Section 3 Certification Handbook Provides Wealth of Resources for Small Businesses

Section 3 HandbookOn Wednesday, January 13th, Regional Housing Legal Services (RHLS) celebrated the kickoff of the Montgomery County Section 3 Business Certification program at the Community Room in the Willow Grove, PA GIANT Food Store.

Thank you to all who attended for your thoughtful questions and comments, enthusiasm, and commitment to the economic opportunities provided through HUD’s Section 3.

With small businesses, general contractors, developers, and community development VIPs in attendance, Staff Attorneys Jack Stucker and Bob Damewood presented an overview of Section 3-related policies with the goal of benefiting local small businesses, general contractors and the developers that contract with them.

The RHLS Section 3 Business Certification Program is active in Allegheny and Montgomery Counties and certifies businesses that are owned by or provide substantial economic opportunities for low-income people. Certification as Section 3 eligible entitles businesses to a qualified contracting preference on HUD-funded development projects. Certified businesses are listed in a searchable online database that can be used by covered developers and contractors to identify eligible Section 3 Businesses.

With support from Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Housing Authority, our Section 3 handbook describes how Section 3 Certification can help small businesses and provides extensive listings for other certification opportunities and resources.

Download the RHLS Section 3 Business Certification Handbook

Apply for Section 3 Certification in Montgomery County.

Does your organization help small businesses in Montgomery County or the Greater Philadelphia Area? E-mail jstucker@rhls.org to have copies of the handbook mailed to your office or if you would like more information about the program.