New Business and Technical Assistance

After diversity businesses have become certified with the Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise and the business has been assessed as requiring technical assistance as a minority owned, woman owned, service-disabled veteran or small business, a referral may be made to the Department of Economic and Community Development Business Enterprise Resource Office (B.E.R.O).

The B.E.R.O. provides technical, financial and management information assistance to small, minority and women owned businesses. B.E.R.O.’s main office is located in Nashville with regional offices in Memphis and Knoxville.

Minority owned, woman owned, service-disabled veteran and small businesses that have been in business 2 years or less and/or have re-defined their product lines, may also be included in these referrals to the Department of Economic & Community Development Office for technical assistance. Please click on this link to the Business Resource page for more information on the Department of Economic & Community Development and their services.

The Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise provides assistance to certified diversity businesses seeking bid opportunities. The Purchasing Division Liaison within the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise will assist diversity businesses with questions regarding the state’s procurement processes and understanding Bid Opportunities. Direct your inquiries to: Rafael.Borjas@tn.gov (Higher Education) or 615-532-9013
                                             Gwen.Sanders@tn.gov (Capitol Projects) or 615-741-6145
                                             Richard.VanNorman@tn.gov (Professional Services) or 615-253-4654
                                             Edric.Hammond@tn.gov (Higher Education) or 615-741-4657

Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243-0530