Go-DBE Resources

No. To qualify as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Business, the owner must have served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States with at least a twenty percent (20%) service-connected disability. This means that the disability was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service.  

In contrast, “Persons with Disabilities” must provide an Affidavit of Disability signed by a licensed physician annually. 

SDVBE Certification is valid for three (3) years, whereas DSBE Certification is only valid for one (1) year.  

No. The application for certification is an online process. Once your application has been submitted, a diversity liaison will contact you.

Here is a list of documents you will need. 

Note: To complete the certification process, you must submit all requested documentation. The Go-DBE office will deem all applications received without the required documentation ineligible for certification. If your certification is denied, you must wait three (3) years before reapplying.

No. The Go-DBE office does not provide loans or grants to businesses. Go-DBE is the State of Tennessee certification agency for diverse and small businesses. 

• Certification is FREE
• 100% online process
• One-on-one assistance
• Current procurement opportunities
• Contract and sub-contractor opportunities
• Bid notifications
• Assisting agencies meeting goals
• Reciprocity with other state and local government partners
• 40 statewide contracts with businesses that are certified in our office
• Business development programs 

For the purpose of Go-DBE, DBE stands for Diversity Business Enterprise, which includes the following categories: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE), Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise (DSBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE).

DBE is sometimes referred to as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise by other agencies. 

All out-of-state businesses must submit evidence of an existing certification from their home state or recognized national certification to be eligible for certification in Tennessee.  

Self-certification with the U. S. Small Business Administration or any other type of self-certification is not acceptable as evidence of certification. 

No. The State of Tennessee only allows for one classification. There is no preference given to one classification over another.