On June 23, 2021, the City's Small Business and Diversity Outreach Office hosted its 12th annual Business Breakfast -- with a twist.

The event was held virtually, so participants were responsible for their own breakfasts. Opportunities to do business with the City of Knoxville departments and other participating agencies were on offer. 

Diversity Business Specialist Luis Garcia reports that the event had 327 total registrations in the following Diversity Business Enterprise (DBE) categories: 

• 180 small businesses (nearly 40%)
• 112 woman-owned businesses (25%)
• 94 minority-owned businesses (21%)

Garcia said he was glad and encouraged that business owners were engaged in networking via the longtime in-person event's new online format. 

"It was an overwhelming display of resilience amidst times of economic recession from COVID-19 and post-recovery," he says.

Attendees reported that they were interested in attending future events like the Business Opportunities Breakfast, whether in person or online. 

Have you or your department worked with a small, woman-owned and/or minority-owned businesses deserving of a DBE Award? Nominations are being accepted online now through Aug. 16.