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Building for the Future

Central Core reopens December 2027

Office of Small Business Development

FOCUSED ON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

The Office of Small Business Development (SBD) administers the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s Small Business Program (SBP). Primary responsibilities of the SBD include:

  • Encouraging the use of small businesses from across the state of Tennessee
  • Creating and promoting MNAA business opportunities for small businesses to successfully participate
  • Encouraging networking and Partnerships between MNAA Certified Small Businesses and other businesses
  • Seeking to deliver cost-effective, high-quality, new expertise and timely performance on MNAA contracts
  • Administration of MNAA Small Business Program



SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM DETAILS

Certification applications can be accessed via MNAA’s web-based platform that enables applicants to submit applications efficiently and at no cost at Small Business Development and Procurement Management System.

Open Certification Portal

Applicant data is securely stored on encrypted computer servers within a protected facility, always ensuring confidentiality.

For help completing your online application, use the guide below.

Small Business Certification Application Instruction Guide

MNAA’s Small Business Program (SBP) which was authorized by the Board of Commissioners in Resolution #2026-01 lists participation requirements will include:

  1. Be for-profit and independently owned and operated;
  2. Be in business for at least 12 months;
  3. Meet U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) business size standards appropriate to the primary industry classification (North American Industry Classification System “NAICS” Code), including average gross receipts and/or number of employees as described in Title 13 CFR Part 121, Business Size Determinations;
  4. Have a principal or owner with a personal net worth matching U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) standards in Title 49 CFR Part 26.68 (currently less than $2.047M);
  5. Be registered in Tennessee and have principal business operations located in Tennessee with at least 60% of its employees located in Tennessee, or a commitment, at certification, to relocate principal operations to Tennessee within 12 months of contract award.

Business Taking Off (BTO) is an annual gathering designed to spotlight upcoming business opportunities at Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) and John C. Tune® Airport (JWN®).

The event brings together past partners, current contractors, and future collaborators to connect, build relationships, and explore the exciting prospects emerging across both airports.

View 2026 Business Taking Off Presentation

For any questions or assistance with navigating the Small Business Development and Procurement Management System, contact a member of the SBD at sbd.certification@flynashville.com or call (615) 275-1620.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please visit the Small Business Development and Procurement Management System at http://flynashville.gob2g.com.

No. Certification is provided entirely free of charge.

Key milestones in the application process include:

  • Applicants have 90 days to complete and submit their application.
  • Applications may be extended twice, for an additional one-week period each time.
  • Upon submission, SBD will conduct an initial review and schedule a certification interview.
  • A Determination Notice will be issued within thirty (30) days following the completion of the certification interview.

Note: Incomplete applications will be automatically removed from the system, and applicants will be required to begin a new application.

No. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until all required information has been submitted.

Yes. Firms seeking SBP certification must meet the following geographic requirements:

  • Be physically located within the State of Tennessee
  • Be officially registered to do business in Tennessee
  • Have their principal business operations based in Tennessee
  • Have at least 60%of their employees located in Tennessee

Alternatively, firms may qualify if they:

  • Commit, at the time of certification, to relocate their principal operations to Tennessee within 12 months of receiving a contract award.

Certification with MNAA is valid for three years.

A Full Audit Renewal is conducted every three (3) years for Certified Small Businesses (CSBs) to confirm continued eligibility.

System‑generated renewal notices are automatically sent 90, 60, 30, and 10 days prior to the certification expiration date.

No.

No. Certification is not required for a business to conduct work with MNAA.

MNAA maintains a directory of all certified small businesses at https://flynashville.gob2g.com/

After an applicant has been initially denied the applicant has one of the following four (4) appeals options:

  1. Request an informal appeal hearing within thirty (30) days of receipt of the denial letter. SBD will set a date for the hearing on or before 30 days after receiving the informal appeal hearing request.
  2. Waive the informal appeal hearing and make a written appeal submission within fifteen days (15) of receipt of the denial letter.
  3. Do not respond and allow the determination decision to stand. The decision is good for 12 months and the firm is not eligible to apply for certification within those 12 months.
  4. No Action: Should SBD not receive a response by 30 days, SBD will proceed with the Notice of Decision.

The SBD will maintain a complete record of the decision and or hearing, in writing, video or audio referencing the evidence of the decision.

Yes. A firm may voluntarily withdraw through the Self‑Decertification process under the following circumstances:

  • The business no longer meets SBP eligibility requirements.
  • The business structure has changed.
  • The owner wishes to avoid formal removal proceedings.
  • The business no longer needs or desires certification.

Benefits may include:

  • Access to small business contracting opportunities
  • Increased visibility within MNAA’s procurement process
  • Inclusion in the certified vendor directory
  • Opportunities to participate in networking and procurement events
  • Educational workshops and technical assistance
  • Potential subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors

Please email SBD.Certification@flynashville.com or call (615) 275‑1620 for assistance.