Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) runs the Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program to stimulate business investments in economically disadvantaged areas, fostering economic growth and job creation. HUBZone-certified businesses gain several advantages, such as eligibility to compete for contracts reserved for HUBZone firms, potential sole-source contract awards, a 10% price preference in full and open competition, and increased opportunities for subcontracting with major prime contractors.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the HUBZone program, a business must meet the following criteria
Location
The business's principal office must be in a HUBZone. The SBA defines HUBZone areas as qualified census tracts, non-metropolitan counties, Indian reservations, and former military bases closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC).
Ownership
The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe.
Employment
At least 35% of the business's employees must reside in a HUBZone.
Certification
The business must be certified by the SBA as a HUBZone small business.
Learn About the (HUBZone) Certification
Work with the Experts
Here at Federal Filing, we specialize in simplifying and streamlining the HUBZone certification process. From the initial application to ongoing compliance and recertification, we ensure that your applications are accurate and complete, reducing the risk of delays or rejections. With our help, your business can leverage the benefits of the HUBZone program without unnecessary stress or delays.
FAQs HUBZone
The SBA HUBZone program is a federal initiative to stimulate economic development and job creation in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones) by providing small businesses in these areas with preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.
Businesses can determine if they are located in a HUBZone by using the SBA’s HUBZone Map, available on the SBA website. By entering an address, companies can check whether their principal office is within a designated HUBZone.
HUBZone-certified businesses receive several benefits, including eligibility for set-aside and sole-source contracts, a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, and access to specialized assistance from SBA procurement and business development experts.
The businesses must continuously meet the eligibility criteria, which include having their principal office in a HUBZone, ensuring at least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone, and retaining small business status to maintain certification. Businesses must also recertify their status periodically and comply with program reporting requirements.
Businesses can apply for HUBZone certification through the SBA’s online application process. The application requires detailed information about the business’s ownership, principal office location, and employee residency. The SBA reviews the application and may request additional documentation to verify eligibility.
Our Process
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SAM Registration
Register your business in the System for Award Management (SAM)
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Set up SBA Profile
Create an SBA profile, link SAM registration, and complete the SBA profile
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Qualification Assessment
Eligibility assessment, document collection, and initial review
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Submission to SBA
Prepare application, upload documents, submit the application
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Compliance
SBA review, respond with additional information requests site visit (if applicable)
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Approved Certification
Receive certification, update SAM profile to reflect your new status