The HUBZone program encourages economic development and employment growth in distressed areas by providing access to more federal contracting opportunities.

Meet and learn from Jonel Hein, Deputy District Director with the SBA.

Takeaways: HUBZone Program –

• How the HUBZone program works;
• Benefits from the HUBZone program;
• Eligibility for HUBZone certification.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

Jonel Hein, Deputy District Director U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District Office

Jonel Hein is Deputy District Director for the SBA’s South Florida District Office.

In her position, Mrs. Hein oversees the delivery of agency programs such as financial assistance, management counseling and business development throughout the South Florida area. She is responsible for the daily operation of the District office in Miami and two Alternate Work Sites in Tampa, FL and Ft. Pierce, FL.

Her focus is on building and maintaining a viable network of collaborative partnerships with small business stakeholders and serving as a local resource representing the SBA at significant engagements. Additionally, her responsibilities include advancing the SBA brand recognition through SBA initiatives, MOU’s and Strategic Partner Alliances. The South Florida District office services more than 1.2 million small businesses throughout the South Florida area that encompasses the 24 counties Southeast and Southwest of Orlando.

Mrs. Hein has been with the SBA for 27 years; serving as a Loan Officer for over 6 years. Prior to her civil service, she worked in consumer lending with several banks in Florida and Washington State for 4 years. She is married and has 4 sons.

CONTEXT

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.

CIC is located in a HUBZone, therefore CIC clients may qualify for this benefit. The federal government has a goal of awarding 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to HUBZone-certified small business concerns. The program’s benefits for HUBZone-certified companies include: - Competitive and sole source contracting - 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities.

If you are not a CIC client but you are in the area you are also welcome to join.