SFA VetHUB Program

Do Business

The SFA HUB Program was updated in accordance with emergency basis amendments to §20.281; §20.282; §20.284; §20.285; §20.288; §20.294; §20.295; §20.296; and §20.298 adopted by The Comptroller of Public Accounts. These emergency rules are effective December 2, 2025.

The university is committed to making a good faith effort to increase business with Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUB) by contracting directly with VetHUBs or indirectly through subcontracting opportunities, and ensuring that all vendors, including VetHUBs, receive full and equal opportunity to participate in contracting opportunities.

Lacey Bradshaw, Contracting Specialist II, is the official HUB Coordinator and is assisted by other Procurement staff. Kay Johnson, Associate Vice President for Finance, oversees the administration of the VetHUB Program.

VetHUB Certification Process

The first step to becoming certified by the State of Texas as a Veteran Heroes United in Business is determining whether your company meets the requirements for VetHUB Certification.

A VetHUB should meet the following criteria:

  • An applicant owner must provide proof of 51 percent ownership and control of the day-to-day operation of the business. The owner must be an economically disadvantaged person and meet eligibility as a:
    • Service-Disabled Veteran with a service-related disability of 20% or greater.

The applicant/owner must:

  • prove control of the day-to-day operations, and
  • hold company title equivalent to ownership and control requirements.

The applicant business must:

  • be primarily based in Texas,
  • prove its principal place of business is in Texas, and
  • be a for-profit entity that has not exceeded the size standard prescribed by 34 TAC §20.294.

If you believe your business meets these requirements, a VetHUB certification application must be completed and submitted to the Texas Statewide VetHUB System. If you need assistance in completing the forms, you may contact the SFA HUB coordinator at 936.468.4412.

For more information, visit the State of Texas Veteran Heroes United in Business website. 

VetHUB Mentor-Protégé Program

The goal of Stephen F. Austin State University’s VetHUB Mentor-Protégé Program is to build effective working relationships between leaders of mature, established companies and emerging Veteran Heroes United in Business (VetHUBs) in order for the latter to benefit from the knowledge and experience of the established firm.

The purpose of the Mentor-Protégé program is to identify and overcome barriers that typically inhibit or restrict the success of Veteran Heroes United in Businesses by encouraging relationships with other businesses, thereby increasing the ability of Veteran Heroes United in Business to contract with state agencies or receive subcontracts under state agency contracts. 

Participation in the Mentor-Protégé program is voluntary on both part of the mentor and the protégé and is neither a guarantee for contract opportunity nor a promise of business. 

If you are interested in participating as either a mentor or protégé, contact the SFA HUB coordinator in Procurement and Business Services or visit the VetHUB Mentor Protégé Program website. 

Mentor-Protégé Agreement

The Mentor-Protégé Agreement is a document drawn between the mentor and protégé detailing the nature of the relationship for the purpose of SFA sponsorship. By working together in regularly scheduled meetings, mentors focus on developing protégés' business plans, and implementing the actions necessary to obtain results reflected in the Mentor-Protégé sample agreement.

Mentor Eligibility

A mentor firm is a larger, well-established and successful company that is willing to unselfishly commit time and resources to teach, develop and grow a small business that is ready to take the next step toward growth and success. Consideration of eligibility will include, but not be limited to, completion of an application and the following:

  • Registration with the State of Texas Centralized Master Bidders List,
  • Previous mentoring experience and prior work history,
  • Ability to provide developmental guidance in areas identified by the protégé, and
  • "Good Standing" in doing business with the State of Texas.

Protégé Eligibility

A protégé firm is a smaller company with a vision and qualifications for growth, but needs the environment in which to learn more about their industry and/or successful ways to promote growth from within. Consideration of eligibility will include, but not be limited to, completion of an application and the following:

  • Eligibility and willingness to obtain VetHUB certification under the State of Texas VetHUB Program. Protégé must be certified prior to SPD listing the Mentor Protégé Agreement on the official list.
  • Business in operation for at least one year,
  • Desire to participate with a mentoring firm,
  • Ability to identify the type of guidance needed for business development, and
  • "Good Standing" in doing business with the State of Texas.