Owner of Newark Information Technology Company Honored as SBA’s 2015 NJ Minority Small Business Person of the Year

NEWARK, NJ – Robert Cottingham, Jr, founder and CEO of Sabre88, a Newark-based consulting and IT company was named the recipient of U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2015 New Jersey Minority Small Business Person of the Year, it was announced today.

The announcement was made at SBA’s Annual Small Business Week Awards Reception hosted by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey at the State Museum in Trenton. In making the announcement, New Jersey District Director, Al. Titone .said that Cottingham, an African-American was selected for the award based on criteria that include the company’s Overall Financial Strength, Growth in Sales and Profits, Growth in Number of Employees, and Participation in Community and Charitable Events.

Six years ago, Cottingham started the business from his home. Today, his company has offices in Newark and provides IT and Telecommunications support to government agencies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Navy among other clients. Sabre88 currently employ 32 fulltime employees and annual revenue in excess of $2 million.

A turning point for Cottingham came in 2011, when Sabre88 became an SBA certified 8(a) company. According to Titone, the 8(a) Program is an essential instrument for helping socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to federal contracting opportunities.

Participants of the program can receive sole-source contracts, up to a ceiling of $4 million for goods and services and $6.5 million for manufacturing. While we help 8(a) firms build their competitive and institutional know-how, we also encourage them to participate in competitive acquisitions, said Titone. We believe that contracting is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to create jobs in this country and inner cities like Newark.

Minority small business owners play an essential part in contributing to both our national and local economy, said Titone. I am here to tell you that the American dream does exist for those who have innovative businesses and are willing to work hard to achieve success, We’re just so pleased to be celebrating National Small Business Week (May 4-8) and recognizing the achievements and success of Bob Cottingham and Sabre88.

Contact: Harry Menta (973) 645-6064 (SBA)
Cell Phone: (201) 675-6309Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news