HUBZone program

The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. It also gives preferential consideration to those businesses in full and open competition.

Joining the HUBZone program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. HUBZone-certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.

HUBZone-certified businesses can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs they qualify for.

To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must:

• Be a small business according to SBA size standards
• Be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe
• Have its principal office located in a HUBZone*
• Have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone*

You can find the full qualification criteria in Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 

The HUBZone map changed on July 1, 2023. Check the new HUBZone map now to determine whether your principal office and employees are located in a HUBZone. Your firm’s eligibility to participate in the program might be impacted if your principal office is located, or your employees reside, in an area that no longer qualifies as a HUBZone. Learn how to navigate the updated HUBZone map.

Every five years the HUBZone program is required to update the HUBZone designations to ensure the program continues to serve the communities that are most in need of assistance. Most areas stay the same but some change. The 2023 map will be updated again in July 2028 to reflect changes to Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) and Qualified Non-Metropolitan Counties (QNMCs), in 2026 to reflect expiring Redesignated Areas, and throughout any year to reflect new and expiring Governor-designated covered areas and Qualified Disaster Areas as appropriate. Learn about the different types of HUBZone Designations.

For additional questions, contact your local SBA District Office, or reach out to the Certifications Support Team at certifications@sba.gov or 866-443-4110.

To establish an SBA account and apply for certification, visit MySBA Certifications.

Through the application portal, you can:

• Access checklists and pre-application guides
• Check your firm’s eligibility
• Request information
• Create an account, login and proceed with an application

You’ll need to recertify for the HUBZone program every three years. There is no limit to the length of time a business can participate as long as it continues to qualify.

HUBZone businesses must notify SBA if their business is involved in a merger or acquisition. 

SBA may visit HUBZone businesses unannounced and conduct program examinations to verify the accuracy of any certification made or information provided as part of the HUBZone application or recertification process.

Office of the HUBZone program
409 3rd St. SW, Suite 8800
Washington, DC 20416
Email: certifications@sba.gov
Phone: 866-443-4110

Get weekly information on eligibility assistance

Members of the HUBZone team answer questions on a weekly basis to help firms navigate the certification process.

Find more information about the HUBZone map changes and our HUBZone Map Changes: What You Need to Know flyer.

HUBZone information for contracting professionals.