Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone

The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program helps small businesses gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. The entire city of Asbury Park is a HUBZone.

Benefits of Participating

Advantages of having a business in the HUBZone include:

  • 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities.
  • Competitive and sole source contracting
  • The federal government has a goal of awarding 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to HUBZone-certified small business concerns.

See more information about the SBA's HUBZone Program, including how to apply for certification.

Qualifications

To qualify for the HUBZone program, a business must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone
  • It must be owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens
  • It must be a small business by SBA standards
  • Its principal office must be located in a designated HUBZone

How the HUBZone Program Works

The SBA regulates and implements the HUBZone program. SBA does the following:

  • Adjudicates protests of eligibility to receive HUBZone contracts
  • Determines which businesses are eligible to receive HUBZone contracts
  • Maintains a listing of qualified HUBZone small businesses that federal agencies can use to locate vendors
  • Reports to the Congress on the program's impact on employment and investment in HUBZone areas

Opening a Business