Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL- Alachua County invites small businesses in the area to participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration's Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone). The HUBZone program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. The program encourages economic development in historically underutilized business zones through the establishment of preferences. HUBZone offers eligibility assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., by calling 1-888-858-2144 with the access code 5540055#.

Each year the Federal Government has an annual goal of awarding 3% of all federal prime contracts to HUBZone-certified small businesses. Businesses participating with HUBZone Certifications have the opportunity to receive competitive and sole source contracts with the Federal Government.

Benefits of participating in the HUBZone Program include competitive and sole-source contracting, and a ten percent price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities.

To be eligible for the HUBZone program, businesses must be small, and be owned and controlled only by US Citizens, Community Development Corporations, or Indian Tribes. The principal office must be located in a HubZone, and at least 35% of the company’s employees must reside in a HUBZone.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) regulates and implements the HUBZone program by determining which businesses are eligible, and maintaining lists of qualified HUBZone firms. For more information, visit the Small Business Administration website, or email hubzone@sba.gov.