The NC Department of Administration’s Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses launched the statewide Small Business Enterprise Program (NCSBE) to aid North Carolina’s minority-owned businesses post-pandemic.
“The pandemic is shining a bright light on long-standing issues that communities of color face, including economic challenges,” said Governor Cooper. “We want our historically underutilized businesses to have the guidance they need to recover from the pandemic, and this program will help provide these resources.”
As directed in Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 143, the initiative was created to encourage continued growth and development of historically underutilized businesses and disadvantaged business enterprise firms across the state.
“The Small Business Enterprise Program is just one of the many initiatives established by the NC Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses to aid entrepreneurs, particularly those operating small and micro-small businesses, as they recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “One way in which the program seeks to improve the current state of businesses is by offering guidance on access to capital and business development.”
The NCSBE program provides businesses with access to various contract opportunities, including state contracts, offering a platform to compete competitively against like-businesses within their respective industries and markets. The program also provides guidance on business development including marketing and financial strategies.
“I am excited about the Small Business Enterprise Program as it will continue our efforts to move North Carolina small businesses to post-pandemic recovery,” said NC HUB Office Director Tammie Hall. “We are accepting applications now, and I encourage eligible businesses who are interested to apply.”
The NCSBE program mirrors the NC Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Small Business Enterprise Program. NCDOT’s program provides small businesses with opportunities to earn road construction and maintenance contracts.
To participate in the NCSBE program, businesses must meet specific eligibility requirements and complete an online application form, which is available on the NC HUB website. The application is open to both HUB certified and non-HUB certified firms.
All NCSBE program participants must:
- Be an independent for-profit business headquartered in the state of North Carolina
- Be a business with up to 100 employees (including but not limited to, sole proprietorships, home based businesses, and independent contractors)
- Not have annual revenues exceeding $1,500,000
To learn more about the NCSBE Program, visit the NC HUB Office website for details.
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About NC Department of Administration
Established in 1957, the North Carolina Department of Administration acts as the business manager for North Carolina state government. Under the leadership of Secretary Pamela Brewington Cashwell since appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in 2021, the department oversees government operations and advocacy programs. The department's advocacy programs provide advocacy, assistance and services to diverse segments of the state's population that have been traditionally underserved.
About the NC Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses
Housed within the North Carolina Department of Administration, the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) serves to promote the economic opportunities for historically underutilized businesses in State Government contracting and procurement that will foster their growth and profitability. HUB was established on April 20, 1999 through the signing of Executive Order 150.
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