National Entrepreneurship Month

Earlier this month, the President declared November National Entrepreneurship Month. At NASA, our small business entrepreneurs are the backbone to the Agency’s mission. We took the time to speak to two of our Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) partners to find out how they are supporting their community and paving the way for new entrepreneurs while doing important work, creating jobs and driving America forward. The first company, Summit Technologies & Solutions, Inc. is featured below. Stay tuned for part two later this week.

Summit Technologies & Solutions, Inc.

What is your company doing to support the surrounding HUBZone community?

We support the HUBZone communities in which our employees reside in several ways.  Wherever possible, we patronize the various businesses located within the HUBZones in which we operate.  We support the HUBZone Council and other organizations that advocate for both the HUBZone program and the communities which we serve.  Most importantly, Summit subsidizes, encourages, and supports employees who donate money to and volunteer for charities.

What benefits or challenges have you seen in hiring from a HUBZone area?

The benefits we have seen include the diversity and enthusiasm brought to the work place by our HUBZone employees.  In addition, the appreciation of our HUBZone employees shines through as many of them could not make ends meet without the additional income they earn from working for Summit.  Being a part of improving the lives of those most in need provides a sense of pride and satisfaction that is hard to quantify in words. The challenges we have seen include finding people who could most use the benefits the HUBZone program provides, supporting training and employment efforts, and encouraging employees to live, work, and help these HUBZone areas improve economically. 

What are the challenges you face in keeping your HUBZone certification?

Because of our involvement in the HUBZone communities we are a part of, we do not run into the typical challenges that other companies might experience.  We have a large database of HUBZone employees and our current HUBZone employees are our best marketing and recruiting tool for other qualified HUBZone employees through their efforts.  One challenge that is always present is remaining cost competitive while still keeping the 35% HUBZone requirement. 

How do you track employee residences in order to comply with the HUBZone certification?
Summit has strict policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with the HUBZone certification requirements at all times.  These policies include regular review of the current HUBZone maps, continual verification of employee status, and close monitoring of changes to the regulations governing HUBZone companies.