Asheville Business Inclusion Last updated or reviewed on March 4, 2026 About Us The Business Inclusion Office helps accomplish the City’s Business Inclusion Contracting policy that was passed on October 27, 2020. Its main job is to make sure the City of Asheville works with many different types of local businesses. The office supports small, women, and minority-owned businesses (MWBEs) who want to provide the goods and services the city needs. This helps make sure everyone has a fair shot at winning city contracts. Our Goals The goal of Business Inclusion is to make the city’s bidding process more open and fair. We aim to: Open doors: Give more businesses a chance to work with the city. Build competition: More businesses bidding means better results for the city. Spend wisely: Make sure tax dollars are used carefully and responsibly. Spread awareness: Help the city learn about small businesses and those owned by minorities and women. Support growth: Help new and existing small businesses in the Asheville area become more profitable. Track progress: Monitor and report on how well the city is meeting its goals. The City of Asheville follows two main rules for all its contracts: Equal Opportunity: Everyone should have the same chance to work on city projects, whether it’s building something new or providing professional services. No Discrimination: The city does not allow any person or business to be treated unfairly because of their race, religion, gender, disability, or where they are from. Business Inclusion Resources Want to work with the city? You can learn how to sign up as a vendor or get your business certified by visiting our Purchasing Vendor Registration and MWBE Certification pages. The links below provide information about other certification resources: State of North Carolina’s Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses North Carolina Department of Transportation Small Business Administration If you are looking for bidding opportunities, please check the City of Asheville Bids page regularly. If you are a prime contractor or business looking for subcontractors, the links below provide information on available certified vendors. City of Asheville Certified Vendor List State of North Carolina’s Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses North Carolina Department of Transportation Small Business Administration’s Dynamic Small Business Search Contact Information Marcus Kirkman, Business Inclusion Manager Email: ABI@ashevillenc.gov Phone: (828) 259-8050
