GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY BECOMING HUB CERTIFIED

The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program was created to promote full and equal procurement opportunities for small, minority- and women-owned businesses. Companies interested in doing business with the state are encouraged to become HUB certified.

A business can become HUB by completing an application and submitting it to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). Once approved, the company is considered “certified” and agencies using them on contracts receive credit toward meeting established HUB goals. The HUB Program is a state level program required by law and managed by the CPA.

Many states have minority-owned business programs. In Texas, the most recognized programs are HUB, which is overseen by the Texas Comptroller’s office, and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), overseen by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The definition of a HUB is an entity with its principal place of business in Texas and is at least 51% owned by an Asian Pacific American, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American and/or American woman who reside in Texas. The principal must have a proportionate interest and demonstrate active participation in the control, operations and management of the entity’s affairs.

In accordance with Texas Administrative Code §111.13, each state agency shall make a good faith effort to utilize HUBs in contracts for construction, services (including professional and consulting services) and commodities purchases.

Who is eligible: For most programs, at least 51 percent of a business needs to be owned by a member of a minority group, or a woman of any ethnicity, in order to qualify for certification.

How to apply: Start by contacting the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s MBDA Business Center at (915) 351-6232. Their business development specialists will assess your business, provide you with a standardized application and review the most often requested documents to support your minority status claim.

Cost of certification: Businesses that are members of TAMACC, or affiliated with TAMACC through their local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce / member Organization can obtain a new State recognized certified at No Cost.

To become HUB certified TAMACC highly recommends you contact the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Under an agreement with the Texas Procurement and Support Services office The El Paso Hispanic Chamber has been a certifying entity since 2009.

For more information about HUB certification contact Terri Reed at (915) 566-4066 ext. 19 or by email treed@elpasombdacenter.com