The City of Knoxville understands the importance of encouraging Small, Minority-, Women-, Service-Disabled, and Veteran-Owned business participation in the procurement process. The Purchasing Department actively seeks out opportunities to cultivate relationships with local small businesses and makes a concerted effort to ensure that such companies have the information necessary to compete for City business.
Resources such as brochures,
quarterly newsletters, and the City's procurement website provide an invaluable introduction to the process of doing business with the City and help connect businesses with potential projects of interest. The Purchasing Division also takes part in a number of networking and outreach events throughout the year that enable small business owners to meet face to face with City personnel. In addition, the City's Small Business Specialist can meet with individuals in the Purchasing Office to discuss future opportunities or address any concerns or questions that might arise.
For more information on outreach events or to schedule an appointment, please contact Pamela Cotham, Assistant Purchasing Agent - Small Business Outreach, at 865-215-4032 or
[email protected].
DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY OF KNOXVILLE:
ANNUAL BUSINESS BREAKFAST:
Each year the Purchasing Department hosts a free annual "Business Breakfast" and invite interested vendors to come learn more about how to do business with the City. Representatives from each of the major departments give an overview of anticipated projects and expenditures for the year.
Click here to learn more about the Annual Business Breakfast
DIVERSITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE AWARDS CEREMONY:
Each year the Purchasing Department holds a Diversity Business Enterprise (DBE) Awards Ceremony to recognize small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses for outstanding performance, as well as City departments committed to reaching out to DBEs with procurement contracts.
Click here to learn more about the DBE Awards Ceremony
SMALL BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER:
The Purchasing Department produces a quarterly newsletter that features a schedule of forecasted procurement opportunities, upcoming networking events, and a list of recently awarded contracts.
Click here to view an archive of Newsletters
KNOXVILLE BUSINESS SUPPORT NETWORK:
View the
Knoxville Business Support Network flyer [PDF] for additional resources to assist new and existing small businesses.
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT BROCHURE:
Learn all about the Purchasing Department at a glance.
Click here to view the Purchasing Department Business Brochure [PDF]
CONTACT INFO:
Pamela Cotham,
Assistant Purchasing Agent - Small Business Outreach
865-215-4032
[email protected]
Luis Garcia,
Diversity Business Specialist (English/Español)
865-215-2293
[email protected]
PARTNERING WITH LATINO BUSINESSES: