Reference · Set-asides & socioeconomic
HUBZone
Historically Underutilized Business Zone
The HUBZone program helps small businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones win federal contracts. Certified firms must be located in, and employ people from, a HUBZone, and gain access to set-aside and price-preference advantages.
What it is
The SBA certifies small businesses whose principal office is in a designated HUBZone and where at least 35% of employees live in a HUBZone. Certified firms can compete for HUBZone set-asides and receive a price evaluation preference in full-and-open competitions.
Why it exists
It steers federal contracting — and the jobs that come with it — into economically distressed communities.
Who it applies to
Small businesses meeting the location and employment criteria. It is one of the socioeconomic set-aside categories alongside 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB.
Frequently asked
What is a HUBZone?
A HUBZone is a Historically Underutilized Business Zone — an economically distressed area designated by the SBA. A certified HUBZone small business must be located in one and employ people from one, and gains access to set-aside contracts and a price-evaluation preference.
Sources
Set-aside status changes who can pursue the work you'd be a sub on. Longlead reads public records to infer which projects will need your scope, delivered as a cited qualification brief with confidence and lead time, typically 9–18 months before a named solicitation on major projects. You make the call, from your own channels; nothing leaves the system.
Or just see what Longlead finds for your scope.
Tell us what you sell and what you don't, and see the demand Longlead is inferring for you right now.