# What is a HUBZone? A HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) is an area SBA designates as economically distressed; a certified HUBZone firm must have its principal office in one and at least 35% of its employees living in one. Certified HUBZone firms can compete for HUBZone set-asides and sole-source awards, and get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition.Checked on 2026-11-12.Official source: [SBA HUBZone program](https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program) | Term | HUBZone | | --- | --- | | Source | SBA HUBZone program | ## HUBZone meaning A HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) is an area SBA designates as economically distressed; a certified HUBZone firm must have its principal office in one and at least 35% of its employees living in one.Certified HUBZone firms can compete for HUBZone set-asides and sole-source awards, and get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition. The government-wide goal is 3% of prime contract dollars. SBA's official map at maps.certify.sba.gov shows which addresses qualify, and designations are updated as census and unemployment data change. ## Questions Can a HUBZone firm lose its status if the map changes?Areas that lose designation can stay qualified for a transition period; SBA's map shows the current status of each area.How do I get certified?Apply through SBA's certification portal at certify.sba.gov. ## Related - [HUBZone map](https://samgovapi.io/hubzone-map) - [HUBZone set-aside](https://samgovapi.io/set-aside/hubzone) - [Glossary](https://samgovapi.io/glossary)Updated 2026-11-12. Sources checked 2026-11-12.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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