A recent rule change by the Small Business Administration places the entirety of Sullivan and Grafton counties in the HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Program, enabling local small businesses a preferred status when competing for government contracts and sub-prime contracts.
These counties join areas of Concord, Dover, Franklin, Manchester, Nashua, Rochester, and all of Coos County as HUBZone areas. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, lead Democrat on the Senate Small Business Committee, has been a strong supporter of the HUBZone Program, which has helped many Granite State small companies compete for important federal contracts.
As Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee, Shaheen was instrumental in passing the HUBZone Revitalization Act of 2015 which was signed into law last year, creating eligibility for areas affected by base closures such as Sullivan and Grafton counties.
“Small businesses are the core of New Hampshire’s economy and the HUBZone Program is one of many tools created by the SBA to help small businesses get their foot in the door to secure government contracts,” said Sen. Shaheen. “I encourage small business owners in Sullivan and Grafton counties, and all HUBZone areas, to learn more about HUBZones so they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to utilize this important program as they scale their business.”
“Costa Precision Manufacturing has a significant base of defense industry clients,” said Kevin Brenker, Sales Manager of Costa Precision Manufacturing Corp., which is currently applying for HUBZone status in Claremont. “The HUBZone designation helps Costa as a small business compete for additional federal program awards and serve other federal contractors in a greater capacity. We’ve been impressed with the coordinated effort led by the City of Claremont and Senator Shaheen’s office to bring this to fruition.”
The SBA will hold HUBZone workshops in Lebanon (Nov. 18), Littleton (Nov. 22) and Claremont (Dec. 9) to assist Granite State small businesses determine eligibility and guide the application process. Details for these workshops are below.
November 18, 2016
9:00 am – 11:30 am
River Valley Community College – Lebanon
15 Hanover Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
November 22, 2016
9:00 am – 11:30 am
White Mountains Community College
646 Union Street
Littleton, NH 03561
December 9, 2016
9:00 am – 11:30 am
River Valley Community College
1 College Place
Claremont, NH 03743
To register for any of the events, visit http://nhptap.ecenterdirect.com/.