Disadvantaged, Minority, and Small Business Assistance, and Contract Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Start a Business?
Things you should consider when planning to start a Business, there are personal considerations, business planning, financial considerations and government requirements, where and what requirements are available to me? More about starting a business
Do I need a business license and where do I get one?
The owners or operators of all for-profit businesses, except manufacturers and specific business professionals, must have a business license and must pay the local business tax for each place of business located in the county and /or the city which collects the business tax. The County Clerk is responsible for issuing licenses and collecting taxes. Visit their website at www.dcclerkonline.com for more information or call them at (615) 862-6050.
How do I write a business plan and can you help me?
Business plans are a key element to a successful business, you should first do your research information needed for business plan include type, where, target market and financing the next step is how to compile it for your plan. Metro has resources to direct you to an organization that can assist you in writing your business plan.
How do I register with Metro?
In order to receive solicitation notices or to submit a bid/proposal, all suppliers must register with Metro. To complete the registration process, please follow the below instructions:
  1. Go to https://smartrac.nashville.gov/newvendorlogin.aspx
  2. Key in your company Tax ID number and press ENTER.
  3. Type in your password; if you've forgotten it, or if it is your first time, type in your five digit zip code
  4. The system will guide you through the registration process. All yellow fields are required to successfully complete the application.
  5. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Jan Wiles at jan.wiles@nashville.gov
How do I do business with Metro?
It is important to fully understand the variety of ways that Metro makes purchases as well as how you can market your services to Metro. Learn some tips to better prepare you for doing business with Metro.
How do I know what Metro projects are available for bid?
In an effort to provide vendors with information about projects which are available for bid and for which Metro is receiving proposals, check Metro's Business Opportunities Bulletin (BOB) page frequently. This page provides access to the bid and or RFP information for the purchases that Metro is seeking to make.
What should I do to become an approved small business with Metro?
To be considered for small business status, vendors must provide two years income tax returns and a 941 form to Metro's Division of Minority and Small Business Assistance either via fax, mail, or hand delivered.
What is E-procurement?
Metro is planning to make the fullest possible use of the Internet for purchases of goods, services, and construction. If you are not ready at present to participate in an electronic procurement environment, you should give some thought to what you need to do to get prepared. Metro will be happy to help you in that thought process. Learn more about E-procurement.
Does Metro have a Minority Business Program?
Metro has the Procurement Non-Discrimination Program which is a race neutral program designed to assist minority and women owned businesses. Learn more about the Procurement Non-discrimination Program. Metro also administers an incentive-based small business program. Learn more about Metro's Small Business Program.
How do I get certified as an MWBE vendor with Metro?
While Metro does not manage its own certification program it does accept MWBE certifications from recognized certifying entities. MWBEs must be registered to do business with the City of Nashville and must be certified as an MWBE by either the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (GoDBE), the TN Supplier Development Council (TMSDC), the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the National Association of Women Business Owners (NWBOC), have graduated from the SBA 8(a) program, or have a Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification granted under 49CFR26. Metro does not have its own separate certification program. Contact these Certifying Entities.