Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (BAO)

The business assistance office is responsible for contract compliance, as well as 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 of minority owned (MBE) and women owned (WBE) businesses, visit nashville.diversitycompliance.com. Need further assistance with the equal business opportunity program? Email [email protected].

Equal Business Opportunity Program 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).

Need further assistance with the small business reserve? Email [email protected].

Small Business Reserve Forms and Guides

Guide - Small Business Reserve

Mentor-Protégé Program

The goal of this program is to increase the capacity of existing subcontractors by providing an experienced mentor from the private sector and technical support from Metro.

Each Mentor-Protégé Program cohort will last 24-months. Metro will pair mentors and protégés based upon their fields of work, availability of resources, and program goals. Businesses that meet the eligibility requirements and want to participate in the Mentor-Protégé Program must complete the appropriate online form.

More information on the program, including eligibility requirements, is available in the guide below or by emailing [email protected].