Governor’s Office of Business Initiatives & Development

Small
Businesses Bid,
Tennessee Wins

Businesses enrolled

Statewide Opportunities for Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of Tennessee’s economy, and the Governor’s Office of Business Initiatives and Development (GO-BID) is committed to ensuring every entrepreneur across the Volunteer State has the opportunity to compete for State contracts. We make certification straightforward and offer guidance to help businesses identify and pursue procurement opportunities—so they can deliver the services and expertise that State agencies rely on every day. This not only supports small businesses with new opportunities but also strengthens the return on taxpayer dollars by expanding supplier competition and driving value in government purchasing. By connecting GO-BID certified businesses with government contracting opportunities, we’re opening doors for small businesses to further enhance economic opportunity across all 95 counties of Tennessee.

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A Level Playing Field for Small Businesses In State Procurement

Certifying your business gives you access to the same opportunities that are helping fuel growth for companies across Tennessee and beyond. Each year, millions of dollars in State contracts are awarded to GO-BID certified businesses—providing them opportunities to increase revenue, expand their workforce, and serve more clients. For the State, this program strengthens the return on taxpayer dollars by broadening the pool of qualified contractors who deliver high-quality goods and services at competitive prices.

$B

Spent with certified businesses in FY25

$+B

Awarded to certified businesses since 2004

$M

Awarded to businesses in rural Tennessee in FY25

What Businesses Qualify for Certification?

Independently Owned & Operated
For-Profit With a Commercially Useful Function
Owner Demonstrates Real Control of Daily Operations
In Business at Least 2 Years
Must Be Tennessee-Based or Certified in Home State

MORE INFORMATION

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The process

Getting certified is simpler than you think. In just a few steps, your business can be recognized as a GO-BID certified vendor ready to compete for State contracts.

step 1

step 2

step 1

Register Your business

Edison is the State of Tennessee’s ERP procurement and payment system. All businesses must register here before bidding on State contracts. Your Edison supplier number is required before completing the GO-BID certification application.

When you register, the State will first issue a temporary 10-digit registration number. After review (approximately 10 days), you will receive a permanent 10-digit supplier ID number, which you’ll enter in your certification application.

Need help obtaining your Edison supplier ID number? Use this helpful resource. 

Already registered in the Edison Supplier Portal? Skip to Step 2.

step 2

Apply for Certification

All certification applications must be submitted through the online portal—we are unable to process hard copy applications. Once your application and all required documents are submitted, the certification process typically takes 30 to 45 days to complete.

If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter by email with instructions on how to view or print your certificate.

If your application is denied, you may reapply three (3) years from the date of denial. Applicants who wish to request reconsideration must forward a letter by email through the TN software system to GO-BID—addressed to the GO-BID Business Liaison who performed the assessment or on-site visit—within 10 days from the date of denial.

Need help completing your certification application? Check out this helpful resource.

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Interested in competing in State procurement? GO-BID

If you own a small for-profit business, getting certified with GO-BID gives your business more than just a credential—it provides visibility, credibility, and a central point of contact to compete in State procurement and contracting opportunities across Tennessee.

100% free & online certification process
Notifications for procurement opportunities
One-on-one assistance from GO-BID liaisons
Published to GO-BID’s public directory
Subcontracting opportunities

Real Stories from
Real Tennesseans

Two construction workers in conversation at a job site.

Since CEW Advertising became certified, it has opened many more opportunities for my company. Once our company was listed in the Business Directory, we received more requests for our products and services from the State of Tennessee and other outside companies as well. We have also received referrals to other departments within the State of TN. We are grateful for this program and for the services. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to grow our business relationships.” CAROL WILSON, Owner Of CEW Advertising

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry, I have faced many challenges. Getting certified has helped tremendously by giving me the opportunity to work side by side with some of the best companies out there, establishing new relationships, and gaining mentors in this industry. It has opened doors to being able to work on the same playing field as the rest. I have been given opportunities in places I feel I would not have had if it were not for my certification. Sometimes, all we need is a little push to get us on the path−this is exactly what this program has done. It has given me the ability to put our name out there, the ability to show everyone the quality of work we provide, which in return has grown my business.” Joanna Sun, President & Owner Of Tugsun Group, Inc.

SC Engineering, LLC has found many benefits to being certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business (SDVSB). Being a certified SDVSB opens the door to opportunities for participation in contracts with local, state, and federal entities. Specifically to SC Engineering, being certified gave us the opportunity to provide services on the new Titans Stadium project, located in Nashville, TN." Saul Camarena, P.E., President & Founder Of Sc Engineering, LLC

GO-BID demonstrates our commitment to strengthening return on taxpayer dollars by expanding supplier competition and opening doors for Tennessee’s small businesses to compete for State contracts. By fostering an environment for businesses to succeed, we’re strengthening rural communities and creating greater economic opportunity in every corner of our State.”

Governor greeting and speaking with community members at a Tennessee event

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Tennessee welcomes all qualified vendors to bid on State procurements. Nevertheless, many businesses seek certification to increase visibility to government agencies and private sector businesses.

You can search open solicitations and active contracts through GO-BID’s Current Procurement Opportunities.

Once your application is successfully submitted with all required documents, the certification process can take 30 to 45 days to complete.

To apply for GO-BID certification, a business’s federal tax return from the majority owner must be provided, along with proof of eligibility and business control. Additional documentation may be required depending on your business entity type. To simplify the process, use the GO-BID documentation checklist tool to identify the exact documents needed for your application.

Yes. Our procurement outreach specialists are available to provide one-on-one assistance as you complete your certification application. You can also use our step-by-step Certification Job Aid as a guide throughout the process.

Certified businesses must report any changes—such as ownership, contact information, or business location—within 10 days. Owners should also update their GO-BID profile to reflect any new products or services so agencies have the most accurate view of their business.

You can complete the Recertification Application using the login credentials you used when completing your previous certification application.

All Businesses – Businesses must provide a copy of the most recent federal tax return, including all schedules, for all recertifications. Failure to provide all the requested documentation may result in the denial of the certification renewal.
Small Business Applicants – Must provide copies of their prior tax return and the three (3) most recent Employer Quarterly Statements (Form 941) to verify that the guidelines for annual sales volume or the maximum number of employees are being met.
All Out-of-State Businesses – Businesses that provided an existing certification at the time of their initial application must provide an updated copy of that certification at the time of renewal.

No. The State of Tennessee only allows for one classification per business.These categories and criteria are established by law. There is no preference given to one classification over another.

Consistent with applicable law, GO-BID may accept certifications from other state certification programs and various national certifying organizations. GO-BID reserves the right to deny certification to any applicant not meeting guidelines according to T.C.A. §12-3-1101 through 1107, 12-3-401(b), 12-3-503(c), 12-3-514(g), and Public Chapter 485. Firms that provided an existing certification from another agency at the time of their initial certification must provide a copy of their current certification from that agency at the time of renewal.

Open New Doors for your business