Mid Hudson Times Aug. 15 2018 | Page 3

3 Mid Hudson Times, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 HUBZone Program to boost small businesses By KATELYN CORDERO [email protected] On Monday the City of Newburgh hosted a workshop to teach small businesses how they can become a HUBZone company, to be contracted by the federal government. The program boosts small businesses and local employment by giving HUBZone companies priority in federal contracts. Ellen Fillo, Newburgh Community Development Director acknowledges that the number of HUBZone companies in Newburgh are not enough. Fillo hopes the workshops will increase interest in the program and help small businesses to prosper in Newburgh. HUBZone or Historically Underutilized Business Zones exist all over the country. Jennifer Krottinger, a Business Opportunity Specialist came to the Newburgh Heritage Center to give a workshop on becoming a HUBZone company. This initiative by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) began in 1998 with the HUBZone Empowerment Act created by Congress. A HUBZone company is a small business that operates Jennifer Krottinger traveled to Newburgh to explain the process of signing up to become a HUBZone Company. and hires its employees from a historically underutilized zone. Newburgh is one of these areas. Any kind of company that can be contracted by the federal government is eligible to become a HUBZone company. Fillo is fighting the misconception that this program is only for specific industries. “These workshops are to inspire local entrepreneurs,” said City Manager Michael G. Ciaravino. “We want to give them a strong viable business plan. It helps to give them a certain structure and network looking to provide opportunity to have successful networking.” HUBZone company owner Glenn Smith hopes to create a network of HUBZone companies in the area. He is founder and managing partner of GFS Design Group in Peekskill. His company has prospered under the program, he plans to open another HUBZone company in Newburgh. “The benefits are great,” said Smith. “They give you an advisor that will walk you through everything and hold your hand through the entire process.” This workshop is one of many hosted by the city. The meetings are held in Spanish and English for all business owners in the community to participate and learn more about the opportunities available to them. The next workshop will be held on August 26 at 12 p.m. for more information contact Ellen Fillo at efillo@ cityofnewburgh-ny.gov. ELECT J U D GE M I K E MARTINELLI S U P R E M E C O U R T J U S T I C E 9 TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT WESTCHESTER - ROCKLAND - PUTNAM - DUTCHESS - ORANGE JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE H 22 years as Yonkers City Court Judge hearing thousands of matters H Past 10 years as Administrative Chief Judge H Sitting as a Westchester County Court Judge resolving felony cases H A pioneer in the implementation of the Yonkers Drug Court PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT JUDGE MARTINELLI KEEP EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR YOU! VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN Tuesday, November 6 th — JudgeMikeMartinelli.com | JUDGE FIRM BUT FAIR — [email protected] | @JudgeMikeMartinelli