DOA's Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) exists to empower small and minority businesses as they engage in the state's procurement process — businesses like Argentum Translations; a small, women-owned, Hispanic-owned certified HUB firm located in Asheville, North Carolina.
Argentum Translations — run by co-owner/CEOs Cynthia and Paula Penovi, who are identical twins — offers extensive translation, localization and transcreation services. More than just utilizing bilinguals, the company requires its linguists to have certifications or degrees in the their field, saying it leads to better translation work.
During public crises, they prove invaluable as state and local agencies work to ensure information is widely available for all residents.
"This past year we had the privilege of helping [Buncombe] County translate documents for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees fleeing conflict," said Cynthia Penovi. "During the global COVID pandemic, our involvement in public sector projects allowed us to translate crucial information into multiple languages, ensuring that all residents had equal access to vital updates and instructions related to the pandemic. This included translating public health guidelines, safety protocols and vaccination information, enabling non-native English speakers to stay informed and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their loved ones."
Argentum Translations is both NCSBE and HUB certified. Certification as an NCSBE or NC Small Business Enterprise is race and gender neutral, obtainable by any NC business which is under employee and net income requirements.
HUB certification is obtainable by any NC business majority-owned by historically underutilized groups. This certification is also known as Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC), as it has the added benefit of requiring recognition not just by the state of North Carolina, but all local county and city governments in the state.
Beyond recognition, HUB and NCSBE certifications have codified benefits. North Carolina law directs state-funded construction projects to have a goal of at least 10% HUB participation, and it also encourages and promotes the use of HUB and NCSBE firms in goods and services procurement.
According to the HUB Office, Argentum Translations is one of over 500 certified Hispanic HUB firms. In the previous fiscal year, Hispanic HUB firms received over $44 million in NC public sector projects.
"We believe the HUB certification has been instrumental in our success because it opened doors to valuable partnerships with government entities in our area, such as Buncombe County and the City of Asheville," Penovi said. "By obtaining this certification, women-owned, minority-owned, and small businesses like ours can break through barriers, expand their reach, and thrive in today's competitive landscape. Not only does it demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion, but it also allows us to contribute to the growth and development of our state and local governments through our language services."
DOA, through the Division of Purchase & Contract, works to ensure government procurement is open, fair, competitive and transparent. Through their work in translation, the Penovis offer something similar; a service which can grant equal access and fair treatment for residents of all languages.
"Our company was born as an initiative to break down language barriers for our community and build strong linguistic and cultural bridges so that everybody can communicate as if they spoke the same language and shared the same culture," Penovi said. "By providing translation services, we empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to fully participate in society, whether by accessing healthcare, legal services, educational materials, or government programs. Our HUB certification helps us access government contracts and procurement opportunities to expand our outreach and helps us establish credibility and build relationships within the public sector."
For more information on the state's resources for underutilized businesses, visit the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses website.