Memphis and Shelby County MWBE Programs: Status and What to Do

What happened

Tennessee's Dismantling DEI Departments Act took effect July 1, 2025 (per Action News 5). Action News 5 reported on July 7, 2025 that "The City of Memphis and Shelby County Government have ended their Minority Women Enterprise programs." The City's legal officer said Memphis is "awarding contracts based on lawful eligibility criteria." We could not confirm the end dates or any replacement program on a City or County page.

What it means for your bids

• MWBE certification from the City or County should not be expected to earn goals or preferences on new City or County bids (per Action News 5; unverified on an official page).
• The City's supplier page still mentions Small Minority Women Business Enterprise (SMWBE) certification and points small business (SBE) questions to the Uniform Certification Agency. This page may be out of date. Ask the City before relying on it.
• Read each bid's own requirements. That is the best guide to what the City or County asks for now.

What to do now

1. Register or update your vendor record with the City: https://memphistn.gov/become-a-supplier/
2. Read the participation section of each new City or County solicitation.
3. Call the City (901-636-6500) or Shelby County purchasing to ask what certifications, if any, they now use.
4. For SBE certification questions, contact the Uniform Certification Agency at 901-525-6512 (https://businesscontinuum.org/registration/).
5. Keep copies of your old MWBE certificate and any notice that it ended.

Watch out for

• Official City pages still show older MWBE wording. Do not treat that as proof the program is still running.
• We could not reach Shelby County's compliance page on October 4, 2026 (the site rate-limited us).
• Federal-funded projects (for example, some transportation work) can use the federal DBE program, which is separate.
• Help from City and County offices is free.
• State law or local policy could change again.

Programs in other states →

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Sources

• www.actionnews5.com/2025/07/08/state-anti-dei-law-leads-shelby-co-city-memphis-end-minori
• memphistn.gov/become-a-supplier/
• memphistn.gov/

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with any certifying agency, and this isn't legal advice. Status can change quickly with court orders and new laws, so confirm with the program office before you rely on it.