Small businesses in Star Valley that have interest in filling government contracts are invited to attend the HUBZone Training scheduled for Wednesday, March 27 from 6-7 p.m. in the Afton Civic Center.  Wyoming’s Small Business Administration will share information and resources about expanding small business to include fulfillment of government contracts.

According to literature about the event, “the US government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services, in both large and small quantities, and the government works to make sure small businesses get at least 23% of all federal contracting dollars. Government Contracting is a great way to diversify your Avenues and customer base.”

Businesses that qualify through Census Tract 9781 in Lincoln County, which designates Governor Gordon’s HUBZone for 2024, could qualify for preferential business contracts.

Drew James, a business development specialist for the SBA Wyoming District Office, visited with Duke Dance on the SVI Radio Network, discussing his plans for the training and how it can benefit small businesses in Star Valley.

“I work with a lot of small businesses throughout the state,” said James. “We work closely with our resource partners, The Small Business Development Center, and The Women’s Business Center. We specialize in getting businesses into the programs that can establish a government contract to help them boost their sales, their revenue and to completely expand their business.”

HUBZone represents Historically Underutilized Business. Businesses must meet certain criteria, and Governor Gordon has commissioned the SBA to provide training in an effort to support small businesses throughout the Census Tract in completing the training necessary to acquire those contracts.

“So now, we’re here to take advantage of that to get the word out to businesses and show them how they can take advantage of that program,” said James.  “We’ll cover what government contracts are available and how a company can search them out.”

In the training, James will discuss how to get into the HUBZone program and how to meet criteria required to stay in the program. Businesses receive many benefits by participating in the HUBZone program.

“The government buys a wide array of products and services,” said James.  “Anything from janitorial services to large construction projects. So, the best thing….is to come to the training and sit down with us” to see what kind of contracts are offered for businesses that provide specific goods and services in Wyoming.

For businesses that qualify, “the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones and gives a preferential consideration to those businesses in full and open competition.  Come to learn what it means and whether your business will qualify to potentially obtain an advantage in Government Contracting.