KNOXVILLE - All businesses, including new and small businesses, are invited to attend the City of Knoxville’s 17th annual Business Opportunities Breakfast on Thursday, June 4, from 7:30-10 a.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Registration is open at KnoxvilleTN.gov/BusinessBreakfast.

This free event, which includes a full breakfast, while supplies last, brings together City departments and partner agencies with businesses to discuss planned purchases and upcoming contracting opportunities over the next 12 to 18 months.

“Our goal is to maximize economic impact among the entire supplier community. This event is a step in doing that by connecting businesses with government purchasing teams, helping companies better understand how to do business with the City and build relationships that can lead to future contracts and collaborations,” says Penny Owens, Purchasing Agent.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network directly with department representatives and decision-makers, engage in one-on-one conversations about upcoming procurements, and learn about both large-scale projects and small-dollar spending opportunities anticipated for the upcoming fiscal year. Participating City departments include Engineering, Police, Fire, Fleet, Information & Technology, Purchasing, Housing & Neighborhood Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Service.

Representatives from partner agencies including Knoxville’s Community Development Corp., Public Building Authority, Knoxville Area Transit, Knoxville Utilities Board, Legends Global, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority will also be available to outline their upcoming needs and projects. The Knoxville Chamber will be accepting applications for its “Small Spark Fund” microloan program, and the State of Tennessee Governor’s Office of Business Initiatives and Development (Go-BID) is attending for the first time.

The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.

To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at titlevi@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at scook@knoxvilletn.gov or 865-215-2034.

Find more information about the City’s Purchasing Division, bidding and contracting opportunities, Small Business Outreach and more at KnoxvilleTN.gov/Purchasing.