Historically Underutilized Business

Vendor Outreach Coordinator for Tarrant County

M. Teresa Lobacz

Phone: 817-884-1132 - Direct

Phone: 817-884-1414 - Purchasing Main Number

HUB Defined

A HUB is defined as an entity where at least 51 percent of business owners are economically disadvantaged persons of a qualifying group including: Black American, Hispanic American, Native American Indian, Asian Pacific American, and/or American Woman.
 
Tarrant County is dedicated to maximizing opportunities for HUB firms to provide materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to support the County.

Program Goals

The Tarrant County Commissioners Court, being the policy development and budgetary control unit of county government, will strive to ensure that all businesses, regardless of size, economic, social or ethnic status have an equal opportunity to participate in the County’s procurement processes.  The County is committed to promote full and equal business opportunity for all businesses to supply the goods and services needed to support the mission and operations of county government, and seeks to encourage the use of certified historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) through the use of race, ethnic and gender neutral means.  It is the policy of Tarrant County to involve certified HUBs to the greatest extent feasible in the County’s procurement of goods, equipment, services and construction projects while maintaining competition and quality of work standards.  The County affirms the good faith efforts of firms who recognize and practice similar business standards.

How to Become Certified

There are different types of certifications available -- these certifications vary based on federal, state, and local regulations. First, identify your target market. Then, contact the entity you wish to work with and ask what specific certifications they accept.

HUB Programs and Events

Local HUB programs and events are a great way to keep informed, learn about new business opportunities, and network with other business people. Click the links below to search for webinars and events in the greater DFW area.

NOTE: the SBA link listed below can be searched by zip code to help find events in a particular region or area

• Tarrant County Vendor Events
• SBA (Small Business Association) - Event Schedule
  
• RBCA (Regional Black Contractors Association) - Event Schedule
• RHCA (Regional Hispanic Contractors Association) - Event Schedule
• FWHCC (Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) - Event Schedule
• NAMC (National Association of Minority Contractors) - Event Schedule