News

The N. C. Office of Economic Recovery and Investment (OERI) today announced the implementation of a statewide awareness campaign targeted to historically underutilized businesses (HUBs), including minority and small businesses. The four-month campaign will reach out to these groups through workshops and the use of a variety of communication vehicles to impart information and offer help with navigation of the various funding opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Through Executive Order 13, “Support for Historically Underutilized Businesses” www.governor.state.nc.us/NewsItems/ExecutiveOrderDetail.aspx?newsItemID=438  Governor Bev Perdue addresses the importance of providing opportunities to small and historically underutilized businesses when awarding state contracts and procuring goods and services in a variety of areas, including transportation and construction. “It’s critical that small businesses and HUBs in North Carolina have access to funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for job creation and other opportunities,” said Governor Perdue.

OERI has retained BTA Public Relations, Inc. to conduct the outreach campaign. BTA Public Relations, Inc. is Raleigh-based and has extensive experience working with state government agencies. The budget for this contract is not to exceed $110,000. OERI Director Dempsey Benton said, “This outreach campaign promotes full participation in vital Recovery opportunities by North Carolina businesses by seeking out small and historically underutilized businesses that otherwise might not be included in this historic effort.”    

Planned workshops and training programs will allow HUBs an opportunity to ask questions one-on-one and receive guidance on proper application for funds. Workshops will be held in Charlotte, Hickory, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Salisbury, Williamston and Wilmington. The first workshop will be held in Williamston on July 15 at Northeast Technology & Business Center, 415 E. Blvd., Williamston. All workshops run from 9:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.

While the workshops are aimed at HUBs and other small businesses, larger contracting organizations, associations and advocates will also benefit from the workshops.

This outreach effort will include direct contact with HUBs and small businesses with the aim of increasing participation and promoting proper preparation for application to participate in Recovery programs. Telephone support and assistance will be available through a support line (1-888-833-5003).

Further information is available at www.ncrecovery.gov or through BTA Public Relations, Inc. (1-888-833-5003) or the N. C. Office of Economic Recovery and Investment (919-733-1433).