HUBZone Certification
HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification is issued free by the SBA to small businesses with a principal office and at least 35% of employees in economically distressed areas, giving them a 10% price evaluation preference in federal bids and access to HUBZone set-aside contracts targeting 3% of all federal spending.
Check If You Qualify Free →How to Apply for HUBZone
Assembling your documents before you start will cut weeks off your timeline.
- 1Verify HUBZone eligibility for your address
Go to maps.certify.sba.gov to confirm your principal office is in a HUBZone and that 35%+ of employees reside in one.
- 2Register in SAM.gov
Required for federal contracting. Free, allow 7–10 business days.
- 3Create a profile on certify.SBA.gov
Begin the HUBZone certification application.
- 4Gather required documents
Lease or deed for the principal office, payroll records listing employee home addresses (to prove 35% residency), and Articles of Incorporation or operating agreement.
- 5Submit the application
No application fee.
- 6Receive certification and maintain compliance
The SBA targets 90 days. You must maintain HUBZone compliance continuously. Annual recertification required.
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Visit ReviewMyDocs →Frequently Asked Questions
What is HUBZone certification?
HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification is issued by the SBA to small businesses in designated economically distressed areas. It provides a 10% price evaluation preference in full-and-open federal contracts and access to HUBZone-specific set-aside competitions, with a federal spending goal of 3% for HUBZone firms.
Who qualifies for HUBZone certification?
Small businesses that are at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens, with a principal office in a designated HUBZone area, where at least 35% of employees reside in a HUBZone. The business must maintain these requirements on an ongoing basis.
How do I find out if my business is in a HUBZone?
Use the SBA's official HUBZone Map at maps.certify.sba.gov to check any address. HUBZone boundaries are updated periodically based on census data. Some areas hold HUBZone status temporarily; others qualify permanently.
What is the 10% price evaluation preference?
On full-and-open federal contracts, when a HUBZone firm bids against non-HUBZone competitors, the government computes the comparison as if the HUBZone firm's price were 10% lower. This gives HUBZone firms a significant competitive advantage on unrestricted bids.
Is HUBZone certification free?
Yes. The SBA charges no fee for HUBZone certification.
How long does HUBZone certification take?
The SBA targets 90 days for complete applications. Since the SBA assumed full certification authority, processing has become more standardized.
How often does HUBZone certification need to be renewed?
Annual recertification is required, confirming continued principal office and employee residency compliance. A full program examination is conducted every three years.