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