Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (BAO)
The business assistance office is responsible for contract compliance. They are primarily responsible for administration and enforcement of the equal business opportunity program.
Equal Business Opportunity Program
This program seeks to increase government spending with black, brown, and woman owned businesses in the Metropolitan statistical area.
For Metro contracts, the program sets percentage targets for minority owned (MBE) and/or woman owned (WBE) subcontractor participation. Prime contractors are required to meet theses targets or otherwise demonstrate good faith effort.
To find a certified directory minority owned (MBE) and women owned (WBE) businesses, visit nashville.diversitycompliance.com. Need further assistance with the equal business opportunity program? Email BAO@nashville.gov.
Forms and Guides
Small Business Reserve
This program seeks to increase government spending with small businesses.
For Metro contracts valued at less than $250,000, a marketplace has been established where--subject to availability--only small firms may initially compete for work. Solicitations for construction, architecture and engineering, and professional services may be placed in the reserve.
To qualify, a firm must first register to do business with Metro and be approved as a small business (SBE). A formal application and approval is additionally required.
Need further assistance with the small business reserve? Email jerval.watson@nashville.gov.
Forms and Guides