HUBZone Business

Competitive Advantages:

• 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competitions
• 3% federal HUBZone contracting goal
• Sole-source contracts up to $4 million (services) or $7 million (manufacturing)
• Set-aside contracts limited to HUBZone firms

Combined Benefits:

• Can be combined with other certifications (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB)
• Joint ventures with large businesses for larger contracts

Community Impact:

• Creates jobs in underserved communities
• Brings federal investment to HUBZone areas

To qualify for HUBZone certification:

Location Requirements:

• Principal office must be located in a HUBZone
• Use the HUBZone map at maps.certify.sba.gov to verify

Employee Requirements:

• At least 35% of employees must live in a HUBZone
• Calculated by total hours worked by HUBZone residents ÷ total hours worked by all employees

Ownership Requirements:

• 51% owned by U.S. citizens, Community Development Corporation, agricultural cooperative, Native American tribe, or Alaska Native Corporation
• No size limit for tribally-owned or ANC-owned businesses

Size Requirements:

• Must be small under SBA size standards for your NAICS code

Principal Office Documentation:

• Lease or deed for principal office location
• Proof principal office is in a HUBZone
• Evidence that business operations occur at this location

Employee Documentation:

• List of all employees with home addresses
• Proof of residence for HUBZone resident employees (utility bills, driver's license, etc.)
• Payroll records showing hours worked

Ownership Documentation:

• Standard SBA ownership documents
• Proof of U.S. citizenship for owners

Business Documentation:

• Tax returns
• Financial statements
• Business licenses

Step 1: Verify Your Location Use the HUBZone map (maps.certify.sba.gov) to confirm your office is in a HUBZone.

Step 2: Calculate Employee Residency Determine if 35% of employee hours are worked by HUBZone residents.

Step 3: Register in SAM.gov Complete SAM.gov registration if not already done.

Step 4: Apply Online Submit application at certify.sba.gov.

Step 5: Provide Documentation Upload all required documents proving location and residency.

Step 6: SBA Review SBA reviews application, typically within 60-90 days.

Step 7: Ongoing Compliance Once certified, maintain 35% HUBZone employee residency.

HUBZone certification requires ongoing compliance:

• Certification is valid for 3 years
• Must recertify every 3 years
• Annual review of continued eligibility
• Must maintain 35% HUBZone employee residency
• Must report any material changes
• SBA may conduct program examinations