What Is a HUBZone?
A HUBZone is a Historically Underutilized Business Zone. SBA's HUBZone program helps small businesses based in these areas win federal contracts.
HUBZone in plain English
To be certified, your principal office must be in a HUBZone and at least 35% of your employees must live in one. The business must also be small and at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens.
Certified firms can win HUBZone set-asides and sole-source awards, and they get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competitions.
Certification is through SBA and must be renewed every three years.
Related terms
- Set-aside: A set-aside is a contract reserved for small businesses, or for one type of small business such as HUBZone or women-owned firms. Others can't bid.
- Sole-source contract: A sole-source contract is awarded to one company without competition, which is allowed only in specific cases.
- 8(a) program: The 8(a) program is SBA's nine-year business development program for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens.
- WOSB (women-owned small business): A WOSB is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are U.S. citizens, with women managing daily operations.
- SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business): An SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business) is a small business at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.
Put it to work
Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.