HUBDC Initiative: Q & A with Deputy Administrator Marie Johns

Today, SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns and Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray kicked off a new initiative – HUBDC -- to help District of Columbia small businesses participate in SBA’s HUBZone program.  HUBDC is a partnership between the DC government and SBA designed to help small businesses in the District get access to federal procurement opportunities and set-asides.

Today’s announcement is the first of 68 HUBZone outreach events at SBA offices throughout the country.

The HUBZone program helps small businesses located in historically underutilized business zones.  HUBZone-certified businesses gain access to valuable federal procurement opportunities, driving economic growth and development in underserved communities across the U.S.

In Fiscal Year 2010, District of Columbia HUBZone firms were awarded approximately $361 million in prime contracting, including approximately $102 million in HUBZone set-asides.

After the launch, the SBA blog caught up with Deputy Administrator Johns to ask about the initiative.

Why was DC chosen as the first city in this initiative?

Deputy Administrator Johns: Washington is, of course, the nation’s capital.  Small businesses are also vibrant in this city, and starting the initiative here makes sense.

Are there any specific targets or goals of this initiative?

Deputy Administrator Johns: The goal of this initiative is to increase the number of HUBZone-certified businesses.  Government-wide, there is a 3% target to reach in terms of the percentage of federal procurements that go to HUBZone businesses.  As a result of this and the future outreach initiatives, we are aiming to certify 1000 new small businesses in the HUBZone program through our efforts nationally.

How does a small business find out if they’re located in a HUBZone, and how can they learn more about participating in the program?

Deputy Administrator Johns: Our website, SBA.gov, has an easy-to-use map locator showing HUBZones across the country.  Our website also has useful information on program basics and the application process.  For an easy-to-remember reference, just visit www.sba.gov/HUBZone.