HubZone
The SBA HubZone program was designed to increase jobs in low-income areas through Federal set-aside contracts awarded to small businesses located in areas designated as HubZones, and where 35% of the company employees reside in a HubZone.
Many millions of dollars in Federal contracts are awarded annually to HUBZone-certified firms. Recently, SBA has made the application process of HubZone certification much more rigorous. The application now resembles what is required for 8(a) Certification in terms of rigor and close examination of all aspects of the applicant business. As is true with 8(a) Certification, firms wishing to apply for HubZone certification would be well advised to seek professional assistance with this very cumbersome process.
What does this mean for you? The U.S. Government encourages small businesses to locate in, and hire employees from economically disadvantaged areas of the United States. Companies participating in the program will receive largely competitive advantages in
Help me get started!
Contact UsHubZone Turn-Key Certification Solution
Are you too busy growing your company to complete the HubZone application yourself?
The good news is SBAF has over 40 years of assisting small businesses like yours, every step of the way.
We will guide you from start to finish with your HubZone certification application making it much easier, and far less frustrating for you. This includes helping you gather the necessary documentation, timing the application to match SBAā€™s payroll submittal requirements.
Hub Zone Application Repair Service
Is the SBA saying they havenā€™t accepted Hub Zone application? Worse yet ā€“ has the SBA given you a deadline to respond to their findings or else have their rejection decision stand? SBAF has a tailored service that will help assist you in addressing short falls in your initial application. SBAF has successfully helped clients address issues and repair problem applications so that they can proceed for favorable consideration. Please contact us for a quote.
*This service is for potential clients whom we did not complete their original application.
Hub Zone Maintenance Service
Once you are in the Hub Zone program there is a requirement for an annual review and maintenance of your certification. You’ll need to recertify for the HUBZone program once a year. There is no limit to the length of time a business can participate as long as it continues to qualify. A full documentation review will be required every three years.
HUBZone businesses must notify the SBA if their business is involved in a merger or acquisition or if while performing on a HUBZone contract drops below 20% HUBZone residency.
The SBA may visit HUBZone businesses unannounced and conduct program examinations to verify the accuracy of any certification made or information provided as part of the HUBZone application or recertification process.
A "material change" includes, but is not limited to:
- Change in the ownership
- Change in business structure
- Change in principal office
- Failure to meet the 35% HUBZone residency requirement
SBAF with its Hub Zone Annual Maintenance Service will work with you to ensure you have the appropriate documentation, that you are staying within the guidelines of the program.
Firms must now recertify annually, and once certified, will be eligible for all HUBZone contracts for which it qualifies as small, for a period of one year. Full documentation reviews will be required every three years.
