SBA Mississippi statewide application & destination HUBZone conferences

This is a news release from the Mississippi Small Business Administration.

In national and statewide efforts, the Mississippi SBA is currently seeking firms that may be eligible for its 8(a) and HUBZone Programs for two primary purposes: To increase applications and to expand the number and types of businesses certificated in these highly sought-after federal programs.

JACKSON, MS (WDAM) - Businesses interested are asked to attend conferences scheduled on Wednesday, July 1^st at the Mississippi e-Center @ JSU located at 1230 Raymond Road in Jackson, MS. The 8(a) Application Conference will occur 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (sign-in at 8:00 a.m.) and the Destination HUBZone Conference is scheduled 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (registration at 1:30 p.m.). Both events will take place in the Convention Hall.

"We are certain that there are far more companies in Mississippi that are eligible for SBA's 8(a) Business

Development and HUBZone Contracting Programs than the number of firms currently or previously certified" says Janita R. Stewart, SBA Mississippi District Director. "Our intent here is to substantially increase the total number of firms operating in various business industries in our state that may be eligible for these programs to apply and hopefully get approved. There are missed opportunities occurring in our state when we do not have the types of firms in our portfolio that the federal government is seeking to provide contracts, particularly 8(a). Not only is the total number of firms currently certified in Mississippi down, but on a national basis as well."

The federal government is the world's largest buyer of goods and services with

$213.2 million* in goods and services purchased from Mississippi 8(a) and HUBZone certified small businesses in 2014. These conferences are solely for Mississippi firms interested in certifying their business as 8(a) and/or HUBZone, as well as Mississippi HUBZone firms interested in recertification. In addition to other eligibility criteria, those pursuing 8(a) must be organized for profit, at least 51% owned/controlled/managed by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, and in business for a minimum of two years. Also, those pursuing HUBZone certification must have their principal place of business located in a designated HUBZone in Mississippi (please visit

www.sba.gov/hubzone

to view the HUBZone map) must be organized for profit and meet the 35% minimum employee residency requirement in a HUBZone.

Space is limited, so pre-register online today at:

8(a) Application Conference

http://www.eventbrite.com/o/jacksonmssbagov-7746052449?s=37419802

Destination HUBZone Conference

http://www.eventbrite.com/o/jacksonmssbagov-7746052449?s=38416250

Or go online at

https://www.sba.gov/content/mississippi-8a-and-hubzone-conference

Call the SBA Mississippi District Office at (601) 965-4378, ext. 17, 13, or 14 if you have questions.