HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) Certification
HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification is an SBA program providing access to 3% of all federal contracting dollars for small businesses located in economically distressed areas. The program requires the business principal office be in a HUBZone and at least 35% of employees reside in HUBZone areas.
Quick Overview
What isHUBZone?
HUBZone certification requires the business to be small, have its principal office in a HUBZone, and have at least 35% of employees residing in HUBZone areas.
Who Qualifies?
- Principal Office in HUBZone
- 35% Employee Residency
- Small Business Size
Eligibility Requirements
Key requirements you must meet to qualify for HUBZone certification
Principal Office in HUBZone
Your business principal office (where most employees report or most business functions occur) must be located in a designated HUBZone area.
35% Employee Residency
At least 35% of your employees must reside in a HUBZone area. They do not need to live in the same HUBZone as your office.
Small Business Size
Business must qualify as small under SBA size standards for its primary NAICS code.
U.S. Ownership
Business must be at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe.
Benefits of HUBZone Certification
What you gain with HUBZone certification
Access to 3% federal contracting goal for HUBZone businesses
Sole-source contracts up to $7 million (manufacturing) or $4.5 million (other)
10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition
Can combine with 8(a), WOSB, or SDVOSB for additional preferences
Supports economic development in distressed communities
Creates jobs in underutilized business zones
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to getting your HUBZone certification
Check HUBZone Map
Same dayUse the SBA HUBZone map at maps.certify.sba.gov to verify your principal office and employee residences are in qualified areas.
Calculate Employee Residency
1-2 daysDetermine if at least 35% of your employees reside in HUBZone areas. Document home addresses.
Verify SAM Registration
If not registered: 7-10 daysEnsure active SAM.gov registration before applying for HUBZone certification.
Apply Through Certify.SBA.gov
1-2 weeksComplete the HUBZone application with location and employee documentation.
SBA Review
45-60 daysSBA verifies principal office location, employee residencies, and small business status.
Required Documents
Documentation needed for your HUBZone application
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HUBZone certification
What is HUBZone certification?
HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification is an SBA program for small businesses in economically distressed areas. It provides access to 3% of federal contracting dollars and a 10% price preference in open competition.
How do I know if my business is in a HUBZone?
Use the SBA HUBZone Map at maps.certify.sba.gov. Enter your principal office address to see if it is in a qualified HUBZone area. Qualified areas include economically distressed census tracts, qualified disaster areas, and certain other designated areas.
What is the 35% employee requirement?
At least 35% of your employees must live in a HUBZone area. They can live in any HUBZone, not necessarily the same one as your office. Calculate this using total employees, including both full-time and part-time workers.
What if my HUBZone area loses its designation?
If your area loses HUBZone status while you are certified, you may be allowed to retain certification temporarily through the Legacy provision, giving you time to maintain employee residency requirements or relocate.
Can I combine HUBZone with other certifications?
Yes, HUBZone can be combined with 8(a), WOSB, EDWOSB, or SDVOSB certifications. Having multiple certifications expands your contracting opportunities significantly.
What is the HUBZone price preference?
HUBZone businesses receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition. This means your bid is evaluated as if it were 10% lower, giving a competitive advantage against non-HUBZone bidders.
How often must I recertify for HUBZone?
HUBZone certification requires annual recertification. You must verify that your principal office remains in a HUBZone and that 35% of employees still reside in HUBZone areas.
Related Certifications
Other certifications that may benefit your business
Ready to Get Your HUBZone Certification?
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