By Dr. Shirley Ayangbah, Founder and Lead Strategist, Global Economic Research Consulting (GERC)
The HUBZone map is the official SBA tool that shows which areas of the United States qualify as Historically Underutilized Business Zones. If your principal office is in a HUBZone and enough of your employees live in one, your business may qualify for HUBZone certification, which brings set-aside contracts and a 10% price evaluation preference on federal bids.
How to use the HUBZone map
- Open the official SBA HUBZone map.
- Type your principal office address into the search box.
- Check the result: it tells you whether the address is in a qualified area, and if so which type.
- Repeat for the home address of each employee, because at least 35% of your employees must live in a HUBZone.
What the HUBZone map shows
- Qualified census tracts based on income and unemployment data
- Qualified non-metropolitan counties
- Redesignated areas that recently lost HUBZone status but stay eligible for a limited time, with expiration dates
- Disaster areas, Indian lands, base closure areas and governor-designated areas where they apply
HUBZone map changes to know about in 2026
SBA last updated the qualified census tracts and non-metropolitan counties on July 1, 2023, using 2020 Census data, and says it does not plan to update them again until July 2028. The redesignated areas from that 2023 update expired on July 1, 2026. As a result, firms whose principal office was only in one of those areas may have lost eligibility for new HUBZone set-asides and the price preference, although contracts already awarded are protected. Check your address on the live map today.
HUBZone certification requirements
- The business is small under the SBA size standard for its NAICS code
- At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens (or certain tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian Organizations, community development corporations or agricultural cooperatives)
- The principal office, where most employees work, is in a HUBZone
- At least 35% of employees live in a HUBZone
- Recertify every three years
Why HUBZone certification pays
Federal agencies aim to award 3% of contract dollars to HUBZone firms. In addition, certified firms can win HUBZone set-asides and sole-source awards and get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition. Many rural, industrial and inner-city businesses qualify without knowing it, including manufacturers such as pallet companies.
Get help with HUBZone certification
GERC checks your eligibility, prepares your HUBZone certification application and helps you win HUBZone contracts, for businesses anywhere in the United States. Call (909) 454-7076 or book a free 15-minute call.
Frequently asked questions
The official SBA HUBZone map is at maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map. Enter an address to see whether it is in a qualified HUBZone.
At least 35% of your employees must live in a HUBZone, and your principal office must also be in a HUBZone.
SBA says it does not plan to update qualified census tracts and non-metropolitan counties again until July 2028. The 2023 redesignated areas expired on July 1, 2026.
Certified HUBZone firms get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open federal competitions.
Ready to win government work?
GERC helps small businesses and nonprofits nationwide get registered, get certified and win contracts and grants. Tell us where you stand and we will map out your next steps, with no obligation.
Prefer to talk now? Call (909) 454-7076 or email info@gercconsulting.com.