-owned businesses,” said Michelle Lane, director of Metro’s Minority and Small Business Assistance program. “This is an ongoing effort. As more small and minority businesses understand the commitment of the city’s leadership and the new approach that the city is taking to better include them in Metro procurements, more companies express interest in doing business with the city.”
Shortly after taking office in the fall of 2007, Mayor Karl Dean formed a Minority Business Advisory Council and began work on legislation to address the findings in two disparity studies conducted by Metro over the past 10 years. An ordinance creating the Procurement Non-Discrimination Program was passed in April of this year.
Most recently, Dean accepted a recommendation by the Minority Business Advisory Council to make the small business program available to more companies by broadening the definition of a small business. The change was approved by the Procurement Standards Board and enacted on Oct. 1. The definition of a small business now includes those companies that have been in operation for at least one year with minimum revenue of $35,000 generated during that time. Previously, a business had to have been in operation for two years with at least $100,000 in revenue.
“The increase in small and minority-owned companies able to compete for Metro contracts is a tremendous success. At the same time, we will continue to work and continue to find ways to create an equal playing field for all businesses in Nashville,” Dean said. “Doing this is good for our city’s economy and good for our government in tight economic times. Metro clearly benefits from increased competition and a broader vendor base.”
The number of approved small businesses registered with Metro has increased from 148 in February of this year to over 500 at the end of November.
The number of certified Minority and Women Businesses (MWBEs) registered with Metro has increased from 30 in August of this year to 260 at the end of November.
Business owners interested in more information about Metro’s Small and Minority Business Assistance program should call (615) 880-2814 or e-mail the Business Assistance Office at bao@nashville.gov.
For media inquiries contact:
Janel Lacy
(615) 862-6020
janel.lacy@nashville.gov