How to Make Your HUBZone Application a Success

Learn how to get certified for HUBZone: www.sba.gov/hu...
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Text transcript:
How to Make Your HUBZone Application a Success
SBA’s HUBZone program fuels the growth of small businesses in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones)
by providing certification for preferential access to federal contracts.
In fact, the federal government has a goal to award at least 3 percent of all federal contracting dollars to HUBZone-certified small businesses each year.
That’s about $15 billion dollars!
Becoming certified means your business is eligible to bid on contracts set aside for HUBZone businesses
and receive 10 percent price evaluation preference in full and open competition procurements.
And recently, SBA has made improvements to the HUBZone program that make it more streamlined and easier to use.
There has never been a better time to be part of the HUBZone program!
Here are some ways you can ensure a successful HUBZone application.
Step 1: Is your business ready to do business with the federal government?
You need to ask yourself if your business is procurement ready.
 
This ensures you are ready to do business with the government before obtaining certifications.
Can you identify the federal agencies that purchase what you sell?
You can see what agencies are purchasing by searching SAM.gov.
After searching SAM.gov, can you identify work that you currently do that the government might be interested in?
Do you have a DUNS number? Selected a NAICS code? Are you registered in SAM?
If not, you will need to obtain a DUNS and register in SAM (at SAM.gov).
Step 2: Is your business eligible to participate in the HUBZone program?
If everything is on track, the next step is to confirm you meet the HUBZone program qualifications.
A HUBZone firm must be a small business according to SBA size standards.
The firm also must be at least 51 percent owned by U.S. citizens…
…or be a business owned by:
• An Indian Tribal Government;
• An Alaska Native Corporation;
• A Community Development Corporation;
• A Native Hawaiian Organization; or
• A Small Agricultural Cooperative.
In addition, the firm’s principal office must be located in a HUBZone.
Find your business on the HUBZone map at www.sba.gov/hubzone.
Finally, the firm must have at least 35 percent of its employees living in a HUBZone.
Details and information about eligibility can be found in the FAQs on the HUBZone website.
Does your firm meet all these requirements? If the answer is yes, it’s time to apply!
Step 3: Have you prepared and gathered all required documents?
Before you begin the online application, gather all required supporting documents.
Use the document checklist found on the HUBZone website to be sure you have everything you need.
Next, make sure you have a General Login System account.
Apply for HUBZone certification using the General Login System.
Log in, select “Access,” then “HUBZone” before completing the prompts.
For any questions or issues, reach out to the HUBZone Help Desk for support at [e-mail].
Check your email for time-sensitive instructions to electronically verify your application within 2 days.
Check your spam folder if you do not see the email right away.
It’s essential you verify your application electronically within the 2-day window to ensure your application is not withdrawn.
Have your documents ready to go so that after you’ve verified your application, you are prepared to upload them as directed.
Submit all requested supporting documentation within 3 days of electronically verifying your application.
Your submission cannot be assigned for eligibility review until all required documents are submitted.
Pay attention to your inbox-if SBA has questions about your application, they will reach out via email.
Visit the HUBZone website for more information including tip sheets, fact sheets, and checklists.
Reach out in advance to the SBA for eligibility questions and application help.
Email the HUBZone Help Desk at [e-mail].
You can also call us at:
1-208-391-5817
Tuesdays and Thursdays
2 p.m. ET
Use ID: 278449067#
All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Visit SBA.gov/HUBZone for additional information on how to make your application a success.

[@javennabellingerlearnsomething]

This was a very informative video!
Thanks for sharing!🙌🏾