City of Knoxville departments that purchase millions of dollars of supplies and services annually will talk to prospective suppliers at the 6th Annual Business Outreach Expo on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 8:30-11 a.m. at Roane State Community College.

Hosted by the East Tennessee Purchasing Association's (ETPA) Business Outreach Alliance, the event gives business owners and representatives an opportunity to connect directly with purchasing officials from multiple East and Middle Tennessee government agencies. 

“Local governments and adjacent agencies strive to partner with small and local businesses that provide superior service,” says Purchasing Agent Penny Owens. “This event is a great way to meet those businesses and talk to them face to face about opportunities to work together in the year ahead.”

The event is free. Attendees should preregister before Feb. 27.

Representatives from City departments—including Police, Fire, Fleet, Public Service, and Housing and Neighborhood Development—will be on site to discuss the products and services they seek to purchase. 

Purchasing departments in attendance include: Blount and Knox County governments, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, Knoxville Utilities Board, Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, University of Tennessee system, UT CIS APEX Accelerator, Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, and Roane State Community College. 

The City’s Purchasing Division is on Facebook at BizWithCityKnox.

Learn more about the division and its Business Outreach efforts at KnoxvilleTN.gov/purchasing.