Historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) across North Carolina have a reason to celebrate. Effective Wednesday, July 1, they can participate in the state HUB Office’s new one-stop shop for official HUB certification.
The new Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program eliminates the need for HUBs to be certified by multiple agencies in order to compete for state and local government contracts. Developed in collaboration with local Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) offices, it will streamline the certification process and reduce the redundancy in certifying minority- and women-owned businesses.
In addition to increasing efficiency and service to the HUB community, SWUC will establish a centralized database for state agencies, local municipalities and contractors looking to identify and utilize HUB vendors and sub-contractors. In doing so, SWUC also allows local M/WBE offices – which were instrumental in fine-tuning this program – to focus on providing resources and business development services.
I would like to recognize the N.C. M/WBE Coordinators’ Network as a major collaborator in advocating for SWUC. It was the vision of two of its pioneers, the late John Mills and Dr. Elizabeth Mills, who in the late 1980s planted the seed for the vision of moving North Carolina towards statewide or uniform certification.
The HUB Certification Specialists are available to help HUB firms register. For information, visit our website or email huboffice.doa@doa.nc.gov.