HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) is an SBA program that helps small businesses in economically distressed areas gain preferential access to federal contracts. The federal government has a 3% goal for HUBZone contract awards.
Your principal office must be in a HUBZone, at least 35% of employees must reside in a HUBZone, you must meet SBA small business size standards, and the business must be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or a Community Development Corporation.
Use the HUBZone Map at maps.certify.sba.gov to check if your business location and employee residences qualify. HUBZone designations can change, so verify current status before applying.
Benefits include access to HUBZone set-aside contracts, sole-source contracts up to $4 million, a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competitions, and subcontracting opportunities with large primes.