Texas HUB certification has changed more in the past year than in the previous two decades. The Texas Comptroller’s Historically Underutilized Business program is now limited to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, and a lawsuit over that change is still in court. GERC helps Texas businesses understand where the program stands, whether they qualify, and what to pursue instead if they do not.
Where Texas HUB certification stands in 2026
- December 2025: the Comptroller adopted emergency rules limiting HUB certification to businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. Certifications for other businesses were revoked in January 2026.
- May 12, 2026: permanent rules took effect. The program, often called VetHUB, now runs on a race-, ethnicity- and sex-neutral basis.
- April 2026: a Travis County court issued a temporary injunction, but it covered only the six businesses that sued. It did not restore the old rules statewide.
- August 2026: the Fifteenth Court of Appeals vacated that injunction as moot but refused to dismiss the lawsuit, so the case continues.
Because the rules may change again, we check the current status before any client spends time on an application.
Who qualifies for Texas HUB certification now
- At least 51% owned by one or more service-disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 20% or more (100% for sole proprietorships)
- Principal place of business in Texas
- Owners actively control, operate and manage the business
- Business size within SBA size standards for its industry
Certification is free, filed online through the Texas Statewide HUB System, and lasts four years. The Comptroller allows up to 90 business days to process applications and has warned of backlogs.
What to do if you no longer qualify
- Register on the Texas CMBL and watch the ESBD for state bids. Neither requires HUB status.
- Look at city programs. Austin’s MBE/WBE program remains active, and Houston and San Antonio run small business programs. See our Houston, San Antonio and Austin pages.
- Pursue federal options: SAM.gov registration, 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone and SDVOSB.
- For TxDOT and transit work, consider DBE certification under the new U.S. DOT individualized standard.
How GERC helps with Texas HUB certification
- Eligibility review against the current rules and court status
- Document checklist, application preparation and filing
- CMBL registration and NIGP code selection so agencies can find you
- A plan for state, city and federal work if HUB is not available to you
Example: how a San Antonio veteran-owned IT firm would get started
This is an illustration of our process, not a client story.
A two-owner IT services company in San Antonio is 60% owned by a veteran with a 30% service-connected disability rating. We confirm it meets the VetHUB ownership, Texas location and SBA size rules, gather the DD-214 and VA rating letter, and file the application. While it is pending, we register the firm on the CMBL with the right NIGP codes, set up ESBD alerts, and register it in SAM.gov for federal work, including SDVOSB opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Can my minority- or woman-owned business still get Texas HUB certification?
Not under the current rules. Since 2026 the program covers only businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. The lawsuit challenging the change continues, so we track it and will tell you if eligibility opens up again.
How much does Texas HUB certification cost?
The state charges nothing to apply. CMBL registration is separate and costs $70 a year. GERC quotes a fixed price for preparing and filing your application. Call (909) 454-7076 or book a consultation.
How long does Texas HUB certification last?
Four years, after which you recertify.
Is Texas HUB the same as federal SDVOSB certification?
No. HUB is a Texas state program run by the Comptroller. SDVOSB is a federal SBA certification for federal contracts. Many veteran-owned firms hold both.
Who can help my Texas business with HUB certification?
GERC (Global Economic Research Consulting) is a woman-owned small business that prepares Texas HUB, CMBL, SAM.gov and DBE filings for businesses across Texas, remotely and at fixed prices.
Get help with Texas HUB certification
Book a free 15-minute readiness call and we will map the registrations, certifications and bids that fit your business.
Related: Texas · Texas HUB Certification · Texas CMBL and ESBD · SAM.gov Registration · DBE Certification · Bid Writing Services