What is a HUB?

HUB stands for Historically Underutilized Business. The State of North Carolina defines that as a business where 51 percent of the business is owned by, and the daily management and business operations are controlled by, one of the following:

• Black, Hispanic, Asian American or American Indian
• Female
• Socially and Economically Disadvantaged
• Disabled

All businesses that seek to qualify as a HUB must be certified through the Statewide Uniform Certification Program administered by the N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses. A business wishing to become HUB certified may apply free of charge to the N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses. HUB vendors must identify themselves as such on GCS Vendor Application form and forward a copy of the certification to the Purchasing Department. 

Who is considered a minority?

 The term “minority person”, as defined in North Carolina G.S. 143-128, means an individual who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and who is Asian American, Black, Female, Hispanic, Native American, disabled or socially disadvantaged. The term "socially and economically disadvantaged individual" is defined in 15 U.S.C. 637.

"Minority businesses" are defined in North Carolina General Statutes 143-128 as businesses in which at least 51% percent ownership is held by one or more minority persons or by individuals defined as socially and economically disadvantaged. 

The U.S. government defines “socially and economically disadvantaged” individuals under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637) as follows:

• Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity as a member of a group without regard to their individual qualities.
  
• Economically disadvantaged individuals are those socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same business area who are not socially disadvantaged. In determining the degree of diminished credit and capital opportunities the Administration shall consider, but not be limited to, the assets and net worth of such socially disadvantaged individual.

Senate Bill 914  

Senate Bill 914 was enacted by the State Legislature to encourage the use of good faith efforts by all state universities and public entities in the recruitment and selection of minority firms to reach a 10% minimum participation level on public sector construction projects.