Successful small business initiative helps jumpstart economic growth in high unemployment and low-income communities

Washington, DC - 12^th District Congressman John Barrow (D-GA), Ranking Member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Enterprise, Agriculture, and Technology, has signed on as the newest member of the bipartisan Congressional HUBZone Caucus.

The Caucus works to improve the "Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program," created in 1997 to help identify and assist qualified American-owned small businesses operating in economically distressed communities.  HUBZones help strengthen local communities by directing federal contracting opportunities to designated small businesses within these regions - creating new jobs, fostering economic development, and attracting private investment.

"Small businesses are not only the engine of our economy, but they are also the backbone of many local communities," Barrow said.  "The HUBZone initiative improves the quality of life for millions of Americans by helping breathe new life into areas that have historically struggled to compete economically."  

According to the Small Business Administration, there are over 8,000 HUBZones throughout the United States.  The zones are selected based on criteria such as average wage and unemployment rate.  When the program is fully implemented, an estimated $7 billion in annual federal contracts will be rewarded to HUBZone regions. 

For a small business to compete for a HUBZone contract, it must be located in a "historically underutilized business zone," owned and operated by at least one US Citizen, and have no less than 35% of its employees residing in a designated HUBZone.  Currently, there are 42 HUBZone certified businesses operating in Georgia's 12^th Congressional District.    

To learn more about the Small Business Administration HUBZones, log onto: https://eweb1.sba.gov/hubzone/internet/.

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Contact: Harper Lawson, (202) 225-2823

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