Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Certification
Revitalizing Communities Through Federal Contracting
What is HUBZone Certification?
The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program is designed to stimulate economic development and create jobs in distressed communities by providing federal contracting preferences to small businesses located in these areas. HUBZone certification opens doors to set-aside contracts and competitive advantages for businesses committed to employing residents of these historically underutilized areas.
Key Benefits of HUBZone Certification
Exclusive Contract Opportunities
Access contracts specifically set aside for HUBZone-certified businesses. The federal government has a 3% contracting goal dedicated to HUBZone companies.
10% Price Evaluation Preference
Receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, making your bids more competitive against non-HUBZone businesses.
Sole Source Contracts
Eligible for sole source awards up to $7 million for manufacturing and $4.5 million for other industries, eliminating competitive bidding requirements.
Community Development
Contribute to the economic revitalization of your community while building a successful federal contracting business.
HUBZone Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for HUBZone certification, your business must meet ALL of the following criteria:
1. Small Business Status
Must be a small business according to SBA size standards for your industry.
2. Principal Office Location
Your principal office must be located in a designated HUBZone. This is where the greatest number of employees perform their work.
3. Employee Residency Requirement
At least 35% of your employees must reside in a HUBZone. This requirement is calculated based on the total number of employees.
4. Ownership and Control
At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe.
What Qualifies as a HUBZone?
- Qualified census tracts with median household income less than 80% of the area median
- Qualified non-metropolitan counties with median household income less than 80% of the state median
- Lands within the boundaries of federally recognized Indian reservations
- Former military bases closed through Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
- Qualified disaster areas (with time restrictions)
- Redesignated areas (retain HUBZone status for 3 years after area redesignation)
Check Your HUBZone Eligibility
Use the SBA's HUBZone Map at maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map to verify if your business location and employee addresses qualify. We'll help you verify all addresses during the application process.
Our HUBZone Certification Services
- Comprehensive eligibility assessment and HUBZone location verification
- Employee residency documentation and verification
- Complete SBA application preparation and submission
- Principal office location documentation
- Ownership and control documentation review
- Response preparation for SBA program examinations
- Annual recertification and compliance monitoring
- Program compliance guidance and support
- Expert assistance at
Certification Timeline
HUBZone certification typically takes 60-90 days from application submission. The SBA conducts a thorough review of all documentation and may perform site visits. We help ensure your application is complete and accurate to minimize delays.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
HUBZone certification requires ongoing compliance with program requirements. Certified businesses must:
- Maintain principal office in a HUBZone
- Ensure at least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone
- Submit to periodic SBA program examinations
- Report significant changes in business structure or location
- Recertify annually through the SBA's online system
Why Choose Our HUBZone Certification Service?
HUBZone certification has specific geographic and employee residency requirements that can be complex to navigate. Our experienced team understands the nuances of the program and will guide you through every step, from initial eligibility assessment to annual recertification.
Questions about eligibility? Call us at