To increase the number of HUBZone-certified small businesses in West Virginia, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) is sponsoring a series of free workshops, including one August 15 in Bridgeport at the RCBI Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (2400 E. Benedum Industrial Drive).

 

HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification provides small businesses an advantage when bidding on federal government contracts. HUBZone-certified businesses qualify for the program’s set-aside contracts and receive a 10 percent price evaluation preference when competing for open contracts. HUBZones are located across West Virginia, including all of Harrison County and many areas in surrounding counties.

 

West Virginia HUBZone certifications have more than doubled in the past 16 months, according to George Murray, deputy director of the West Virginia District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is the federal agency that administers the HUBZone program.

 

“By working with RCBI through this pilot program, our goal is to shorten the length of time it takes a small business to become HUBZone certified,” Murray said. “The first small business through the program received its certification in two weeks; prior to this program we were seeing an average turnaround time of five months.”

 

RCBI’s Accelerate Forward – West Virginia’s EDA University Center has joined with the SBA in West Virginia to promote HUBZone statewide through marketing campaigns, social media and a series of workshops and one-on-one outreach to educate small business owners about the program’s benefits and how to apply. RCBI’s Accelerate Forward is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

 

“Government contracting is another way for West Virginia small businesses to expand, diversify and create jobs,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI Director & CEO. “We’re proud to join with the SBA to introduce and connect West Virginians to rewardingHUBZone opportunities.”

 

To register for the August 15 Bridgeport workshop or any of the other events, go to www.rcbi.org/go/hub