diff --git a/startup_scripts/020_tenant_groups.py b/startup_scripts/020_tenant_groups.py
index 65cf155..5a80d7e 100644
--- a/startup_scripts/020_tenant_groups.py
+++ b/startup_scripts/020_tenant_groups.py
@@ -8,7 +8,17 @@ tenant_groups = load_yaml("/opt/netbox/initializers/tenant_groups.yml")
 if tenant_groups is None:
     sys.exit()
 
+optional_assocs = {
+    'parent': (TenantGroup, 'name'),
+}
+
 for params in tenant_groups:
+    for assoc, details in optional_assocs.items():
+        if assoc in params:
+            model, field = details
+            query = { field: params.pop(assoc) }
+            params[assoc] = model.objects.get(**query)
+
     tenant_group, created = TenantGroup.objects.get_or_create(**params)
 
     if created: