Business Development Department

Disparity Study Executive Summary – 2020

Disparity Study Report – 2020

The Small Business Enterprises (SBE) program is MNAA’s local initiative, designed to support all MNAA-funded procurements.

Through this program, we are committed to:

• Encouraging and facilitating local SBE participation in all aspects of the Airport Authority’s procurement activities.
• Maximizing opportunities for SBEs to engage in contracts, programs, and related business ventures with MNAA.
• Establishing policies, setting goals, and implementing operational procedures to ensure the program’s success and effectiveness.

Click here to view the 2025 Business Taking off Presentation.

MNAA utilizes the B2GNow Business Development Management System, a web-based platform that enables applicants to submit certification applications efficiently and at no cost.

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

If your firm is seeking certification with MNAA and needs to complete a certification application, visit B2GNow, navigate to the Vendor Certification section, and select “Apply For/Renew Certification” to begin the process.

If your firm is currently certified with MNAA and needs to renew or update its account information, access the B2GNow system to make the necessary changes.

If your firm is currently certified with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and located within Tennessee, you are eligible to apply for SBE Certification.

Important: Since your firm is already certified with TDOT, a record may exist in the system. Locate your firm’s record and create a new SBE Certification entry.

Please be aware that additional documentation may be required to complete the evaluation process. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed, and BNA can only accept online submissions once all required steps are completed, signed, and submitted.

If your firm is based outside Tennessee, you must first obtain certification in your home state before applying for certification within Tennessee.

To apply for interstate certification, log into B2GNow and select Option 3: New Certification – Interstate Certification Application

For any questions or assistance with navigating B2GNow, please reach out to us at bdd.certification@flynashville.com

Q: WHAT IS CERTIFICATION?

A: Certification is the process through which MNAA evaluates businesses seeking designation as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) under its local certification program. This assessment ensures that businesses meet the necessary criteria for ownership, control, management, and independence.

The certification process includes a thorough review of the company’s ownership and operations, examining key documents such as:

• Financial statements
• By-laws and charter
• Stock certificates
• Lease agreements
• Owner salaries
• Number of employees
• Licenses and authorities

Certification Requirements:

• Businesses must be established and hold a valid business license.
• Applicants must be ready, willing, and able to provide the specified product or service.
• The firm must meet all ownership requirements.
• Certified firms must participate in annual reviews and updates as required.
• An on-site visit with the firm’s owner is conducted for all applicants seeking certification.

Business Size Determination:

A firm, including its affiliates, must meet SBA small business standards. It must not exceed $23.98 million in annual gross receipts over the past three fiscal years.

• Airport concessionaires: $56.42 million, with some exceptions
• Car rental businesses: $75.23 million

Personal Net Worth Requirement:

Applicants must have a personal net worth of less than $2.047 million to be considered for SBE certification. Excluded from this calculation are:

• Ownership interest in the applicant firm
• Equity in the individual’s primary residence

Q: IS THERE A COST TO BECOME CERTIFIED? 


A: No, certification is completely free of charge.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME CERTIFIED? 


A: MNAA reviews and makes a final certification decision within 90 days of receiving a complete application.

Q: WILL THE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION BE PROCESSED IF INCOMPLETE?

A: No, applications will only be reviewed once all required information is submitted. To ensure timely processing, applicants must provide complete and accurate responses.

Q: IS THERE A GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION REQUIREMENT FOR SBE CERTIFICATION?

A: Yes, businesses seeking SBE certification must be based in Tennessee to qualify.

Q: HOW LONG DOES CERTIFICATION LAST?

A: Certification remains valid unless the firm is officially decertified by MNAA. To maintain eligibility, all certified firms must submit documentation annually on the anniversary of their certification. MNAA typically sends reminder notifications 45 days before the renewal deadline.

Q: DOES MNAA ACCEPT RECIPROCITY BY OTHER ENTITIES?

A: Yes, MNAA recognizes reciprocity only from member agencies of the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) that have offices within the state of Tennessee.

Q: WHERE CAN I VERIFY OR VIEW A COPY OF THE SBE DIRECTORY OF CERTIFIED BUSINESSES?

A: A current list of certified SBEs is available on MNAA’s website at flynashville.com

Q: DO I HAVE TO BE CERTIFIED TO DO BUSINESS WITH MNAA? 

A: No, certification is not required to conduct business with MNAA. However, only certified businesses can have their work counted toward meeting established contract goals when serving as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

Q. WHAT IF MY APPLICATION/CERTIFICATION IS DENIED OR REVOKED?

A: If a firm’s certification is denied or revoked, it has three options:

1. Request an informal appeal hearing within 30 days of receiving the denial letter.
2. Waive the hearing and submit a written appeal within 15 days of receiving the denial letter.
3. Accept the decision without further action. If no appeal is made, the determination stands for one year, and the firm will not be eligible to reapply during that time.

Q: WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE WITH CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS? 

A: For any certification-related inquiries, email BDD.Certification@flynashville.com or contact our Certification Specialist at 615-275-1620 

Q: WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE WITH ADDING OR MODIFYING NAICS QUESTIONS?

A: For help with adding or updating NAICS classifications, email BDD.Certification@flynashville.com or call our Certification Specialist at 615-275-1620