Tennessee MBE, WBE & Minority Business Certification Guide

Everything you need to get certified as a minority, women, or disadvantaged business in Tennessee. Find state programs, requirements, and start your application today.

2 State Programs
0+ Corporate Programs
Free State Certification
Find Your Certifications View Tennessee Programs

Tennessee Certification Programs

Tennessee offers 2 certification programs for diverse businesses. These programs provide access to state contracts and procurement opportunities.

DBE (Transportation)

Tennessee DOT Small Business Development Program

TDOT DBE program for federally-funded transportation projects.

Certifications: - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Cost: Free Timeline: 90 days
Official Website Apply Now
MBE/WBE Certification

Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (GoDBE)

Tennessee GoDBE certifies small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses for state contracting.

Certifications: - Minority-Owned Business - Woman-Owned Business - Small Business - Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business
Cost: Free Timeline: 45-60 days
Official Website Apply Now

Links go to official state agency websites. If a link doesn't work, search for "Tennessee small business certification".

Certification Types Available in Tennessee

Depending on your business ownership, you may qualify for multiple certifications. Here's what's available to Tennessee businesses:

MBE

Minority Business Enterprise

For businesses at least 51% owned by minority individuals (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American).

Learn More →
WBE

Women Business Enterprise

For businesses at least 51% owned by women who control daily operations.

Learn More →
DBE

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Federal program for transportation contracts. Required for DOT-funded projects.

Learn More →
8(a)

SBA 8(a) Program

Federal program for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. Access to sole-source contracts.

Learn More →
HUBZone

HUBZone Certification

For businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Check if your Tennessee location qualifies.

Learn More →

Not sure which certifications you qualify for?

Take Our Free Certification Quiz

Tennessee Certification Resources

Certification Quiz

Find out which certifications you qualify for based on your business ownership and location.

Take the Quiz

Document Checklist

Get a personalized list of documents you'll need for your Tennessee certification applications.

Get Checklist

Capability Statement Builder

Create a professional capability statement to market your business to Tennessee agencies and corporations.

Build Yours

Federal Spending Data

See how much federal agencies are spending with diverse suppliers and find contract opportunities.

View Data

Frequently Asked Questions: Tennessee Business Certification

How do I get MBE certified in Tennessee?

To get MBE certified in Tennessee, you have two main options:

  1. State Certification: Apply through Tennessee's state certification program (typically free)
  2. National Certification: Apply through NMSDC for corporate recognition ($270-$1,700)

Requirements include 51% minority ownership, U.S. citizenship, and daily control of business operations. Take our quiz to see if you qualify.

What's the difference between state and national MBE certification?

State MBE (Tennessee): Valid for Tennessee state and local government contracts. Usually free.

National MBE (NMSDC): Recognized by Fortune 500 corporations nationwide. Required for most corporate supplier diversity programs. Costs $270-$1,700/year.

Many businesses get both to maximize opportunities.

How long does Tennessee certification take?

Processing times vary by program:

  • Tennessee DOT Small Business Development Program: 90 days
  • Governor's Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (GoDBE): 45-60 days

Tip: Having all documents ready before applying can significantly speed up the process.

Can I get certified if my business is new?

Yes, most Tennessee state certifications don't have a minimum time-in-business requirement. However:

  • SBA 8(a): Generally requires 2 years of business operation (waivers available)
  • NMSDC MBE: No minimum, but you need documented business activity
  • State programs: Typically no minimum requirement
What documents do I need for Tennessee certification?

Common requirements include:

  • Business formation documents (Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreement)
  • Proof of ownership (stock certificates, membership ledger)
  • Personal identification and proof of citizenship/ethnicity
  • 2 years of business and personal tax returns
  • Current financial statements

Get your personalized document checklist based on your specific certifications.

Certification Programs in Neighboring States

Explore certification opportunities in states near Tennessee:

Georgia Certifications → Alabama Certifications → Mississippi Certifications → Arkansas Certifications → Virginia Certifications → North Carolina Certifications → Missouri Certifications → Kentucky Certifications →

Find Out Which Certifications Match Your Business in Tennessee

Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized certification recommendations for Tennessee businesses.

Take the Certification Quiz

Need Help Getting Certified?

Our CertifyAll service handles your entire certification application — documents, forms, and submission — for a flat $399 fee.

Learn About CertifyAll

Ready to Get Certified in Tennessee?

Take the first step toward accessing Tennessee state contracts and corporate supplier diversity programs.

Find Your Certifications Build Your Capability Statement