News Summary
Knoxville will hold its 16th Annual Business Opportunities Breakfast at the Civic Coliseum, connecting local businesses with purchasing opportunities from city departments and partner agencies. The free breakfast includes Southern cuisine, with approximately 400 attendees expected. Key officials, including Mayor Indya Kincannon, will speak at this engaging event, emphasizing the role of small businesses in the community. Participants will learn about upcoming purchasing opportunities totaling up to $130 million annually, aimed at fostering local collaboration and growth.
Knoxville will host the 16th Annual Business Opportunities Breakfast on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. The event aims to connect local businesses with planned purchases by City departments and partner agencies, emphasizing the importance of small businesses in the community.
Attendance for the breakfast is free and includes a full Southern breakfast. Interested participants can register at KnoxvilleTN.gov/BusinessBreakfast. Approximately 400 attendees are expected at this year’s event.
The City of Knoxville allocates up to $130 million each year for various goods and services like tools, vehicles, computer hardware, road resurfacing, roofing, HVAC, concrete work, and consulting services. Local businesses will gain insight into these upcoming purchasing opportunities, with a focus on fostering collaboration for future projects.
The event will feature various City departments including Engineering, Police, Fire, Fleet, Purchasing, Housing & Neighborhood Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Service. Additionally, organizations such as Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, Public Building Authority, Knoxville Area Transit, Knoxville Utilities Board, ASM Global, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority will also be present to share their purchasing plans.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon will deliver opening remarks at 8 a.m. The Purchasing Agent Penny Owens will oversee the event, ensuring that department representatives are available to provide information and answer questions regarding future collaborations.
During the purchasing process, purchases below $12,500 are made at the discretion of the department without requiring a formal bidding process, representing significant opportunities for smaller local businesses.
The City of Knoxville ensures compliance with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and is dedicated to providing necessary accommodations for all participants. Translation services are available through the City’s Human Resources Department, and those needing disability support can contact the ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook for assistance.
For translation services, individuals can reach out via email at titlevi@knoxvilletn.gov or by phone at 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, inquiries can be directed to Stephanie Brewer Cook at scook@knoxvilletn.gov or by calling 865-215-2034.
For more information regarding the City’s Purchasing Division and details on bidding and contracting opportunities, interested businesses can visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/Purchasing. This breakfast serves as an essential platform for local businesses to engage with City officials and learn about potential procurement opportunities that can aid in their growth and sustainability within the Knoxville community.
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Additional Resources
- KnoxTnToday: Annual Business Opportunities Breakfast
- KnoxNews: Navigating Small Businesses in 2025
- KnoxNews: Stadium Construction and Diverse Contractors
- Wikipedia: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Redfin: Is Knoxville a Good Place to Live?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
