General Information
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) designates Historically Underutilized Business Zones, or HUBZones, based on a combination of unemployment and income, among other things. The purpose of the HUBZone Program is to assist qualified small business concerns located in HUBZones to increase employment opportunities, investment and economic development. With a goal of awarding at least three percent of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year, the program fuels small business growth in HUBZones.
Enter your address or find qualified areas on the SBA HUBZone map.
What the eligibility requirements for the program?
To qualify for the HUBZone Program, your business must:
- Be a small business according to SBA size standards ;
- Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe.
- Have its principal office (where the majority of employees work) located in a HUBZone; and
- Have at least 35 percent of its employees residing in a HUBZone.
Program Benefits
The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. DLA and other agencies also provide preferential consideration to HUBZone firms in unrestricted procurements. HUBZone-certified businesses –
- Are eligible to compete for HUBZone Program set-asides; and
- Receive a 10 percent price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.
Certification For the HUBZone Program
Before you can participate in the HUBZone program, you must be certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Review SBA’s Top Tips for HUBZone Certification (PDF) for more on how to get HUBZone certified.
Maintain HUBZone Certification
You will need to recertify for the HUBZone program once a year and there is no limit to the length of time you can participate as long as you continue to qualify. SBA will conduct a program examination as part of the recertification process at least every three years to ensure your continued eligibility.
Where to Find Additional Information and Resources
Additional information and resources can be found on SBA’s website .
You may also obtain free assistance from your local APEX Accelerators , formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), which can help you understand the rules and opportunities for the HUBZone Program.