If you’re a business owner interested in bidding a contract with the City of Knoxville but don’t exactly know how to get started, make plans to attend the City’s free annual Business Breakfast on June 14.

The meet-and-greet Business Breakfast might just be a game-changer for local companies eager to grow – possibly by teaming with other companies to present more competitive bids, according to Boyce H. Evans, the City’s Purchasing Director.

“Sometimes, an owner might think his or her business is too small to compete for a piece of the $55 million in contracts that the City enters into each year,” Evans said. “But that’s usually not the case. Plenty of small businesses are awarded City contracts. We want to help match local businesses with the right project for their products and services.

“There are many ways that businesses can strategize and improve their bidding. Being familiar with the contract specifics is an advantage. Often, collaborations between several businesses can lead to stronger collective bids, with each partner focusing on what it does best.”

Representatives from City departments will present information about specific projects, the anticipated date the work will be going out for bid, and bidder qualifications.

Admission is free. Register online at www.knoxvilletn.gov/businessbreakfast.

Free parking will be available in Parking Garage C on Historic Preservation Drive (one block south of Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, across from the Knoxville Marriott). Questions? Need a disability accommodation? Contact Sherry Bennett at sbennett@knoxvilletn.gov or at 865-215-2293.