A lot of businesses don't realize they are in a HUBZone because they have never seen the map or do not realize the map has changed.
The HUBZone certification program is designed to stimulate economic development and create jobs in urban and rural communities, also known as “Historically Underutilized Business Zones.” The program additionally provides contracting opportunities to small businesses in areas such as these, as well as hiring local team members to assist with economic development projects. *Click the HUBZone Map picture to the right to see if you’re located in a HUBZone area!
The HUBZone program is one of the Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, which is responsible for implementing and determining which businesses are eligible to receive HUBZone certification. SBA maintains a listing of qualified HUBZone small businesses that federal agencies can use to locate vendors, and protests eligibility to receive HUBZone certification. In addition, SBA is responsible for reporting to Congress on the program’s impact on employment and investments in HUBZone areas.
Did you know that the HUBZone map is changed every 5 years?
The reason for the change is to ensure that the program serves the communities that are in dire need of assistance. Mostly, there isn’t much of the HUBZone map that differs from the current state. There have been some changes, but most of the locations stayed in designated areas. Anyone who has an active certification and is removed from a HUBZone may still use their certification until their annual recertification is due.
Businesses who find themselves in a new HUBZone area can take advantage of the program and win set aside contracts with a HUBZone certification. There are certain HUBZones that may change throughout the year. These are temporary HUBZones called Governor-designated covered areas and Qualified Disaster Areas.