Know someone who understands what local businesses need? Would that person have the perspective and business knowhow to suggest ways that City government can help make it easier for entrepreneurs to get up and running? Would that person enjoy learning about the different City departments and become a liaison between the business community and the City?

The City’s Office of Business Support is seeking nominations for its Business Advisory Council, or BAC.

Members of the BAC will serve in an advisory and partnership capacity to promote regular and open communication between City government and the business community. The BAC aims to provide advice and feedback to the Office of Business Support; to bring issues and concerns related to doing business in and with the City of Knoxville to the attention of the City administration; to propose responses and solutions to address these concerns; and to serve as a sounding board for City initiatives and proposals affecting the business community.

 The Business Advisory Council increases participants’ understanding of the City’s business-development tools and functions, allowing members to direct other business owners to available resources. The BAC should be broadly representative of the business community and made up of a diverse group of business owners.

Twelve business owners will serve on the BAC for two years and will meet every other month. The new BAC will begin meeting in August 2017.

To nominate a business owner, mentor or advocate, please contact Patricia Robledo, Business Liaison, Office of Business Support, by calling 865-215-3155 or emailing [email protected].