BRUNSWICK

SaviLinx LLC, a company that provides business process outsourcing, recently received HUBZone certification for its Brunswick Landing location by the Small Business Administration. Qualifying for the Historically Underutilized Business Zone program allows SaviLinx to apply for a new class of government contracts.

“Achieving HUBZone certification was a key component of our business strategy since day one because government contracts are typically long term and allow us to offer fulltime, high-paying jobs. We are thrilled to have successfully navigated this process over the last few years,” said founder and CEO, Heather D. Blease in an email to The Times Record. “It’s going to mean great things for SaviLinx, to our workforce, and to the entire region.”

The company collaborated with Maine’s congressional delegation to have parts of HUBZone requirements — specifically, that 35 percent of the workforce had to live on site. Alison Harris, the media representative for the company, said as there is no housing on the base, SaviLinx was not eligible because of this condition. Working with the four members of Maine’s congressional delegation the requirement was altered and the map was expanded, allowing SaviLinx to submit an application.

“Brunswick Landing is quickly becoming a hub of economic activity in the Midcoast region, and this growth is being led by innovative businesses like SaviLinx,” said Sen. Susan Collins, RMaine, in a written statement. “I was proud to champion legislation that expanded HUBZone eligibility for small businesses located on former military bases. With this certification, SaviLinx is well positioned to create more jobs for Mainers and continue to grow its business.”

SaviLinx, founded in 2013, has grown tremendously in four years, employing about 375 people in Maine and Mississippi.

Blease was raised in Brunswick, and when the Navy base closed in 2011, she was concerned how its departure would impact the community, according to Harris. Now, the prospering business has had some particularly favorable weeks recently, with Blease’s recognition by the Washington D.C. based U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and a certification issued by the Small Business Administration that allows the company to compete for additional government contracts.

The company provides business process outsourcing — for example, one of SaviLinx customers is a government entity, and if an employee has a question about their health insurance benefits, they will call SaviLinx instead of the employer, or with a floral business, their customers call with questions about an order.

jlaaka@timesrecord.com