Quick answer: The 2026 North Carolina state budget eliminated the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB). Since July 7, 2026, state contracts no longer recognize HUB certification. The race- and gender-neutral NC Small Business Enterprise (NCSBE) program continues under the Division of Purchase & Contract. Existing contracts stay in effect, and small businesses can still bid on state work through the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP).

For more than two decades, "HUB certified" was shorthand in North Carolina procurement. Agencies, universities, and prime contractors used it to find and count small, minority-owned, and women-owned vendors. That changed this summer. If you buy services for a state agency, a local government, or a nonprofit with public funding, here's what changed, based on the NC Department of Administration's published guidance.

What happened to HUB?

According to the NC Department of Administration, the state budget enacted in July 2026 eliminated the HUB Office. HUB programs and services ended July 7, 2026. The NC Small Business Enterprise (NCSBE) program moved to the Division of Purchase & Contract.

What changed for buyers

• State contracts: HUB certifications are no longer recognized.

• Local governments: The Statewide Uniform Business Certification remains valid with participating local and city governments until its expiration date, unless they announce otherwise. Check with each local purchasing office.

• Existing contracts: They remain in effect unless the awarding agency says otherwise.

• Participation goals: DOA says state agencies will continue to comply with applicable procurement laws and policies. Ask your purchasing office how that applies to your solicitations.

What is NCSBE certification?

The NC Small Business Enterprise program is race- and gender-neutral and focuses on contracting opportunities for North Carolina small businesses. DOA offered a streamlined NCSBE certification from October 26 to November 30, 2026 for businesses that were HUB certified as of July 7, 2026 and meet three criteria:

• Headquartered in North Carolina

• Annual net income no greater than $1.5 million

• 100 or fewer employees

DOA says updated application and renewal instructions for NCSBE will follow as the program settles into Purchase & Contract.

How agencies can still find small vendors

1. Search the state's vendor directory. The eVP vendor search lists registered vendors. DOA also published a list of firms that were HUB certified as of July 7, 2026.

2. Post opportunities where small firms look. Small businesses watch eVP solicitations. Clear scopes, realistic timelines, and reasonable insurance requirements bring in more small-business bids.

3. Ask for the certifications you need by name. NCSBE, local government certifications, and federal programs tied to federal funding each have their own rules. Name the one your funding source requires.

4. Split large creative projects into clear pieces. A year of public meeting livestreams, a PSA campaign, and event photography can be separate scopes, which lets specialized local firms compete.

Where 180º Productions stands

180º Productions is a minority-owned video production, livestreaming, and photography company based in Charlotte. We are NCSBE certified, a certified DBE/MBE, NC DOT SPSF certified, and a registered Mecklenburg County vendor. Before July 2026 we held NC HUB certification. We've produced public-sector work including a public health and transportation equity video series and public service announcements.

If your agency is planning video, livestreaming, or photography work, our government and public sector video page covers what we do, and our strategic guide for North Carolina agencies covers how to plan public communication video.

Frequently asked questions

Can small businesses still bid on North Carolina state contracts?

Yes. DOA's guidance says eligible businesses can keep pursuing state contracts through the state's procurement systems.

Is my vendor's HUB certificate still useful?

Not for state contracts. It may still be accepted by participating local governments until it expires, so check with the local purchasing office.

Who answers questions about NCSBE?

DOA lists the NCSBE program contact at [email protected].

Talk to us about your next public-sector project

Contact 180º Productions or call (704) 277-2818. We can provide certification documents and references for your procurement file.

Based on NC Department of Administration guidance published as of November 11, 2026. This is general information, not legal or procurement advice. Confirm current requirements with your purchasing office.