Macon County businesses have a unique opportunity to land millions of dollars worth of federal contracts each year. Macon County is identified as a HUBZone. The Historically Underutilized Business Zone classification allows businesses in these specially designated areas to be given preference when federal contracts are granted. Macon County is a designated HUBZone until 2010.

To qualify as a HUBZone bidder, businesses must be HUBZone certified. Certification is free to the business. Macon County businesses with up to 500 employees qualify to bid on all federal department and agency contracts. HUBZone certified businesses are giving preference in granting these contracts.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce will be offering a free workshop to assist local businesses in the certification process and bid process. Attendees will be able to complete their application for certification during the workshop. A second workshop to instruct certified businesses in the bidding process will be scheduled for later in the summer.

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, June 5, at 6 p.m. at the Southwestern Community College classrooms at the Franklin Courthouse. Contact Teresa Bouchonnet at 349-3878 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to register for this workshop. Bouchonnet is a Business Development Specialist. A limited number of spaces are available and pre-registration is required.