For a limited time, owners of small businesses previously certified under the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) can become certified in the NC Small Business Enterprise Program (NCSBE) through a streamlined approval process.
Businesses that were HUB certified on July 7, 2026, can log into the state's electronic vendor portal through November 30 to verify that they meet the current criteria for the state’s NCSBE program. Once they submit the simple attestation, the owner will immediately be sent confirmation that their organization is NCSBE certified.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our state, and they deserve a seat at the table for government work,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Gabriel J. Esparza. “We want to encourage more small businesses to join this program to learn about contracting opportunities and to encourage more government agencies to work with small businesses.”
North Carolina is home to 1.1 million small businesses that employ 1.8 million people—44% of the state’s workforce—and account for 99.6% of all North Carolina businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. The NCSBE program helps small businesses compete for state contracts. It is currently open to any for-profit business headquartered in North Carolina with 100 or fewer employees and an annual net income that does not exceed $1,500,000, after cost of goods sold is deducted.
To apply for certification, visit the NC DOA Small Business Enterprise Program website.
As of July 7, when the state legislature eliminated the 27-year-old program as part of the state budget, approximately 6,000 businesses were HUB certified. HUB businesses were thoroughly vetted when they applied for HUB certification, and many of them are likely to meet NCSBE certification criteria. This time-limited opportunity provides a simple, streamlined process for former HUB vendors who meet NCSBE criteria to quickly become certified.
Sec. Esparza and other leaders from the NC Department of Administration remain committed to supporting and creating opportunities for all small businesses and have been seeking input from small business owners and advocates as we reimagine the future of the Small Business Enterprise Program. State officials partnered with local legislators and business leaders to host a series of community meetings to better understand the needs of those companies who want to compete for state contract work. DOA also is soliciting input through an online feedback portal and periodic roundtable discussions with subject matter experts as the department explores how to best support small businesses across North Carolina.
“When small businesses thrive, families, communities, and our entire economy benefit,” explained Esparza. “We’re taking this opportunity to reconsider how the state can best support small businesses that are eager to work with government.”
The NCSBE Program is housed within DOA’s Division of Purchase and Contract which leads the state’s procurement services.
For more information, visit the NC DOA Small Business Enterprise Program website.