Local businesses and suppliers will learn what goods and services City departments and partner agencies plan to purchase in the next 12 to 18 months at the 16th annual Business Opportunities Breakfast on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 7:30-11 a.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. 

Attendance, which includes a full Southern breakfast, is free; registration is open now at KnoxvilleTN.gov/BusinessBreakfast. 

The City of Knoxville spends up to $130 million each fiscal year on products and services including tools, vehicles and parts, computer hardware and software, road resurfacing, roofing, HVAC, mowing, concrete work, printing, architectural and engineering services, consulting services and more. Purchases under $12,500 don’t require a bidding process and are made at the purchaser’s discretion. 

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses to preview the purchases departments and agencies are planning and have one-on-one conversations that can lead to future projects and collaborations,” says Pamela Cotham, Assistant Purchasing Agent and Small Business Outreach specialist. 

All businesses are encouraged to send representatives to the breakfast, which is expected to draw approximately 400 attendees. 

Participating City departments include: Engineering, Police, Fire, Fleet, Purchasing, Housing & Neighborhood Development, Parks and Recreation, and Public Service. Purchasing staff from Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, Public Building Authority, Knoxville Area Transit, Knoxville Utilities Board, ASM Global, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, will also attend. 

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 [email protected] or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at [email protected] 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.