Hudson County officials want small businesses to be more involved in their business.

The county freeholders have approved an ordinance that will dedicate 10 percent county contracts to minority-, women-, veteran-owned businesses. Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise called the set-aside program, which went into effect Jan. 1, the first of its kind in Hudson County and the state.

County officials estimate that $3.4 million will be available as part of the new program, which will provide access to procurement opportunities of $40,000 or less.

"The freeholders and my administration believe this ordinance will open doors for businesses that may not have the capacity to bid for large contracts, but who have the qualifications, expertise and means to provide county departments and agencies with much-needed goods, services and construction," DeGise said in a statement.

He noted that the set-aside program will make it easier for businesses to gain contracts with the county and will also expedite the delivery of goods and services to the county.

To qualify for the Hudson County set-aside program, businesses must have their principal places of business in New Jersey, and be independently owned and operated with at least 51 percent of ownership and operation controlled by a minority group member, a woman or veteran, or be a New Jersey-based, independently owned and operated small business.

These businesses must hold a valid and current certification as a Minority (MBE), Woman (WBE), Veteran (VBE) or Small Business (SBE) Enterprise, officials said. Eligible businesses must also register on the Hudson County Purchasing Portal at www.hudsoncountynjprocure.org.

Under the set-aside ordinance, the Hudson County Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise (OMWBE) will assist small businesses for participation in the program. The OMWBE may be contacted via email at OMWBEinfo@hcnj.us or by calling 201-395-6267.

"This is a win-win for the small businesses and for Hudson County," DeGise said. "We hope all of Hudson's minority-, woman- and veteran-owned and small businesses will investigate and register to be a part of this ground-breaking set-aside program."

The Hudson County set-aside program ordinance may be viewed and downloaded by going to www.hudsoncountynj.org/about-omwbe.

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