Texas HUB Certification Ends for Women and Minority-Owned Firms, Federal DBE Changes Also Reshape How Small Businesses Compete
- Tashara Parker
- 35 minutes ago
- 3 min read
DALLAS — Before diving into the details, watch our full conversation with certification expert Angela Alexander on The Tashara Parker Show on YouTube. Her insights will help you better understand what’s at stake and what comes next.
Texas women- and minority-owned businesses are facing a seismic shift in access to state contracts after emergency changes were made to the state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program.
Angela Alexander, executive director of the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA), said the rule change has eliminated gender and racial qualifications from the HUB program, effectively decertifying thousands of businesses across the state.
“Both women and minority designation — they moved to a gender- and race-neutral requirement for the HUB program,” Alexander said.
The overhaul comes after Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock issued emergency rules in early December that restructure the HUB program into a new system prioritizing veteran-owned firms. As a result, over 97% of firms that previously qualified under HUB guidelines have lost eligibility.
“The impact is real. Particularly in terms of the uncertainties that exist and the timing that’s associated with it,” Alexander said.“Strong firms are still strong firms. However, they’re looking at the challenges of navigating more complex systems.”
While the state-level changes grabbed headlines, similar shifts are taking place at the federal level. New federal rules for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs went into effect in October 2025.
Under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s revised guidance, business owners must now submit a personal narrative and financial statements to demonstrate social and economic disadvantage — without referencing race or gender.
“It removed the presumption based on race and gender completely. Eligibility is now individualized and evidence-based,” Alexander said.“This triggered mandatory re-evaluations of DBE and ACDBE firms nationwide.”
According to Alexander, misinformation about the updates has caused confusion.
“They want to know: ‘Have I been decertified?’ And what’s critical is for all DBE-certified firms to know — they have not been decertified,” she said.“Our responsibility is lawful implementation — not speculation.”
She emphasized that existing contracts remain in place but stressed the importance of compliance, documentation and awareness moving forward.
“Certification is what validates you. You’re validating that you are socially and economically disadvantaged by 51% of those who are owned, have certain income and size standards, and you have NAICS codes,” Alexander said.
NCTRCA, a partner agency of the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP), has offered resources to help impacted firms stay competitive.
“We want the re-evaluation process to be fully based on transparency, consistency, and documentation safeguards. Everyone’s going to be evaluated the same way and by the same statutes,” Alexander said.
Despite the changes, local opportunities still exist. Alexander pointed to Dallas County, DFW Airport and the North Texas Tollway Authority as entities continuing to provide business certifications and project access to small firms.
“DFW Airport has provided local certifications to allow small businesses to still compete for millions of dollars worth of projects,” she said.“Mountains are not new. You just have to learn how to climb differently.”
Looking ahead, Alexander offered words of encouragement to women and minority business owners.
“Stay steady. Stay steadfast. And be encouraged,” she said.“There’s still good business to be had. There’s still good things to do in this country. And you’re needed. And you’re valued. And we’re here.”
For more information on certification eligibility and reevaluation, visit www.nctrca.org.
📥 Know a woman-owned business in Texas that needs this info?
📺 Watch Angela’s full interview on The Tashara Parker Show
🗣️ Share this article with a business owner who needs to see it. Keep the conversation loud.